Partnership with Pepkor Speciality Champions Women and Youth

By working hand-in-hand with the DO MORE FOUNDATION, Pepkor Speciality is championing life-long learning that is making meaningful impacts for the young adults and women in low-income communities in Rustenburg and Hammarsdale.

Women and youth in under-resourced urban and rural communities are some of South Africa’s most marginalised groups, often experiencing socio-economic challenges more intensely than the rest of the population. Pepkor Speciality's commitment to making a difference in their lives is evidenced in their support of enterprise development programmes in Rustenburg (North West) and Hammarsdale (KwaZulu-Natal).

Through its partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION and its implementing partner Niya Consultancy, Pepkor Speciality drives social investment programs in youth education with the long-term goals of enhancing young people’s entrepreneurism and employability, raising living standards, opening new opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Pepkor Speciality proudly supports various initiatives that empower local communities. The Township Economy Project, Clothes 4 Purpose, #DoMorePlay and Sewing programmes are prime examples of how the company is making a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans.

The resulting multiplier effect shows how focused economic efforts can transform communities, with these thriving businesses boosting employment, raising living standards, opening new opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Township Economy Project

In the heart of South Africa’s vibrant townships, the Township Economy Project is an enterprise development programme that is transforming lives. This initiative aims to uplift young women entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of local economies.

The 12-month program seamlessly integrates theoretical business education with practical training, ensuring participants develop a robust set of entrepreneurial skills. Focusing on women aged 18 to 35, the project provides mothers and young women with avenues for professional and entrepreneurial growth.

In its inaugural year, the initiative supported 40 entrepreneurs from Hammarsdale and Rustenburg chosen for their strategic importance to Pepkor’s operations and the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s community objectives. Participants received comprehensive training in micro-business fundamentals such as bank account setup, business registration, marketing, and financial management.

The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style competition, where participants pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts. Winners receive financial support to develop their businesses, with the Foundation overseeing the allocation of funds to ensure effective use.

Site visits have revealed the resilience of these entrepreneurs, many of whom are the primary providers for their families, facing significant challenges yet determined to succeed. With plans to expand into a third community, the Township Economy Project reflects Pepkor Speciality’s commitment to fostering community development, women’s empowerment, and a culture of resilience and growth in South Africa’s townships.

Clothes 4 Purpose and Sewing Programmes

From clothing donations to livelihoods, Pepkor Speciality, in partnership with the Foundation, is repurposing donated clothing to empower local women. Participants in the Clothes 4 Purpose project engage in de-tagging, de-branding, and preparing these items for resale, turning donations into a viable source of income that supports their financial independence and contributes positively to the local economy.

The project began with a cash donation to acquire the necessary equipment, setting a solid foundation for its operations. In its second year, the initiative expanded to include a container-based store, enhancing security and merchandising capabilities. This transition underscores a deep commitment to sustainable community development and making a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.

Having witnessed the success of the Sewing Programme in Hammarsdale, Pepkor Speciality is supporting the establishment of this initiative in Rustenburg this year. Using various criteria, a selection of previously unemployed youth, particularly women, is made and begin their journey into business entrepreneurship. They are equipped with skills in technical sewing, business administration and entrepreneurship, marketing and accessing micro-financing opportunities.

The programme’s aims are to create sustainable livelihoods and stimulate local economies by helping to uplift the people that need it most. Pepkor Speciality is empowering greater long-term, sustainable growth through its increased support of enterprise development initiatives in Rustenburg.

Through collaborative funding and donation of industrial sewing machines, the sewing group has the necessary equipment to start their programme. Additional investment from Pepkor Speciality will enable supportive funding and training of candidates to obtain a skill they can go on and use in the community.

#DoMorePlay Toy Programme

The #DoMorePlay Toy Programme, a collaborative effort by Pepkor Speciality and the Foundation, enhances early childhood education and empowers disabled youth. This innovative project focuses on creating high-quality, educational wooden toys designed to stimulate cognitive development in young children while offering valuable economic opportunities for people with disabilities.

Young people with disabilities receive donated wood and training in carving and painting, skills they use to craft educational toys. The sale of these toys generates income for the participants, aiding their financial independence and fostering personal and professional growth.

The #DoMorePlay Toy Programme exemplifies inclusivity, blending educational support for children with empowerment for youth with disabilities. By involving these young individuals in productive work, the programme not only aids their self-reliance but also enriches children’s learning experiences. This dual-focus approach highlights Pepkor Speciality and the Foundation’s commitment to building an inclusive society where diverse community needs are met and opportunities for holistic development are widely available.

Through these diverse projects, Pepkor Speciality and the DO MORE FOUNDATION demonstrate a robust commitment to community development, women's empowerment, and inclusive economic growth in South Africa's townships.

Contact our Partnerships Team to work with us to create better tomorrows for South Africa’s young children, their families, and communities: iris.naidoo@domore.org.za