A small Bedford business owner, Bulelwa Ntetho is growing her
catering company and upskilling others with the help of a local enterprise
development programme which has not only equipped her with enhanced skills but
has also enabled her to provide opportunities for job creation within her community.
Golden Valley Wind Energy
Facility funds the enterprise development programme as part of its
socio-economic development initiative.
Zandile Deliwe, social performance
manager for Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility said, “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.”
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 in Bedford 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.
