Struggling black-owned restaurants, catering and accommodation establishments that have been hit hard by the pandemic now have an opportunity to get back on the road to success with the Sekela Hospitality Support Programme, according to Siqalo Foods.

Valued at R2-million investment per year, the Sekela Hospitality programme aims to be a holistic, phased programme that provides current black-owned hospitality businesses (restaurants, catering companies and accommodation businesses) with:
  • back of house training
  • business coaching, and
  • access to capital and business stimulus packages.
"The industry has endured blow after blow during the pandemic with the international travel ban, curfew, recurring alcohol bans, maximum capacity and social distancing restrictions all coming into play," says Edwin Ukama, channel marketing executive at RCL Foods.

"Like most countries, South Africa can't afford for its hospitality industry to fail. We wanted to do our part and bring a solution to the fore where we can help drive a positive change and see business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their true potential," adds Ukama.

According to the programme, the first phase will allow up to 50 successful applicants to join the programme and receive a 10% purchase discount on any food order placed through Bidfood.

In phase two, qualifying beneficiaries will receive relevant top-class back of house training and business coaching, followed by essential financial assistance / support planning and business profiling.

In order to qualify, applying businesses must meet a particular set of criteria. The programme recruitment drive commenced on Monday, 1 March. 

"We look forward to hearing from motivated applicants who are eager to turn their establishments into professionally-run and financially viable businesses," says Perpetua Ngulube, brand manager of Marvello and Meadowland.

"With this programme, we aim to bring much-needed life, passion and positivity back into the hospitality industry and help shape dynamic business leaders," concludes Ngulube.

Applications close Friday, 30 April. Individuals are encouraged to visit the programme's website to apply. 

For more information, visit www.sekelahsp.co.za. You can also follow the Sekela Hospitality Support Programme on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.