ESD initiatives

Beyond Compliance: Unlocking the Real Value of Broad-Based BEE South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework is often viewed through a narrow financial lens — as a cost to business. But this perspective misses the bigger picture: B-BBEE is not just a policy; it’s a powerful enabler of inclusive growth, talent development, and long-term […]

What does it take for a homegrown township business to land on major retail shelves? For Patha-Patha Sauces, it’s been a journey of grit, growth, and the power of local partnerships. Launched by entrepreneur Karabo Phetla, Patha-Patha Sauces began as a passion project in a Soweto kitchen — blending unique African flavours inspired by childhood

South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has confirmed that the new Transformation Fund will ring-fence Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) contributions, ensuring these billions go directly towards strengthening black-owned businesses and inclusive growth. By Linda Ensor – Business Day Too often, ESD spend looks good on paper but fails to create

Retail powerhouse Woolworths is stepping up its drive to boost South African entrepreneurs, announcing an expansion of its Local Supplier Programme to help more small businesses break into the mainstream retail market. By Times Live The initiative, which has already brought hundreds of locally made products to Woolworths shelves, focuses on helping emerging entrepreneurs grow

Retail giant Pick n Pay has reaffirmed its commitment to South African SMMEs, pledging to continue creating opportunities for small suppliers to thrive within its value chain. By BizCommunity With over 4,000 local SMMEs already supplying its stores nationwide, Pick n Pay’s supplier development programme focuses on empowering emerging businesses through mentorship, shelf space, and

In a sector often defined by exclusivity and heritage, Isabella Jewellers and Refiners is carving out a new legacy—one of resilience, innovation, and inclusion. By Ashley Lechman – Press Reader Founded in 2008 by trailblazing goldsmith and diamond evaluator Isabella Kobela, the Johannesburg-based business began with just R2,000 and a dream. Today, it stands as

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has launched a bold new entrepreneurship programme aimed at empowering the next generation of business leaders in Gqeberha. With a focus on innovation, mentorship, and real-world business skills, the initiative is designed to ignite youth-led economic growth and tackle rising unemployment in the region. By Andisa Bonani – The

The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has issued a critical assessment of the South African government’s proposed R100 billion Transformation Fund, arguing that it could inadvertently undermine the objectives of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) By Linda Ensor – Business Live Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau introduced the fund with the intention