August 2025.
An entrepreneurship development programme is currently underway in the Boshof and Hertzogville communities, aiming to revitalise and strengthen local businesses. The programme is scheduled to launch in July through a collaboration between five public and private partners, although training has commenced. The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) is supporting over 30 small businesses with practical knowledge and skills across key business areas.
“Multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential in driving entrepreneurship support. Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and networks,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Boshof Solar Power, which initiated the programme and is providing funding and key resources. “By combining our efforts, we’re able to create a more holistic and sustainable support system—one that continues to uplift entrepreneurs long after the programme ends,” she added.
Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, key barriers facing entrepreneurs in the region were identified as limited access to funding, non-compliance with regulatory requirements, poor market access, weak operational systems, and lack of exposure to formal mentorship. TREP has been carefully designed to address each of these challenges in a structured and targeted manner.
The programme prioritises early-stage and growth-oriented enterprises, with a long-term goal of building sustainable economic capacity within the local community—particularly among youth, women, and entrepreneurs living with disabilities.
Each of the programme partners plays a vital role in the TREP’s implementation, significantly the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which is facilitating life skills training, market access, and providing funding.
Additionally, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) is aligning the programme with provincial priorities, assessing shortlisted SMMEs, and contributing funding, to help ensure long term sustainability.
The Small Enterprise Development and Funding Agency (SEDFA) plays an important role in coordinating training, compliance, and participation certificates, whilst the Tokologo Local Municipality has supported mobilisation, applications, and ongoing logistics.
“Based on the outcomes and learnings from this pilot phase, which concludes at the end of the year, we’re optimistic about the potential to expand the programme,” Mazibuko emphasised. “With continued partnerships and additional funding, we can help more businesses become stable, compliant, and growth-oriented—continuing to drive job creation and boost local economic activity.”
