Twenty-one Gauteng township food businesses have created 68 jobs in four months through Tiger Brands’ Kokota Growth Programme, supporting entrepreneurship, business expansion and economic inclusion.
The initiative, which forms part of Tiger Brands’ efforts to strengthen South Africa’s township economy, has helped participating entrepreneurs develop the skills and resources needed to grow sustainable food businesses.
The results were announced on 5 November 2026, during Entrepreneurship Month, as Tiger Brands celebrated the achievements of the programme’s second cohort.
Participants include kota vendors, catering businesses and mobile food operators from communities across Gauteng. Their participation brings the total number of township food businesses supported through the programme to 30 since its introduction earlier this year.
The Kokota Growth Programme provides practical training in food safety, financial management, pricing, stock control, cash flow and marketing. Entrepreneurs also receive assistance with business planning, helping them formalise their operations and identify opportunities for expansion.
In addition to training, participating businesses received equipment and branded marketing materials designed to strengthen their operations and improve their visibility in local markets.
The programme builds on Tiger Brands’ partnership with Albany, a sponsor of the Kota Festival, where all 21 participating businesses have traded.
For several entrepreneurs, the support is already translating into business expansion.
Lehlohonolo Ndlovu of Grinds Kitchen in Kibler Park, Cynthia Phumzile Kunene of Zile Foods in Boksburg and Nthabiseng Kekane of TlouCreatives in Meredale are preparing to open new stores.
Meanwhile, Ellen Nomsa Radebe of Makhis Fast Food in Diepkloof, Soweto, has invested in a food truck to expand her business and reach additional customers.
These developments demonstrate how access to practical business support can help township entrepreneurs move beyond survival-based operations towards more established enterprises.
Maanda Milubi, Director of Enterprise and Supplier Development and Transformation at Tiger Brands, said the programme recognises the economic opportunities within South Africa’s established township food culture.
“South Africa’s established township food culture presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurship, business growth and job creation. Through the Kokota Growth Programme, Tiger Brands is building on this potential by equipping township food entrepreneurs with the practical skills and resources to formalise and grow sustainable businesses,” said Milubi.
He added that the employment opportunities, planned store openings and business investments demonstrated the potential of targeted enterprise development support.
“The jobs already created, planned store openings and investments in business expansion demonstrate how targeted support can unlock economic opportunities and contribute to the growth of township economies,” he said.
The programme’s emphasis on financial management and operational skills addresses challenges often faced by small food businesses, including managing cash flow, controlling stock and maintaining sustainable pricing.
By combining training with equipment, mentorship and business development guidance, the initiative aims to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and create additional employment opportunities within their communities.
Tiger Brands confirmed that participants will continue receiving mentorship and tailored business development support to help sustain their progress.
The company also highlighted the wider economic significance of township businesses, citing the Standard Bank Township Economy Report’s estimate that South Africa’s township economy is worth more than R900 billion.
As part of its broader township economy strategy, Tiger Brands is expanding its general trade footprint, with an ambition to reach 150,000 stores.
The Kokota Growth Programme illustrates how corporate enterprise development initiatives can contribute to local economic participation when support extends beyond once-off training to include practical resources and ongoing mentorship.
With 68 jobs created in just four months and several businesses preparing for further expansion, the programme offers an example of how investing in township entrepreneurs can support employment, strengthen small enterprises and contribute to more inclusive economic growth.
