Youth Empowerment Program

The Kuloola Youth Employment Program supports young, rural matriculants by providing them with the infrastructure and stock required to start their own rural grocery business. Through this model the participants are able to serve customers seeking goods in smaller quantities, develop business skills, derive a consistent income, and create much needed employment.

The Program launched in 2019 in the village of Gingindlovu, KwaZulu-Natal. Local youth, Bonga Sohkulu, was the first Program beneficiary, receiving a tuck shop container and R10,000 worth of grocery items. Bonga and his assistant sell groceries directly out of the shop and by delivery.

The Youth Empowerment Program will be extended into other areas in tandem with the Companies expansion. Kuloola is also investigating options to expand the Program more rapidly through partnerships with local municipalities.