In collaboration with Niya Consulting, the DO MORE FOUNDATION (founded by RCL FOODS) launched the Township Economy Programme in 2019 to empower young women in rural South African communities as sustainable business owners. The initiative equips these women—often the primary breadwinners in their families—with practical skills and business acumen, helping them navigate challenges like poverty, social obstacles, poor infrastructure, and limited resources. Implementing this programme in Hammarsdale (KZN) and Rustenburg (NW) has provided significant insights, offering valuable lessons for businesses and non-profits seeking to replicate such initiatives.

1. Overcoming Language and Educational Barriers in Training

One of the early lessons was the need to understand the demographics and educational backgrounds of the communities involved. Initially, the training in Hammarsdale was too theoretical, causing disengagement. In response, materials were adapted to focus on practical, hands-on learning, with simplified business concepts like basic accounting and sales recording. Language barriers were addressed by incorporating local languages and using bilingual trainers who provided culturally relevant examples, making the training more relatable and effective.

2. Addressing Social and Economic Realities

The programme's evolution was shaped by the challenging realities faced by participants, where immediate needs often took precedence over long-term benefits. A high dropout rate initially occurred due to the cost of travel. Introducing a travel allowance significantly improved attendance, highlighting the need to address economic barriers. The programme also expanded to include modules on self-confidence, personal development, and women's empowerment, providing participants with the emotional resilience needed to succeed.

A practical example is Thandaza Mazibuko from Thandaza M Enterprise, who shared her experience of running a takeaway business next to a local tavern. Despite the safety risks, she recognises the business benefits of catering to the tavern's patrons, demonstrating the resilience required to succeed.

3. Moving from Survival to Strategy

A key challenge has been shifting participants' mindsets from survival to strategic business thinking. Many women started their businesses out of necessity in areas with limited infrastructure. To address this, the programme introduced one-on-one mentoring during the six-month incubation phase, offering practical support to help candidates apply their learning and implement sustainable practices.

Flexibility in content delivery was essential, with the programme evolving based on community feedback. For example, adding an emotional intelligence module helped women present themselves more professionally, enabling them to negotiate deals with larger retailers and partners.

4. Humility in Development: Do Not Assume You Know It All

A key realisation was that the true experts are the community members themselves. Successful development work involves listening to the community and collaborating on solutions rather than imposing external ideas. This approach respects local knowledge, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

5. The Power of Collaboration: You Cannot Do It Alone

The Township Economy Programme thrives on a collective impact model, built on collaboration among funders like Pepkor Speciality, Buckman Laboratories, Polyco, and Use It, alongside local trainers, community leaders, and the participants themselves. This partnership approach, especially the involvement of ward councillors, has been critical to addressing both visible and underlying local issues.

"The resilience of these women is remarkable, but our success hinges on strong partner collaboration. Their support is vital in providing the resources and training needed to turn this resilience into lasting success." – Iris Naidoo, Partnership Manager at The DO MORE FOUNDATION

6. The Ripple Effect, Ubuntu, and ‘Paying It Forward’

Using success stories from previous participants has been a powerful tool in inspiring new candidates. Stories like that of Ntombizethu Sithole, who progressed to running a corporate canteen, serve as examples of what can be achieved. The programme also embraces the spirit of Ubuntu, encouraging participants to "pay it forward" by passing on skills like sewing, woodworking, and gardening to others. This community-building approach has helped reinforce the programme's sustainability and long-term impact.

Conclusion: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs to Build Resilient Communities

Through the Township Economy Programme, this collective impact partnership has developed a powerful approach to empowering female entrepreneurs in South Africa's township economies. By understanding the local context, maintaining flexibility, and fostering strong collaborations, they have equipped women with the skills to run sustainable businesses and contribute to building resilient communities. Their strategies offer a blueprint for creating lasting impact, helping more women rise above adversity and drive meaningful change in their communities.

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