Pepkor Speciality’s partnership with the Do More Foundation demonstrated how strategic collaboration can unlock economic resilience in underserved communities. Through targeted investment in young women entrepreneurs, the Township Economy Programme became a powerful lever for inclusive growth – strengthening families, stimulating local business ecosystems and expanding long-term economic participation.

During the four years of the programme, it supported 140 women entrepreneurs and 176 dependants, and launched 140 township-based micro-enterprises. These outcomes reflect Pepkor’s commitment to driving socio-economic impact where it matters most and to advancing the BBB goal of Inclusive Growth.

Programme design
The programme was intentionally developed to enable entrepreneurial readiness and sustained economic activity among women under the age of 35. Each annual cohort received:

• 12 months of structured entrepreneurship training, including six facilitated classroom sessions
• Travel allowances, ensuring access for all participants regardless of financial circumstance
• Business development support, covering company registration, marketing, compliance and financial literacy
• Pitch and funding opportunities, modelled on a ‘Shark Tank’-style format where shortlisted entrepreneurs secured seed investment and ongoing mentorship

This design ensured not only skills development but also practical pathways to business activation and long-term sustainability.

Impact highlights

• 140 young women entrepreneurs trained – 80 in Hammarsdale, 60 in Rustenburg
• 170+ dependants supported – 76 direct children and 101 indirect household dependants
• 140 township businesses launched, across sectors such as catering, ice-making, hairdressing, laundromats, indigenous chicken farming, plumbing, furniture manufacturing, beauty services and fashion design/resale
• Seed funding provided annually, with eight entrepreneurs per site shortlisted each year

These outcomes demonstrate measurable improvements in household stability, income generation and local employment – all central to Pepkor’s purpose of enabling affordable living and inclusive growth.

Social and economic benefits
The programme delivered sustained value at individual, family and community level:

• Household stability and economic inclusion: Increased income, diversified revenue streams and improved ability to provide for dependants
• Youth and family well-being: Children in participating households benefit from improved nutrition, educational support and overall well-being
• Job creation and community upliftment: New micro-enterprises stimulate local purchasing, create employment opportunities and strengthen township economies through accessible, localised service offering
• Enterprise growth and confidence: Improved confidence, growing networks and practical experience needed to scale their businesses

Strategic location selection
The initiative was intentionally established in communities where Pepkor has both a presence and a responsibility to uplift:

• Hammarsdale: Selected due to the presence of Pepkor Speciality’s distribution centre and the group’s broader socio-economic development commitments in the area
• Rustenburg: Identified by the Do More Foundation as a high-need community, with local unemployment nearing 47.5%

This place-based approach ensured that investment supported local ecosystems connected to Pepkor’s operational footprint.

A story of impact: Zetu Nombuso Sithole
One of the programme’s standout participants, Zetu Sithole, completed the Hammarsdale cohort in 2022. Although not a final pitch winner, the skills and confidence she gained enabled her to grow her catering business and later successfully tender to become the official canteen chef and service provider at the Pepkor Hammarsdale DC – a contract awarded in April 2024. Her journey reflects the programme’s intent: to create pathways for economic independence and long-term enterprise success.

Why this matters for Pepkor
The Township Economy Programme was a practical expression of Pepkor’s BBB framework – particularly Inclusive Growth and Community Impact. It demonstrated how:

• investing in women yields multi-generational benefits;
• investment can unlock sustainable local economies; and
• partnerships amplify impact beyond what corporate action alone can achieve.