FOOD ENTREPRENEURS - Nine township entrepreneurs grow their businesses beyond the kota stand

Township food service SMMEs given a ‘lift’ through Tiger Brands Kokota Growth Programme

Nine township-based businesses operating within the food service and service supply chain located in Gauteng have received equipment and business development support to help scale their operations. This assistance forms part of Tiger Brands’ Kokota Growth Programme, an initiative aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the growing township economy.

Each of the businesses represents a diverse range of township food solutions from kota vendors and catering services to mobile prepared food operators. Businesses were selected from vendors who participated in the Albany-sponsored Kota Festival. The focus was on entrepreneurs who were actively trading and demonstrated strong potential to grow.

Selection considered commitment to the programme, readiness to operate safely, consistency during the festival and alignment with Albany’s quality brand standards.

Businesses received equipment such as upgraded cooking appliances, food preparation stations and essential storage units. In addition, each entrepreneur has received business development support, financial management training and marketing guidance.

This comprehensive package of support is designed to strengthen each business, developing them into sustainable, growth-ready entities that can integrate into larger company supply chains and, in doing so, unlock expanded market opportunities.

“SMMEs are widely recognised as key drivers of job creation in South Africa, yet many still face barriers to accessing markets, business support, funding and essential infrastructure.

Tiger Brands aims to drive inclusive economic growth by empowering township entrepreneurs to not just survive, but to grow and formalise their businesses, and participate meaningfully in South Africa’s evolving food value chain,” says Maanda Milubi, Enterprise and Supplier Development and Transformation Director, Tiger Brands.

Tiger Brands plays an active role in South Africa’s growing township economy, which is estimated to be worth more than R900 billion, according to a recent Standard Bank Township Economy Report.

The company is driving the expansion of its footprint in market, aiming to reach 150,000 general trade stores.

Tiger Brands Kokota Growth Programme SMME recipients:

911 Exclusive, owned by Bongani Rikhotso and based in Katlehong, has expanded its operations and opened a second branch in the Vaal. The business was equipped with upgraded operational infrastructure to improve productivity and scale.

Ema’bhodweni with Kabelo, owned by Kabelo Ndlovu in Naledi, Soweto, boosted productivity and customer reach through tailored operational and marketing support.

Funo Tasty Eats, owned by Lufuno Nengome, secured a trading opportunity at Kibler Secondary School in Johannesburg South and strengthened its operations with improved cooking and storage capabilities.

Keke’s Kitchen, owned by Keketso Mosia in Katlehong, improved service delivery and operational efficiency through enhanced kitchen infrastructure.

Map’s Eatery, owned by Tirelo Maponyane in Katlehong, enhanced customer experience and efficiency through marketing initiatives and operational improvements.

Rhengu’s Kitchen, a mobile food enterprise in Thembisa owned by Vongani Chavalala, enhanced its operational reach with upgraded marketing support and a refreshed mobile setup.

Simply Blessed Projects, a catering business owned by Nthabiseng Mmola in Strubenvale, Springs, expanded its footprint in the events and corporate catering market with the addition of a second food trailer.

Snack Time, owned by Xolisile George and operating from Lakeside Taxi Rank in Benoni, upgraded service and transactional efficiency with modernised branding and operational tools.

Yebo Chef, owned by Ngetelelani Masinga in Soweto, strengthened its market presence with branding upgrades, including a refreshed logo and promotional materials.

STANDING (LEFT TO RIGHT): The Kokota Growth Programme SMME recipients Lufuno Nengome of Funo Tasty Eats; Kabelo Ndlovu of Ema’bhodweni with Kabelo; Tiro Maponyane of Map’s Eatery; Bongani Rikhotso of 911 Exclusive; Keketso Mosia of Keke’s Kitchen; Nthabiseng Mmola of Simply Blessed Projects; Vongani Chavalala of Rhengu’s Kitchen; Ngetelelani Masinga of Yebo Chef; and Xolisile George of Snack Time with Tiger Brands’ Enterprise and Supplier Development Small Business Consultant, Thato Molefi (far right).

IN FRONT (LEFT TO RIGHT): Tiger Brands’ team, Noluthando Mzima, Enterprise and Supplier Development Small Business Consultant; Rivoni Shirinda, Enterprise Development Specialist; and Maanda Milubi, ESD & Transformation Director.

For more information on Tiger Brands, visit: https://www.tigerbrands.com/

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