“I started my baking as a hobby, now I proudly stand as a black woman entrepreneur, creating jobs and contributing to reducing unemployment” says Boledi Mmatladi, founder of Boledi Vanilla Blessings Cakery.
She was standing before a cheering crowd at the Melrose Surgical Centre on October 8, not just celebrating her graduation; celebrating a transformation.
Mmatladi is one of 75 youth owners of small, medium, and micro enterprises who graduated from the 2024/25 Delicious Festival Trader Academy, an initiative powered by FoodBev Manufacturing Seta and the Dstv Delicious International Food and Music Festival.
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The programme has become a launchpad for young people, turning informal food ventures into sustainable, purpose driven businesses.
At its heart, the Trader Academy is about unlocking youth potential, especially for those in communities where access to formal business education is rare. For many, the journey has not been easy, but it’s been worth it. “It was a difficult journey, with little to no guidance, but just creativity,” Mmatladi said.
“This programme empowered me to better myself as a leader and identify areas of growth.”
Mfundo Gasa, founder of Eli’s Food and Events, echoed the grit behind the graduates’ success.
“Even if we got feedback that bent our egos, through the sleepless nights and early mornings, we never gave up. This is just the beginning.”
The academy’s 10-month programme covers both technical and personal growth, offering skills in digital marketing, financial and regulatory compliance, pricing, branding and strategy, food safety and certifications, leadership, and confidence building.
The programme also includes practical trading opportunities, like participation in the Delicious Food Festival, where 11 graduates successfully sold their products, every single one making a profit.
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FoodBev Manufacturing Seta CEO Nokuthula Selamolela said: “These are not just start ups anymore. They’ve been capacitated to grow and sustain their businesses. They’re feeding communities and now, they’re ready to scale.
“This isn’t just about economic survival; it’s about building a generation of youth who lead businesses, hire others, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s food economy.”
Tom Pearson-Adams, CEO of the Delicious Festival Trader Academy, offered a final message to the graduates, and a valuable lesson for all young aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship is about consistency. You may not always see the needle move day to day, but, over time, that discipline builds something powerful.”
Mmatladi concluded: “Let’s build businesses that are profitable, purposeful, and inspiring. The best investment you can make is in yourself, because no one can take that away from you.”
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