In a bold step for women’s economic empowerment, Sorbet has handed over its latest franchise to Julia Simelane — a move that signals the beauty group’s push to turn staff into owners through its Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme.
Simelane, who ran Sorbet Man Kyalami Corner for six years, officially took control of the Town Square Shopping Centre branch this week. Her journey from employee to owner showcases how the partnership between Sorbet Group and Bidvest Bank is opening doors for South Africans from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to become business leaders.
Under the model, Bidvest Bank covers 50% of the capital as a grant, the remainder as a repayable loan, and adds a year-long mentorship. The approach gives candidates a real stake in the business and a support system to succeed.
“From the moment I started at Sorbet, I dreamed of owning a store,” Simelane told Social TV. “Today I’m proud to take this step. I’m ready to lead my team, serve my guests and give back to the community that raised me.”
Linda Sinclair, Head of Beauty and Wellness Investments at Clicks Group, said the handover shows the programme’s impact. “Sorbet is about more than beauty. It’s about creating pathways for our citizens to move into ownership and leadership. Julia’s story is what happens when ambition meets opportunity.”
Bidvest Bank MD Hannah Sadiki framed it as a challenge to other corporates: “Entrepreneurship thrives when talent meets opportunity. Through this partnership we’re proving you can fund and mentor South Africa’s next generation of female entrepreneurs into real ownership.”
The Roodepoort store is the fifth franchise awarded under the Sorbet-Preneur programme, with more planned nationwide. It’s a model that combines empowerment with hard business metrics, creating jobs, building wealth and showing how franchising can be a genuine tool for transformation.
