In South Africa, Zimele was launched in 1989. With ‘Zimele’ coming from the Zulu word meaning ‘to stand on your own two feet, the programme supports emerging black-owned businesses, empowers entrepreneurs and supports job creation by providing funding, training, support and mentorship.
Tebello Makintane owns Pheregong Transport and Services and is a participant in the Zimele programme. She now supplies stationary to Venetia mine as well as offices and schools in Musina, South Africa.
For Tebello, “Zimele has done a lot through exposure, training and continuous assessments which helps track your performance and identify where your weaknesses are so you can improve. So it has been amazing working with them. There has been great support from Zimele.”