Supporting small businesses to grow

Lephawu Trading was established in 2015 when owner, Ntsikelelo Tshandu identified a business opportunity in providing meat products in Britstown and surrounding areas.

In the early stages of its operation, all meat products were externally sourced and resold to community members and shops with a price mark-up. With a small population of approximately 5,000 people and hardly any farming opportunities in Britstown, Ntsikelelo wanted to find a way to not only provide affordable quality meat products but also alleviate the high unemployment rate. He reached out to the Sibona Ilanga Trust for support through its call for grant proposals.

With the Trust’s support, Lephawu Trading started its own livestock farming and is no longer dependant on imports. With the employment of local community members, it now has the capacity to source, slaughter and pack meat products for distribution to local schools, butchers and soup kitchens. The business has grown consistently, expanding their services to a much broader geographical area through the use of a refrigerated trailer.

“The support of the Trust has added value to our business. We have seen the fruits and the positive impact it has in our community.” Ntsikelelo Tshandu, Owner: Lephawu Trading