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Partners


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Afrika Tikkun
Social Employment Fund 1, 2 & 3


The Empire Bus hosts local tertiary students for nine months in collaboration with nearby schools and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Through initiatives like the Youth Employment Service and the National Youth Service Program, supported by the Social Employment Fund, we aim to reduce youth unemployment rates significantly. This program is designed to enhance the employability and overall development of young individuals by providing them with practical experience and skills that are essential in today’s job market. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we strive to empower young people and foster a more skilled and competitive workforce.

SEF 1 - The Afrika Tikkun Project was launched in July 2022 as part of a partnership with The Empire Bus, which involved recruiting young people from South African communities. Driven by the pressing needs of her community, Ms. Annabelle Duarte, the founder of The Empire Bus, took the initiative to approach Afrika Tikkun, who readily agreed to collaborate. Following this partnership, they successfully completed the fingerprinting and candidate assessment procedures. As a result, 54 young individuals are now receiving stipends through the Accelerating Work Readiness program, providing them with crucial support as they build their skills and prepare for future employment opportunities.


SEF 2 - which began in August 2023, marks the second phase of our interaction with the Afrika Tikkun project. So far, seven applicants have been selected, and we aim to replace them with additional candidates in the future. The SEF program ensures that participants are equipped to fulfill their roles, while the work itself provides meaningful experience. This may include both formal training and on-the-job development to enhance their skills and capabilities.


SEF 3 - began in July 2024, and since then, candidates have engaged in a comprehensive learning experience that has equipped them with valuable skills for the modern workforce. They have learned how to compile business profiles, design and edit websites, create impactful presentations, and develop compelling business proposals. Additionally, the program includes essential training in computer literacy, enabling participants to navigate various software and digital tools effectively. Candidates have also mastered the art of composing professional emails, which is crucial for effective communication in any business setting. This holistic approach not only enhances their technical abilities but also boosts their confidence and prepares them for real-world challenges. By fostering a practical and hands-on learning environment, SEF 3 is dedicated to empowering participants to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

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YES Program

The YES initiative encourages corporate empowerment in areas of national significance, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and upskilling young individuals through job placement. Participating in the YES Program is an attractive opportunity for businesses aiming to achieve their YES goals. Through this initiative, the Empire Bus has successfully placed candidates in a variety of roles, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce.

- Administration
- Operations and Logistics
- Podcasts and graphic designing 
- Secretary 
- Human Resource and Finance
- Chairperson
- Public Relation Officer

YES Candidates


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SACGRA

Business Toolbox

SACGRA is a graduate council established under the Co-operative Amendment Act, No. 6 of 2013, dedicated to developing high-caliber young individuals and promoting graduate cooperatives as viable economic entities. These cooperatives aim to accelerate job creation, attract foreign direct investment, and facilitate skills transfer, ultimately enhancing local and rural economies. In line with this mission, the Empire Bus has demonstrated due diligence by winning a R10,000 voucher and acquiring business toolbox software valued at approximately R20,000. This comprehensive business toolbox covers various essential operations, including marketing, policy development, and company registration

SACGRA LINK
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Training Force
As a licensed training provider, Training Force specializes in delivering tailored training interventions and job- and industry-specific skills evaluations for businesses and their staff across various sectors. Since our founding in 2003, we have successfully upskilled over 55,000 employees through our locations throughout South Africa and provided training interventions to more than 3,000 enterprises. Our practical training solutions empower organizations to cultivate a more productive workforce. All of our learnerships are accredited by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and the SETA Quality Assurance departments..

Training Force link
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Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)

As a global leader in supply chain transformation and procurement, we empower businesses to take the initiative and stay ahead in the evolving economy by harnessing digital technologies and artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence enables businesses to operate more effectively and efficiently, gain a competitive edge, increase profitability, and optimize both shareholder and corporate value.

We help Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies across various sectors and verticals build supply chains that are resilient, high-performing, and sustainable.

GEP link
GEP funding Video, Thanks for helping The Empire Bus. GEP funded us to buy equipment for our Business
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Womens Forum

The Eldorado Park Women's Forum was established in 2000 by a group of community-minded individuals who recognized the need for services supporting abused women and children, youth development, HIV/AIDS interventions, and other community upliftment projects. The organization was officially registered in 2002 and received its tax exemption status (18A) in 2004. Additionally, it is recognized by SARS as a Public Benefit Organization.


Our primary goal has been to combat gender-based violence in all its forms. As part of our healing efforts, we built a shelter to provide a safe sanctuary for victims of abuse. Following this, we launched various early childhood development projects, including the HIV/AIDS Seeds of Promise initiative, the Impact Development Academy, the Little Rascals Pre-School and Creche, and the Skills Development project. The Skills Development project offers adherence counseling, home-based care for terminally ill AIDS patients, cancer and stroke patients, and support for individuals affected by these issues in the community. Additionally, to support orphans and vulnerable children, we established a feeding program under the Seeds of Promise project. The Forum also manages an agricultural project to promote sustainability and generate revenue.

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Women of Destiny

Women of Destiny is a compassionate, heart-to-heart organization dedicated to encouraging today's Christian women as they seek God's will for their lives. It is time for women to be freed from the shackles of shame, guilt, and despair that hinder so many, allowing them to embrace the destiny God has designed for them. In mid-August, Women of Destiny hosted a powerful two-day conference that provided an impactful experience for attendees, deepening their connection with God and empowering many women. Additionally, they partnered with MUFG to offer a financial and entrepreneurial course for youth. This comprehensive course equips participants with essential knowledge for starting their own businesses.



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Bopang Consulting Services

The Empire Bus has been hosting candidates from Training Force since November 1, 2023. Following this, Bopang Consulting Services (BCS), a level 1 black female-owned South African company, is dedicated to providing credible and high-quality management consulting, monitoring and evaluation, and project management services. Formerly known as TBL Empowerment Solutions, BCS takes pride in its proven track record of executing transformative solutions and successfully managing projects for its clients. As a key regional player in the business consulting and advisory services sector, BCS bridges the gap between management approaches and their actual implementation plans across South Africa and the broader African region.


Bopang Consulting
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htcc

Hluvuka Training and Consulting College

HTCC primarily focuses on the personal development of employees, enabling them to gain skills that can be effectively utilized in their respective workplaces as staff members, managers, and senior managers. These leaders can then leverage their companies' financial resources to foster the development of their internal teams. By implementing a skills transfer and train-the-trainer approach, which HTCC fully supports, organizations can enhance their capacity for effective training, proving to be an invaluable tool for many companies and diverse organizations.

Hluvuka Training& Consulting College
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The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance (B.E.A.)

The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance (B.E.A.) is a not-for-profit organization registered under Section 1 of the Companies Act with the CIPC. Established in 2021, B.E.A. serves as an advocacy group representing financially marginalized and economically isolated black entrepreneurs within the capital value chain, focusing on public benefit. The organization collaborates with other entities and individuals to research, produce, and interpret data that highlights the challenges hindering economic advancement for black entrepreneurs. B.E.A. advocates for practical solutions that improve access to finance, affordable loans, and wealth creation tools. We believe in being an objective entity that partners with like-minded organizations across the public, private, and social sectors to promote policies that foster socio-economic success for black entrepreneurs.


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Our Advocacy Campaigns

∙ The cost of not paying small businesses on time can be significant, leading to cash flow issues, reduced operational capacity, and potential job losses. Late payments can strain relationships with suppliers and hinder growth opportunities, ultimately impacting the overall health of the economy.

∙ There is a real need to have a new wave of black industrialists.

∙ Obtaining the necessary statutory permitting approvals and licences to operate in a timely and cost-effective manner is a major challenge to mine development in South Africa.

∙ Load-shedding affects livelihood of small businesses.

∙ Looted black-owned businesses left in the cold because they do not have the resources to supply the basic paperwork required for the applications.

∙ Riots and looting add to the woes of black SMEs.

∙ BEA calls for a tax break to assist SMEs to avoid job losses.

∙ The Jobs Emergency | Northern Cape becomes huge investment hub

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