OVER THE past two years, over R60 million has been invested locally through the Phakamisa iSpirit campaign.
This was confirmed at a media function held at the manufacturing factory Furntech in Jozi, on the outskirts of Soweto.
The campaign, entering its second year, seeks to train artisans in Gauteng to run their future businesses by assisting in the expansion of the makers incubation programmes, made possible by Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest wine and spirits producer, that invested R29.7 million this year into the development of local artisans as part of its Phakamisa iSpirit campaign.
Part of this investment went directly into improving the lives of local makers in the form of training and financial assistance for their businesses, as well as providing them with access to market opportunities.
One of the recipients’ Hosea Matlou, who operates his workshop Hosea Studios in Pretoria since 2010, says this opportunity has presented him with independence, hardwork and self-determination.
The (42) who originates from Polokwane (Limpopo province) says: “Phakamisa iSpirit has profoundly changed my life. Through it, I have been able to establish my business and more importantly build a foundation that my family can one day build upon. Phakamisa iSpirit has not just given me skills, it has given me an opportunity to create a legacy,” says Matlou.
According to Matlou, he was identified by Pernod Ricard in 2021, as a tutor of engineering, from the University of Pretoria, within the carpentry department.
He did confirm the tutoring is on part-time basis, and more than 20 ‘nyaope’ boys were taught on upholstery and furniture business.
But alluded that “it was always a mission as some did not pitch up for classes”.
He also decried the support from black business as most of his clients are whites and Chinese.
“I hope this perception will change soon, since all my work is of quality standard, as you can see,“ pointing at some of his company furniture on display during media tour at Funtech on Tuesday.
Currently only 8 SME’s are incubators at the Furntech but this will be scaled up to 20 in the future.
S’bongile Khumalo, who founded Mia T Holdings- that specialises in upholstery and interior design- says being identified as an incubator will help grow business in the East Rand region, where she originates from.
Gregory Leymarie, CEO, Pernod Ricard South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa says, “At Pernod Ricard our core purpose is to work together to create conditions for sustainable growth – growth that respects our environment and our communities and growth that is collectively profitable for all our stakeholders: employees, shareholders, customers, consumers and citizens.”
“We believe that as a multi-national, it is our responsibility to support the markets where we operate and to invest in the local economy. Within this context Pernod Ricard took a bold decision a few years ago to re-route festive season investment traditionally spent on imports, into the local SA economy instead, and we will continue to do so through our Phakamisa iSpirit campaign. “
Newly appointed MEC for Economic Development in GP Tasneem Motara says the campaign is part of the department’s mandate Township Economy, 4IR and reinvention of the economy for small, emerging enterprises.
“We’re proud of Pernod Ricard for implementing such a campaign and this calls for more private sectors to come on board, as part of job creation in the province, since we provide markets for businesses to thrive,“ says Motara.
She also called for other Gvt departments to procure the services of such companies, and upscaling of the incubators and the monitoring of the campaign, amongst others.
Furntech has seven manufacturing plants across the country and according to its CE Michael Reddy, they plan to grow the campaign to those regions, as it fits into their mandate to create job opportunities and sustain them within the furniture sector.
On a lighter note- comedian Mpho Pops will host Phakamisa iSpirit Millionaire Gameshow where contestants will get a chance to win big by competing for R4 million in cash and prizes which include prizes from the local makers and the R1 million grand prize.
It will run for 6 weeks and flighted on eTV from November 26 to December 31, 2022.
Visit www.i-spirit.co.za to learn more about the Phakamisa iSpirit festive gifting campaign.
Image SLM (MEC for Economic Dev Tasmeera Motara, sharing thoughts with Hosea Matlou –in blue overalls- and Furntech CE Michael Reddy and Pernod Ricard’s Pamela at the media launch on Tuesday).
