EPWP Entrepreneurship programme participants celebrate bright futures

18 November 2024

A total of 72 entrepreneurs have used the mentorship and guidance provided through the City’s EPWP Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme to complete their three-year certification from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and will continue to grow their businesses.

A group of 72 entrepreneurs have completed a significant milestone in the City of Cape Town's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme (EETP). After three years of mentorship and training, these participants are now equipped with certifications that mark the completion of their journey. This initiative, conceptualised and driven by the City in collaboration with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), aims to empower emerging entrepreneurs and foster sustainable economic growth.

Initial indications are that the impact of the EETP has been profound over the past three years, driving personal development, job creation and business growth among participants.

On Saturday, 16 November 2024, these participants received their certificates from the programme and were celebrated at a recognition ceremony at UWC.

Participant testimonies:

• Reflecting on her time in the programme, one participant, Funeka Mpetha, explained that as founder of Sqalo Business Development, she was able to ensure her business’s compliance throughout the programme. Sqalo Business Development has become a force in the fuel supply sector as a proudly 100% woman-owned business, which supplies diesel to major stores across the Western Cape.

‘Before joining the programme, we faced a serious VAT compliance issue that nearly halted our operations. With EETP’s guidance, we were able to secure tax clearance, reactivate trading and lay a foundation for stronger compliance practices,’ she says.

Under Mpetha’s leadership, focusing on economic empowerment for women, the business has made a tangible difference in local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting local economic growth.

‘The programme helped us strengthen our compliance and operational foundations. Now, we’re not only listed on key vendor platforms, but are also exploring opportunities on global e-commerce sites,’ said Harper.

• Mikayla Pillay’s business, MME, provides families with the comfort and convenience of daily home-cooked meals and event catering services.

Since joining the EETP, Pillay’s approach to her business has evolved. ‘Before the programme, I focused heavily on pleasing others, sometimes at my own expense. EETP taught me to balance my needs with my commitment to quality, which has greatly improved my business relationships and personal satisfaction,’ she said.

• Amanda Barends is the founder of Defying Odds, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth in under-resourced communities by bridging the gap between school readiness and real-world preparedness. The organisation collaborates with local community partners and educational institutions, offering services such as holiday programmes, educator training, facilitation workshops and tailored academic support.

Through Defying Odds, I have evolved not only as a leader but also as a mentor to my community. The EETP has given me the confidence and strategic insight to strengthen our partnerships and enhance the impact of our programmes,’ she said.

Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, attended the ceremony to congratulate the participants for their hard work and commend the programme for aiding growth.

‘Through projects like these, we are able to showcase that EPWP is not just a short-term street sweeping job opportunity, but an opportunity that can change our residents’ lives positively. The programme was able to provide mentorship, which is an invaluable tool to help small-businesses grow. I am happy to see how each participant was able to grow their business. Congratulations to all the participants,’ said Alderman Twigg.

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Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town