Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - South African Breweries (SAB) announced on Monday it will help create jobs in South Africa and increase opportunities for entrepreneurs to become part of its supply chain through its key entrepreneurship programmes.
SAB has laid the foundation to support entrepreneurs and create a total of 10 000 jobs in SA by 2021 using its entrepreneurship programmes, namely SAB KickStart, SAB Foundation, SAB Thrive and SAB Accelerator, as well as its agriculture programmes to grow emerging farmers.
The company offers a comprehensive and holistic package of entrepreneurship support to develop small businesses from ideation to growth, transforming the supply chain, as well as investing in the potential of entrepreneurs in the broader community.
Applicants to the programmes will go through a selection process.
Ricardo Tadeu, zone president for AB InBev Africa and SAB, says the company strongly believes entrepreneurship is the most appropriate response to the unemployment issue and will help to galvanise the economy.
“We recognise that job creation is top of mind amongst South Africans...We will do this through a range of initiatives, including providing real, authentic and sustainable jobs that we can measure going forward,” says Tadeu.
The commitment to create 10 000 jobs is over and above the public interest commitments (PIC) that SAB agreed on last year with government after the business combination between AB InBev and SABMiller.
Business Unity SA (Busa) CEO Tanya Cohen says Busa congratulates SAB on this initiative.
“Systemically supporting entrepreneurship opportunities within SAB’s supply chain will make a meaningful contribution to enterprise development and job creation - both of which are critical to transformation for inclusive economic growth,” she says.
Ramaphosa
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a message, commended SAB’s efforts in bringing change to communities.
“Business and government can work together to create the better life that we seek to secure for all South Africans," says Ramaphosa.
"In the face of poverty, unemployment and inequality, your ambition to create 10 000 sustainable jobs is an important investment in our economy and society."
He sees SAB’s focus on entrepreneurship is a commendable step towards inclusivity and sustainability in the economy and as one that will be rewarded with the unearthing of the energy and talents of those who will benefit from this programme.
Edith Vries, director general for the National Department of Small Business, thanked SAB for the role it is playing in supporting entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are at the heart of economies that grow. Our young people need the experience and they need someone to give them an opportunity," says Vries.
Barbara Creecy, Gauteng MEC for Finance, also acknowledged SAB’s contribution to developing entrepreneurship and creating jobs in the province.
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE UPDATE: Get Fin24's top morning business news and opinions in your inbox.
Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter: Fin24’s top stories
