Zimeka and Siphokazi supply
| Business Location: | Rural & Township |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Branch: | Nelson Mandela Bay |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Not Registered |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Baking and Selling of Meat and Chicken
Challenges/Needs:
Tragedy struck when a devastating fire engulfed her container, destroying everything she had built.
The incident left her without a business, equipment, or income. Despite this major setback, Zimeka refused to give up. Her passion for entrepreneurship and her strong work ethic pushed her to rebuild from scratch.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
In May 2023, not long after the fire, Zimeka restarted her business on a much smaller scale by selling freshly made Roosterkoek at a busy intersection on Njoli’s main street. Her product’s freshness and irresistible taste quickly gained popularity, resulting in longer queues of eager customers.
To support her growth and revival, Zimeka applied for the SEDA IMEDP (Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme), an initiative aimed at empowering informal traders in townships. She also received inventory support from the W&R Seta Programme, including essential ingredients like flour and oil.
Through IMEDP, Zimeka was equipped with vital business tools including a fridge, gas stoves, and cooking pots, which significantly improved her production capacity and operating efficiency
To support her growth and revival, Zimeka applied for the SEDA IMEDP (Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme), an initiative aimed at empowering informal traders in townships. She also received inventory support from the W&R Seta Programme, including essential ingredients like flour and oil.
Through IMEDP, Zimeka was equipped with vital business tools including a fridge, gas stoves, and cooking pots, which significantly improved her production capacity and operating efficiency
Outcome Details:
The impact of the support was transformative. Zimeka’s turnover increased from R59,970 to R78,370, marking a remarkable 31% growth. Furthermore, her business expansion led to a 200% increase in employment, growing from 1 to 4 employees. What started as a small comeback effort turned into a thriving and sustainable business operation, restoring dignity and income for Zimeka and her newly employed team.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
I am very grateful for the assistance I received from the IMEDP. It truly helped me to get back on my feet after losing everything. I never imagined I’d grow so quickly again. My dream is now to grow even bigger and create more jobs for my community.
