A small Bedford business owner, Bulelwa Ntetho is growing her catering company and upskilling others, with the help of a local enterprise development programme. This programme has not only equipped her with enhanced skills but has also enabled her to provide opportunities for job creation within her community.
“Bulelwa brings a remarkable depth to her business approach, delivering exceptional outcomes and empowering the community through job creation. Her organisation, efficiency, and result-oriented mindset are what stand out the most and we are proud to be supporting her,” said Zandile Deliwe, Social Performance Manager for Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility, which funds the enterprise development programme as part of its socio-economic development initiative.
To date, three community members have been employed by the company to support the catering efforts. With the skills gained from the programme, Bumhle Multi Services, which provides nutritional meals at Lonwabo High School as part of a nutrition programme, is not only improving the well-being and education of learners but also imparting catering skills that community members can continue to utilise beyond the project’s completion.
“The Lonwabo School Nutrition Project has become a beacon of hope to matriculants as most of them come from underprivileged backgrounds. Through this project, the learners’ physiological needs are met, motivating them to perform better academically,” said Bulelwa.
Bulelwa’s company is one of 11 local enterprises benefitting from Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility SMME Development Programme. The programme provides businesses with an SMME diagnosis survey and baseline report; the development of growth plans based on a business model canvas workshop; as well as business development support through mentoring and implementation of growth plans.
