Sunlight is inviting South African women business owners to share their own business stories for a chance to become 1 of 5 additional More Than You Expect Heroes, who will benefit from business support and resources to the value of R200 000, each.
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 November 2020) – COVID-19 has left families, homemakers and small business owners across South Africa facing significant challenges and questions over their jobs, income, food security and more.
As a brand that is part of the lives and homes of many South Africans – which believes in better value, quality and products which make the rand go further; Sunlight is on a mission to offer support to some of the hardest working and most important economic contributors in South Africa, women-owned small businesses.
South African women entrepreneurs and small business owners (who also make up much of Sunlight’s consumer base) contribute significantly to SA’s overall economy. Many of them are breadwinners that support multiple family members. This group has also been hardest hit by the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19. Statistics South Africa estimates that 51,1% (approximately 30,5 million) of the South African population is female, and approximately 40% of households are headed by women.
“Sunlight South Africa’s mission is to support entrepreneurial African women in their desire to contribute more, so they can support their families and gain financial independence. This purpose aspect of the brand is in line with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) and targets Global Goal Number 8 (of the UN Sustainable Development Goals), ‘Enhancing Livelihoods for millions’ which aims to enhance the livelihoods of people, with a focus on Women Empowerment, opportunities and job creation, said Sunlight brand manager, Lerato Dumisa.
It’s all part of Sunlight’s promise to deliver more than you expect; like its range of hardworking product innovations, such as the New laundry powder formulation (now with more foam and even longer fragrance) and the popular Sunlight dishwashing liquid with Unbeatable Grease Removal.
Earlier this year, Sunlight identified three South African women entrepreneurial heroes who had pivoted their business offering during the pandemic, with an intent to acknowledge and support them and their businesses. These three women are Sunlight’s More Than You Expect Heroes. Their inspirational stories of strength and resilience will be shared by Sunlight on various media platforms as a reminder to all women that their role in society is important.
Expanding on this initiative, Sunlight is inviting other women business owners to share their own business stories for a chance to become 1 of 5 additional More Than You Expect Heroes, who will benefit from business support and resources to the value of R200 000, each.
This is a long-term project for Sunlight where it plans to support these businesses through the current economic atmosphere and beyond. A tailored approach will be adopted for each businesswoman. Sunlight South Africa will offer tangible support to a total of 8 local female entrepreneurs through the following:
- Training and upskilling through our partner, BrownSense
- Resources, financial aid & guidance to the value of R200 000
- Listing and getting products sold to a larger audience / through local retailers
- Digital Support to uplift and refresh their social media accounts and websites
- Earned PR Coverage Support to profile their businesses in trade and mainstream publications and media support
- Developing a multi-media consumer campaign to drive consumer demand
- To feature each entrepreneur in a multi-channel advertising campaign, that celebrates women who embody the concept of #MoreThanYouExpect
Introducing Sunlight’s More Than You Expect Heroes
Bontle Tshole
Bontle Tshole is the owner and founder of Baaa Smoothie, a health bar situated in Fourways, Johannesburg. Founded two years ago, Baaa Smoothies specialises in delicious, fast food alternatives for health-conscious individuals. Bontle was inspired to start a healthy food bar to address lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, which she believes are neglected issues in South Africa. Her goal was to start a business which would help people enjoy healthy meals, but not compromise on taste while making healthy eating accessible for all.
“Changing the narrative surrounding healthy eating involves a great amount of consumer education as well as providing healthier food alternatives,” explains Bontle.
To remain relevant despite the pandemic, Bontle has used this time to encourage healthy eating and to educate consumers about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through various social media platforms.
Carin Rhoode
Carin Rhoode is a 50-year-old Cape Town resident who has risen above her challenging circumstances. With the support of a local company called Souper Troopers, she sells her handmade jewellery at local markets. This initiative has helped sustain and keep her from homelessness…
Before finding hope at Souper Troopers, Carin had been homeless for about 8 – 10 years after the passing of her husband and strained family relationships.
Since the start of lockdown, Carin has been unable to trade as markets have remained closed. To pivot her business offering, she started making masks while selling her jewellery online, which has helped her keep afloat and reach more people. She followed tutorials on YouTube to upskill herself on how to make masks and hasn’t looked back since.
Ncumisa Mkabile
Former poultry farmer, 27-year-old Ncumisa Mkabile from Khayelitsha recently pivoted her business offering by growing, harvesting and selling homegrown spinach.
Ncumisa started her journey in May 2020 and has since employed seven people. Ncumisa is making waves in her community. Her dream is to create and run her own independent farm that supplies stock to retailers around South Africa while creating employment opportunities for those in her community.
She reveals, “My Community has been really supportive ever since I started my business; they make sure that I get all the support from them first before getting it from the world.”
To get more info or to submit your story, click here!
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