04 December 2024
Sanlam
Shadi Chauke
Sanlam and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) celebrated the first graduating class of the Fellows Leadership and Mentoring Programme, designed to equip small businesses with the skills and support necessary for sustainable growth.
Through Sanlam’s R900 000 grant, 23 SMMEs have benefited from accredited training, leadership coaching, and mentorship to strengthen their business practices and enhance long-term sustainability.
The programme, run by UWC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), has provided participants with NQF Level 5 courses, personalised coaching, and mentorship from experienced business leaders. This holistic support has developed core business skills and instilled confidence to drive growth and resilience.
While the Fellows programme has been running since 2013, this marks the first year of Sanlam’s partnership with UWC. The collaboration has extended the programme’s value by including post-incubation support, ensuring continued guidance for participating SMMEs.
“SMMEs are the backbone of South Africa’s economy, driving both job creation and long-term prosperity,” said Shadi Chauke, Sanlam Group Executive of Market Development and Sustainability. “At Sanlam, our North Star is to empower all Africans to be financially confident, secure, and prosperous. Supporting small businesses aligns with this vision and enables us to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”
Meeting National Development Goals
Small businesses are critical to South Africa’s economic future. The National Development Plan projects that by 2030, 90% of all new jobs will be created by small businesses, placing SMMEs at the heart of job creation and long-term growth. Sanlam and UWC’s partnership is a direct response to these economic imperatives, supporting the sustainable development of small businesses and contributing to South Africa’s job creation goals.
“The Fellows Leadership and Mentoring Programme is a key example of how academia and industry can collaborate to drive sustainable social and economic change,” added Manie Regal, UWC’s Executive Director of Finance. “By helping entrepreneurs improve their businesses through structured coaching and training, we are contributing to individual success and broader societal development.”
Spotlight on SMMEs
The 23 graduating SMMEs represent innovation across key sectors, with 60% being black women-owned and 8% black youth-owned. These enterprises reflect the diversity and resilience of South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Some of these include:
• Agriculture: Renshia Manuel’s Growbox Nursery empowers communities with sustainability-focused solutions, providing high-quality seedlings, gardening services, and workshops that promote eco-conscious living and food security.
• Energy: Lungelo Masiza’s Eco Gas Technologies champions environmental stewardship with efficient LPG appliances and its innovative EcoGasFill program, which rewards customers with carbon emission credits.
• Technology: Irfaan Mentoor’s IWIFI Techom bridges the digital divide through mobile banking solutions and improved internet connectivity, fostering financial inclusion and access to digital services.
• Tourism: Sheleen Cloete’s Likamva Hospitality Services equips hospitality professionals with essential technical skills, leadership training, and a strong focus on customer service excellence to create exceptional guest experiences.
Graduation Ceremony and Certificate Handover
The graduation ceremony, which took place yesterday at the UWC Innovation Hub, celebrated the achievements of 23 graduates who are now prepared to lead successful businesses in their communities. “We are extremely proud of the first cohort of graduates, and we believe they are well equipped to succeed in a competitive business environment,” said Chauke.
Sanlam and UWC’s Entrepreneurship Trading Incubator for Township SMMEs
Furthering their commitment to entrepreneurship, Sanlam and UWC recently launched the Entrepreneurship Trading Incubator in Bellville. Housed in a repurposed post office building in Bellville, the incubator provides SMMEs with affordable trading spaces, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping them scale and compete in broader markets.
“The Incubator represents a critical step in breaking down barriers to growth for township businesses,” explained Chauke. “We are opening new doors for these businesses to thrive, access new customers, and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth. It’s a key element in our broader strategy to empower communities and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs.”
Nine township-based businesses, including Silulo Ulutho Technologies and Brown Girl Creations, have already been selected for the Incubator’s first cohort.
A Bright Future for South Africa
Chauke concluded, “As we celebrate the graduation of these remarkable entrepreneurs, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of them. The journey they have embarked on is not just about the growth of their businesses, but about shaping the future of our economy and creating sustainable opportunities for others. We believe in their potential, and we look forward to seeing them flourish as leaders in their communities and becoming mentors themselves.”
