Jika Communication & Training

02/09/2026

25/08/2026

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️

For many entrepreneurs, having a good business idea is only the first step. Turning that idea into a sustainable business requires practical skills, mentorship, access to markets and a clear understanding of finances. This is where Jika Communications and Training comes in.

Jika was acquired by its current team in 2021, when the organisation shifted its focus from primarily training towards enterprise development, with a particular emphasis on helping small businesses and developing entrepreneurs. Its approach focuses on skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication - skills thay Ricky says are essential in the modern business environment.

At the heart of Jika's work is its enterprise and supplier development model, through which small businesses receive training, mentorship, coaching and ongoing support. The organisation currently operates projects in Gauteng, the Free State and Northern Cape.

One of its key brands is Startup and Go, an internationally endorsed programme developed by Jika in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, local government in the Free State and a university in California.

After training, entrepreneurs are paired with mentors who can assist according to their industry and individual needs. Jika's support focuses on three major outcomes: compliance, access to markets and financial growth. This can include helping entrepreneurs understand their regulatory requirements, expand their customer base, access financing and improve their financial management.

Businesses outside the organisation's specific funded programmes can also approach Jika for assistance. Ricky explains that the organisation particularly assists with areas such as compliance and marketing, while drawing on a network of accountants, legal professionals, social media specialists and other experts who can provide services at rates more accessible to small businesses.

For Ricky, however, successful entrepreneurship ultimately requires commitment from the business owner. “You are accountable for your own success,” he says. Jika can provide the tools, guidance and support, but entrepreneurs must be willing to put in the work.

Interested individuals can reach out to 051 444 0668 or to
[email protected]

By Dylan Robinson

24/08/2026

One of our own❤️❤️

At just eight years old, Calida is already developing her own business! All just using creativity, problem-solving and 3D printing.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with a simple everyday problem. Put simply, she struggled to hold her phone while eating or watching something. Instead of accepting the inconvenience, she came up with a solution, 3D printed phone stands.

“I came up with an idea to make 3D printed phone stands,” Calida explains. Her stands are available in a variety of colours, including light blue, maroon, orange, pink, red, green and purple, with light blue being her favourite.

Customers can also request different sizes and custom designs. “If I give you an image of something, you can develop it into a cell phone stand?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied.

Calida's business extends well beyond phone stands. She has created toy keychain airplanes for children taking their first flight, small hockey sticks keychains for her coaches, toys and bookmarks.

Getting the business started required planning and experimentation - her first attempts were not always successful. “Everything I thought turned out great, but they wouldn't hold for too long,” she said. Some of the early phone stands would tip over when carrying the weight of a phone. Rather than giving up, Calida developed better designs and continued testing until she produced more stable stands.

One memorable attempt involved printing a dolphin as a birthday present for her cousin. When she returned from school, however, the finished print looked more like a shark, complete with what appeared to be teeth.

Asking what she enjoys about being a business owner, Calida gave a refreshingly honest answer: “..because then I get money [...] ..I see my business growing from this tiny business to the whole world knowing about it,” she said.

Calida also hopes her work can make a difference for children - her dream is for “every kid to have a toy.” With her creativity, willingness to learn from mistakes and determination to keep improving, this young entrepreneur may only be at the beginning of something much bigger.

Those interested can reach out to 083 937 7539

14/08/2026

Our entrepreneurs show up in cold!!!

07/08/2026

If you think you can, you can!

06/08/2026

Surviving startUP&go!

22/07/2026

❤️❤️❤️

THEMBISA – More than 200 small businesses across Gauteng have benefited from the Green Seeds Programme, an enterprise development initiative that is empowering entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and support needed to grow sustainable businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economies.

Olithemba recently attended a Green Seeds Programme workshop hosted at Ivory Tavern in Thembisa by Jika Communication and Training, the organisation responsible for implementing the programme on behalf of HEINEKEN Beverages. The event brought together nearly 40 entrepreneurs from various industries for a day of learning, networking and practical business development.

The Green Seeds Programme was launched in 2018 and is funded by HEINEKEN Beverages as part of its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development. Since its inception, the programme has expanded across Gauteng and is now helping unlock the entrepreneurial potential of businesses in Thembisa.

Speaking about the initiative, HEINEKEN Beverages Head of Social Responsibility, Jolene Henn, said the programme is creating opportunities that extend beyond business growth.

"At HEINEKEN Beverages, our "Brew a Better World" ambition is about creating lasting value beyond our products by investing in the people and communities that make South Africa thrive. Through the Green Seeds Programme, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses with the skills, mentorship and networks they need to succeed. It is especially inspiring to see former participants return as mentors, demonstrating how opportunity can create a ripple effect of growth, job creation and shared prosperity. Together with our implementation partner, Jika Communication and Training, we are proud to help unlock the entrepreneurial potential of communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy," she said.

One of the highlights of the workshop was an interactive business challenge where participants worked in teams to develop innovative hotel business models. The exercise encouraged entrepreneurs to think creatively, collaborate across industries and develop practical business solutions.

Group Five impressed the judges with a unique concept that combined the hospitality and agricultural sectors, demonstrating how partnerships between industries can create sustainable business opportunities while supporting local economic development.

Olithemba also spoke to Morena Mokoena, a representative of Jika Communication and Training and a former Green Seeds beneficiary who now mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.

"I am a product of this programme," said Mokoena. "Today, I am able to mentor other entrepreneurs because of the opportunities and support I received. Thembisa has many talented entrepreneurs, both young and old. While the township is often overlooked, it has enormous potential for business growth and innovation," he said.

Mokoena said the programme has already supported more than 200 small businesses and has helped participants strengthen their operations, improve sustainability and expand their customer base.

Programme organisers estimate that participating businesses have generated close to R100 million in additional revenue since the programme began, while also contributing to job creation and economic development across Gauteng.

Entrepreneurs who attended the workshop praised the initiative for equipping them with practical business knowledge and for renewing their confidence.

Moipone Mzima, founder of Moipone and Son Construction Projects, said the programme has provided valuable support for emerging entrepreneurs. "Although my business is still a start-up, programmes like these help us gain knowledge and confidence to grow," she said.

Mmalefa Kabe, affectionately known as Meme and owner of Meme's Sweet Hub, was part of the winning team during the business challenge. "I am always looking for opportunities to learn and improve my business. Winning the activity was exciting, but the knowledge we gained is even more valuable," she said.

Both entrepreneurs, who are based in Thembisa, believe initiatives such as Green Seeds play an important role in helping township businesses become more competitive and sustainable.

The Green Seeds Programme focuses on providing entrepreneurs with practical business skills, mentorship and access to development opportunities that many small business owners struggle to obtain. As the initiative continues to expand across Gauteng, its mission remains to empower entrepreneurs, create employment, stimulate economic growth and help build thriving local enterprises throughout South Africa.

21/07/2026

Its on in Bloemfontein!!!🔥