On Friday, 15 November 2024, the Delicious Festival Trader Academy (DFTA), powered by FoodBev, teamed up with the Black Coffee Foundation and the St David’s Marist Inanda Foundation for the Black Coffee Charity Concert.
Hosted at St David’s Marist Inanda in Sandton, this family-friendly concert united food, music, and community. As an event partner, DFTA handpicked five SMMEs from its academy to showcase their culinary talents, gain invaluable exposure, and connect with a new market.
After spending the past year as part of the Delicious Festival Trader Academy (DFTA), powered by FoodBev, and gaining valuable skills and experience, vendors such as Tobs Wraps, Taste Inkanyezi, Brown Bag, Mocharitos, and Royal Biltong are now ready to trade at prestigious mainstream events. Their participation in the charity concert showcased their talent and marked a significant step forward as they forge their way ahead in the competitive culinary and food sector.
The event boasted a star-studded lineup, headlined by Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, with support from industry icons, Major League DJs, DJ Fresh, and others, and hosted by media personality Somizi Mhlongo. The man behind the success of the concert, Black Coffee, said: “Our mission through this event was to uplift communities while empowering local talent like the students from DFTA. Having these talented food entrepreneurs be part of this initiative has been a rewarding experience.”
Proceeds from the evening will go towards advancing the impactful initiatives of the Black Coffee Foundation and St David’s Marist Inanda Foundation, furthering their involvement in community outreach.
Speaking on the impact of the Academy on these SMMEs, DFTA Programme Director Jean Huddy said: “Our Academy is committed to supporting SMMEs by creating spaces for learning, growth, and exposure. We’re proud to announce that our SMME students are now compliant with their Certificates of Acceptability (COA), Hawkers Licenses, and Gas Certificates of Compliance. This achievement marks an essential step in their business growth journey.”
This event bears testimony to the Delicious Festival Trader Academy and FoodBev Manufacturing Seta’s commitment to empowering informal SMMEs through continuous learning. By providing access to high-profile events across Gauteng, the Academy opens doors for small businesses to flourish, making it a strong catalyst for growth in South Africa’s food and culinary sector.
Main Image: DAFTA