Support for hospitality businesses on offer

AS businesses struggle to recoup the financial losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a lifeline is being extended to help those in the hospitality industry to stay afloat.

Black-owned accommodation establishments, catering companies and restaurants are receiving assistance from the Sekela Hospitality Support Programme - a R2-million investment per year.

This initiative is being spearheaded by professional food service brands, Marvello and Meadowland, owned by Siqalo Foods, in partnership with RCL FOODS, Your Food Partners and Bidfood.

'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,' explained Edwin Ukama, Channel Marketing Executive at RCL FOODS, Your Food Partners.

'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 drive positive change, and see business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their true potential.'

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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 back-of-house training and business coaching, essential financial assistance, support planning and business profiling.

'We look forward to hearing from motivated applicants who are eager to turn their establishments into professionallyrun, financially-viable businesses,' said Perpetua Ngulube, Brand Manager of Marvello and Meadowland.

Businesses have until the end of April to apply. For more information visit www. sekelahsp.wowi5.co.za