April 3, 2024 – For the poorest and most vulnerable groups, the global impact of COVID-19 has been more profound and longer than for any other, leading to widespread closures of businesses and significant job losses. Livelihoods have been severely affected, exacerbating trends of crime, violence, and delinquency. Even now, four years later, communities like the diverse community of the Cape Flats in Cape Town continue to grapple with the aftermath, facing immense challenges. But WPDI is striving to change this, to act as a beacon of hope and inspiration, and to encourage positive transformation. To this effect, we notably work to promote vocational training and entrepreneurial initiatives, especially for women, a group that has been particularly exposed during the global health crisis.
In the face of immense obstacles, the winners of our very first Women’s Livelihood Program’s Business Plan Competition in 2022 are continuing to operate their small businesses in the Cape Flats with determination, albeit struggling to expand due to financial constraints.
Their resilience and unwavering dedication to success are truly inspiring. Remarkably, our data shows that amidst the daily challenges of crime-infested areas, approximately 70-80% of these businesses are still operational after an average of 18+ months, a testament to their tenacity and the robustness of the program.
WPDI mentors, who have been providing backstopping support to the successful business projects, are keenly aware of the harsh economic realities and unstable ecosystem in which these women have to operate, which makes their success all the more impressive. Kayla Isaacs, a WPDI Business Trainer & Mentor, highlights the challenges faced by the winners: “The businesses I mentored in 2023 experienced varying levels of success. The main challenges included a lack of administrative and marketing efforts, as well as crime in the business locations, which hindered success and caused delays. However, those who actively worked on their businesses daily, despite obstacles, experienced significant highlights. With funding assistance, they were able to expand beyond their initial pitches and offer more services to reach a broader target market.”
In spite of these challenges, the winners remained fully committed, positive and motivated to further their entrepreneurial dreams. Eatspirations by Ilhaam, which makes gourmet products, has flourished thanks to WPDI seed funding and backstopping. “WPDI has really opened doors for Eatspirations. Our products are now available in two stores, one of which is Spar, one of the largest retail chains in South Africa. This partnership has allowed us to reach markets we never imagined possible. Additionally, we’ve registered on the COCT database to receive RFQs, and we’ve collaborated with LA Farms to offer their products at a reduced price. Our goal for 2024 is to establish our own store and expand our product placement to more retail outlets across South Africa. We’re immensely grateful to WPDI for their support, both financially and in our day-to-day business operations,” said the owner.
Communities such as the Cape Flats continue to face significant hurdles even months after the last outbreaks of COVID. Indeed, this one global crisis had in fact worsened the impact of existing chronic challenges. It is, in the end, the grip of these challenges on these communities that make them so fragile when major shocks hit them. These are the long-term difficulties that WPDI seeks to address. This is why our organization remains steadfast in its mission to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, driving positive transformation despite the obstacles. The winners of our first Business Plan Competition from 2022 are persisting in their small businesses in the Cape Flats, demonstrating resilience and determination amidst financial constraints. Together, we work towards a brighter future for all.
Discover more about this program:
- In November 2023, Forest Whitaker met with the 42 winners of the program during his field visit in Cape Town
- In March 2024, WPDI organized a big Market Day at our partner RCS’ office in Cape Town
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