BUSINESS BECOMES MORE SUSTAINABLE

January 2023, Soutpan Solar Power.

Training, funding and mentoring for youth-owned community businesses is key to help create sustainable entities and stimulate local employment. One such company, BCL Chemicals from the Inveraan area in the Limpopo Province, has received a new vehicle to help the business to be able to expand and reach more customers than ever before.

“Soutpan Solar Power came to us during our time of need, when we were unable to reach all our customers and meet their demands. The vehicle has not only addressed this challenge, but it has also helped our business expand to reach even more customers. Previously, we had to hire a delivery vehicle, reducing our profits, and hindering our growth. We look forward to the additional knowledge we will gain through the training this year,” commented Makgabo Moremi, owner of BCL Chemicals.

Since starting her business in 2017, Makgabo Moremi has been able to employ three locals to assist her with the manufacturing and delivery of her cleaning products to the community of Inveraan, local schools, Early Childhood Development centres, and local shops. Makgabo is also part of the Blouberg Entrepreneurship Forum that is assisting other recently established enterprises with networking and linking them to funders and investors, giving this fledgling 100% women black-owned business a better chance at success.

“The commitment and passion Makgabo has shown towards what she is doing is inspiring. Furthermore, her willingness to assist others in her position, whilst on her own business development journey, is so encouraging,” commented Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Specialist for Soutpan Solar Power, who believes young business owners, like Makgabo, should be supported and encouraged, especially in the Inveraan and Bochum areas.

Soutpan Solar Power’s youth skills development programme is being implemented in collaboration with an eco-system of partners, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA); Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA); Venetia Mine; Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET); Department of Rural Development, and Capricorn District Municipality.