Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will launch the Women-in-Maize project during the annual SAB KickStart Awards on the 19th of November 2015 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Minister Zulu will be joined by Mpumalanga Premier, Mr David Mabuza and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Eric Kholwane and officials from the South African Breweries.
The Women-in-Maize project is a partnership initiative between South African Breweries (SAB), Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and Agriculture Research Council (ARC), and aims to empower women-owned maize farming cooperatives. The initiative seeks to increase inclusion of black women-owned co-operatives in SAB’s supply chain; develop skills of women farmers; improve food security; and stimulate local economies by increasing procurement from local suppliers.
The SAB KickStart, a youth entrepreneurship development programme, has been investing in the creation and growth of youth-owned SMMEs in South Africa’s historically disadvantaged communities for the past twenty years. It offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their businesses through a comprehensive business development support package.
Members of the media are invited to this event which will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 19 November 2015
Time: 18h00
Venue: Emnotweni, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Minister Zulu said: “We continue to call on corporate companies who understand their role in the reconstruction and development of our country to play their part in growing and strengthening small businesses and co-operatives. I wish to commend SABMiller for their contribution and hope other corporate players will emulate this noble example”.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: 082 578 4063
E-mail: cmonama@dsbd.gov.za / CMonama@gmail.com
Twitter: @cmonama
