Five tons of wheat go to 13 small bakeries
As these are small businesses, 60 per cent of the bakeries are female-owned, while close to 40 per cent of them are youth-driven.
Together with milling company IL Molino Specialty Grains and Mogale City Local Municipality, South African Breweries (SAB) has donated over five tons of ground and packaged wheat to invigorate 13 small bakeries across the West Rand townships.
The wheat will provide much-needed support for these local bakeries and relief for the surrounding impoverished communities. The wheat flour will be used for baking biscuits.
As these are small businesses, 60 per cent of the bakeries are female-owned, while close to 40 per cent of them are youth-driven.
Corporate Affairs Manager at SAB, Thabang Mashia said this partnership demonstrates the strength and creativity all South African corporates need to exercise in these challenging times.
“We all know we have to flatten the curve and adhere to lockdown restrictions, but the economic impact cannot be ignored; especially when you are able to do something about it,” he said.
This donation was made possible thanks to the generosity of Mohamed Essack, Director of IL Molino Speciality Grains, who answered the call from Mogale City.
When it was clear that the wheat from SAB needed further processing, he immediately volunteered his operations at no cost to SAB and the bakeries. All he needed was money for the packaging.
“The reality is that the poorest of South Africans have had to bear the brunt of the lockdown,” said Mashia.
“Although these communities may protect themselves and others from the spread of Covid-19, many people don?t know where their next meal is coming from. It has therefore become crucial for corporate South Africa to play a role in uplifting small enterprises that provide food security for these communities.”
Situated in Johannesburg South, IL Molino is the only 100 per cent black-owned wheat miller in the country. Having overcome many challenges in an anti-competitive environment dominated by JSE-owned big millers, IL Molino has increased production from an initial 500 metric ton of wheat per month, to potentially processing over 6 000 metric ton of wheat per month.
“The idea and wish are that this group of small enterprises can become a beacon of hope for our township economy. We would also like to express our gratitude for their contribution to the community of Mogale City during this difficult time,” the Executive Mayor of Mogale City, councillor Francis Makgatho concluded.
