A Volkswagen-backed incubator marked its 15th anniversary on 31 May by highlighting its role in supporting 178 entrepreneurs in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
The Volkswagen Business Support Centre, run in partnership with Raizcorp, has operated since April 2011 at the Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega. Over that period the centre's programmes have helped participating businesses generate R733 million in revenue and create nearly 2,000 jobs.
Pumza Gwabeni described how enrolment three years ago turned her renovation firm from a loss-making operation into a profitable company growing at 15 percent a year. She now employs eight full-time staff and eight subcontractors and is preparing to bid for larger contracts.
Volkswagen Group Africa managing director Martina Biene and Raizcorp chief executive Allon Raiz both spoke at the anniversary event. They credited the long-running partnership for delivering sustained support to small enterprises and noted that 30 graduates have since become suppliers to the car maker.