The City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate is proud to announce the successful implementation of the EPWP Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme (EETP) in partnership with the City’s HR Education and Training Department.
This initiative, now in its third year, aims to incentivise entrepreneurs from small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) to grow and develop their businesses with cash payouts for meeting specific goals, while empowering them to reach these goals with training and development programmes.
Margaret Nomhle Yalabi is one of the entrepreneurs who has participated in the programme. Although her business was registered in 2015, she says the call from the City to participate in the programme and help nurture her business, iKasi Krate Uniforms, is what has enabled it to grow to where it is today.
The business manufactures uniforms for schools and sports teams based in informal settlements. Her business has been operating from Kraaifontein since it began and she’s now looking to expand to an outlet shop in Delft, and take on additional staff.
Since the inception of the programme, iKasi Krate Uniforms has managed to purchase operational machinery required for the growth and improvement of the business. Yalabi has also learnt about the importance of branding and is now using an invoice app to professionalise her business.
‘I’ve learnt so much from the programme. It taught me that you have to be yourself and always be honest with your clients,’ said Yalabi.
‘I’ve also learnt that I’m not very good at admin so I must get someone else to do it, while I learn to master that part.’
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg visited Yalabi’s business to see its progress over recent years.
‘As the programme approaches its third year, we are optimistic that participating businesses will continue to reach new heights.
‘This project is a fantastic case study on fostering economic inclusion and supporting the growth of small businesses in Cape Town. Providing entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and mentorship will catalyse job creation, stimulate economic growth and contribute to the overall prosperity of our city,’ said Alderman Twigg.
