Empowering informal traders

ACADEMY CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF FIRST COURSE AT GRADUATION OF 50 SMMES Participants equipped with skills and knowledge.

The Delicious Festival Trader Academy programme was launched in August 2023, coinciding with the monumental milestone of Delicious International Food and Music Festival marking 10 years of culinary excellence, captivating performances, and unforgettable musical experiences.

The graduation ceremony for the first intake was held on 19 March at the Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School.

The academy is part of a collaborative effort involving the public and private sectors, including the Gauteng Tourism Authority, CathSeta, FoodBev, and Manufacturing Seta.

The programme aims to empower informal traders in the food and beverage sector, particularly those unlicensed, by providing them with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in formal and competitive settings.

To recruit candidates, the academy worked alongside the Gauteng Tourism Authority and through regions and tourism associations, invitations were extended to SMMEs to participate in the partnership.

Social media platforms served as an effective tool to recruit the SMMEs.

Speaking at the occasion of the graduation ceremony, Gauteng MEC for economic development Tasneem Motara reiterated the crucial role that the programme plays in advancing economic abilities of all participants, equipping them with skills and knowledge to compete in the marketplace effectively beyond the confines of the festival.

“The festival is but one avenue for you to be able to be more competitive as the programme aims to foster growth and development for entrepreneurs, ensuring that they are prepared to succeed in their respective industries,” said Motara. The hosting of quality events is important for Destination Gauteng’s

enhanced visitor experience.

“The food and beverage aspect is one of the crucial components of the tourism experience and therefore promoting compliance and licensing, including food and safety hygiene is very important,” said Gauteng Tourism CEO Sthembiso Dlamini.

“As Gauteng Tourism, we look forward to more intakes with larger numbers and longer relationship with DStv Delicious Food and Music Festival.”

Applications are now open for the next course. Visit www.deliciousfestivaltraderacademy.com for information, including the application form.

Festival is one avenue for you to be more competitive