HEINEKEN Beverages is thrilled to announce the celebration of its Green Seeds Mentorship Programme’s graduating class of 2024 and the
introduction of its new cohort for 2025. This event underscores HEINEKEN Beverages’
commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship as part of its Brewing a Better World
sustainability approach, helping small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) unlock their
potential within South Africa’s vibrant communities.
Supporting Local Business Growth and Economic Impact
Rooted in HEINEKEN’s entrepreneurial history, the Green Seeds Programme focuses on
empowering local businesses with tools for success, offering a comprehensive approach to
business development through compliance assistance, market access, and financial support. By
nurturing community-based enterprises into thriving, self-sufficient businesses, HEINEKEN
Beverages aims to promote sustainable economic development and job creation.
“Over the years Green Seeds has helped transform many SMMEs into viable businesses,” says
Millicent Maroga, Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Beverages. “Our goal is to support
local entrepreneurs, allowing them to grow alongside HEINEKEN Beverage and contribute
meaningfully, not just to our value chain but also to South Africa’s economy.”
An Extensive Development Programme for Diverse Industries
Through its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programme, HEINEKEN Beverages
provides ongoing support across various business sectors, including beauty, baking,
manufacturing, and beyond. Since the programme’s inception in 2019, 156 small businesses
have benefited, with representation from areas such as Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Springs,
Sharpeville, and Soweto.
The graduating class includes inspiring entrepreneurs like Lufuno Rasoesoe of Tosh
Detergents, Tebogo Rantsatsi of Ingwe Express, and Zinhle Nkosi of Utingo Ulusha– all making
significant strides in their respective fields thanks to the hands-on mentorship, training, and
growth opportunities provided by the Green Seeds Mentorship Programme.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Long-Term Vision
The Green Seeds Programme aligns with HEINEKEN Beverages’ vision to create a resilient,
inclusive, and fair world. With an emphasis on sustainable growth and environmental
consciousness, the programme has set a long-term goal to become one of the largest
entrepreneurship initiatives in Gauteng, empowering young South Africans to establish
successful, impactful enterprises.
