Authored by: Captain SA
Introduction
The SABHIBA project, spearheaded in Etwatwa and Daveyton by Michel Dlamini and his visionary team, was designed to uplift and spotlight six tuck shop businesses through focused advertising, marketing, and promotional rotations. This grassroots-level business initiative, in collaboration with key partners, aimed to inject economic momentum and visibility into local enterprises.
SmallBusinessSupport #Daveyton #EtwatwaDevelopment
Purpose of the Project
The initiative was set in motion with a clear intent: to amplify the presence of local tuck shops, enhance community awareness, and provide branding tools and marketing platforms that can elevate daily operations into sustainable business models. The project served as a gateway to entrepreneurial confidence, particularly among informal traders.
CommunityCommerce #YouthInBusiness #LocalBusinessGrowth
Impact and Reach
The rotational advertising program included physical promotions, community radio mentions, short-form content creation, and business exposure through digital channels. Participating businesses recorded increases in foot traffic, stock movement, and new customer acquisition. Beyond numbers, the community experienced a revived spirit of economic participation.
EconomicActivation #BusinessRotation #TownshipEconomy
Analysis and Engagement
The campaign integrated media platforms such as SA Rainbow News, Daveyton TV, Ikwekwezi FM, Vulindlela Newspaper, Ekurhuleni News, and Kasie FM. These collaborators ensured that community voices were not only heard but celebrated. Content captured during activations was broadcast and shared across platforms for maximum traction.
MediaPower #SAYouthVoices #InclusiveDevelopment
Evaluation of Outcomes
Data gathered from feedback surveys and interviews show that 5 out of 6 businesses achieved weekly sales growth, with 3 extending trading hours. Community feedback praised the initiative’s relevance, noting an increased preference for local brands over corporate chains during the activation phase.
SuccessStories #TuckShopRevival #BusinessUpliftment
Support and Stakeholder Collaboration
A major success factor was the dynamic collaboration with entities such as Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), the Department of Economic Development, Social Development, Department of Employment and Labour, and TikTok specialist Lali Skosana. Her role in driving digital engagement, short-form video marketing, and TikTok strategy added immense value to the visibility of the tuck shop businesses. These partnerships provided technical mentorship, branded resources, stock support, and real-time exposure.
Equally instrumental were the businesses who participated in the activation stalls and showcased the power of local supply chains when linked with effective marketing platforms.
PublicPrivatePartnership #DigitalMarketing #TikTokForBusiness #ActivationSupport
Challenges and Resilience
Limited access to Wi-Fi in some areas affected instant digital promotion. However, thanks to the collective will of the community, volunteers, and partners, these were handled efficiently.
AdaptAndOvercome #CommunityDrivenSolutions
Success Stories
One tuck shop owner reported doubling weekend revenue after a promotional Friday. The project’s emotional reward was visible in the faces of entrepreneurs who felt seen, heard, and supported.
ImpactMatters #TuckShopWins #BusinessTransformation
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Marketing Team of SA Young Vision, SA Rainbow News, Daveyton TV, Ikwekwezi FM, Vulindlela Newspaper, Ekurhuleni News, Kasie FM, CCBSA, the Department of Economic Development, Social Development, Department of Employment and Labour, and TikTok Specialist Lali Skosana, among many others. Special thanks to all community businesses who came on board for business stalls and activation support.
Together, we created a tapestry of hope, growth, and excellence for township entrepreneurship.
Gratitude #LocalHeroes #SAYoungVision #SABHIBAImpact
