‘Let’s work together’ to bridge the gap between Sandton and Alexandra
This partnership with FNB will not only better equip these small business owners but it will assist with their growth and expansion.
Partnership, hard work and mentorship will bridge the gap between Sandton and Alexandra.
The Supplier Development Initiatives (SDI Force), together with First National Bank (FNB), celebrated Rishume Day on 3 July by handing over 18 vehicles to small business owners from Alexandra. The organisation has had a long-standing relationship with both communities as it continues to accelerate and uplift projects that work to bridge the gap between Sandton and Alexandra.
According to SDI Force co-founder and businessman Andile Ramaphosa, Rishume is a Venda phrase meaning ‘let’s work to make things work’ which emphasises just how impactful a partnership between these two communities can be.
“We [SDI Force] have always championed the little guys. It was started three years ago with the idea that you could take big businesses and use them to uplift the communities in which they operate,” he said. This partnership with FNB will not only better equip these small business owners but it will assist with their growth and expansion. It will allow them the opportunity to earn an income and contribute meaningful to the economy.
Co-founder Brad-Fisher added that one of the key drivers for economic and societal change was developing bridges between established and information business sectors. “This is something that I have personally been involved with for years, and so the site of the handover is of deep significance, as it truly represents the coming together of these two worlds,” Fisher said. City of Johannesburg’s Ephraim Pooe commended the organisation for its continued efforts to uplift the community at large.
“As government, we can only do so much, so it is with heartfelt gratitude to have an organisation and a partnership such as this. Eighteen people that had nothing before have now become owners, runners of their own companies,” he said. Ramaphosa concluded, “SDI’s work is one that looks to slowly change South Africa and show people that we can work together, show people that we can ‘Rishume’ together regardless of the fact that may you live in Sandton or in Alex.”
Related articles: https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/265956/informal-waste-reclaimers-region-e-receive-1-030-food-packs-sanitisers/ https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/265507/a-feeding-initiative-for-the-vulnerable/
