TotalEnergies Strengthens Local Economy with Graduation of 30 Entrepreneurs in South Africa’s West Coast Program
TotalEnergies EP South Africa celebrated a pivotal achievement in local economic development with the graduation of participants from the West Coast Entrepreneurial Development Programme. This event, held in collaboration with False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CFERI), underscores the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable business practices in underserved communities.
Program Overview and Objectives
Funded by TotalEnergies EP South Africa, the West Coast Entrepreneurial Development Programme is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, job creation, and enterprise development. The program specifically targets regions where economic opportunities are limited due to geographical, infrastructural, and market access challenges. Designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential business skills, mentorship, and resources, the initiative aims to foster the establishment of viable and sustainable enterprises.
Over six months, the program supported 30 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and small-scale fishing cooperatives from approximately 15 coastal and rural towns in the Western Cape, including Doringbaai, Louwville, Paternoster, Saldanha, St Helena Bay, and Lambert’s Bay. The selection process attracted over 300 applications, highlighting the significant demand for business development training in the region.
Structured Training and Support
Following a rigorous selection process, all 30 participants were formally registered as students in the False Bay TVET College academic system, ensuring their training was officially recognized. This formal registration allows them to pursue further vocational skills and training opportunities as part of their ongoing professional development.
The program featured a blend of in-person workshops, field trips in Doringbaai and Louwville, and online mentoring, supported by practical business diagnostics. The curriculum focused on action-oriented entrepreneurship, covering critical areas such as legal compliance, financial management, pricing strategies, business planning, operations management, sales and marketing, and leadership skills. Each participant developed a Portfolio of Evidence, which included a business plan and pitch, as part of the program’s outcomes.
Insights from Participants and Stakeholders
Florent Alleau from TotalEnergies EP South Africa emphasized the significance of community-based enterprise development. He stated that the graduation signifies more than just the completion of a training program; it reflects the company’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and confidence to engage meaningfully in the economy.
Thomas Mvumvu, program manager at False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator, acknowledged the dedication of the 30 West Coast entrepreneurs. He noted that the program represents a substantial investment in sustainable SMME development, demonstrating TotalEnergies’ genuine commitment to the communities in which it operates.
Participants such as Tom Perzens from Langebaan and Fabian Patricia Mohamed from Doringbaai shared their experiences, highlighting the value of the training in enhancing their cooperative’s development. Dewalt Ryan Classe, a young entrepreneur and local photographer, remarked on the practical skills he acquired, particularly in planning, which he now applies to his business operations.
Tamnline Brittian, a cake baker from Doringbaai, expressed gratitude for the program, stating that it has transformed her perspective on her business and equipped her with practical skills for daily use.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships
Christiana Nel, deputy principal for Innovation and Development at False Bay TVET College, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering opportunities for South African start-ups and entrepreneurs. She noted that the collaboration has facilitated targeted entrepreneurial training that supports sustainable enterprise development across various West Coast communities.
The program has also highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and passion within the West Coast communities, where the small-scale fishing industry serves as more than just a livelihood. For many participants, entrepreneurship embodies a deeper sense of purpose, rooted in a human-centered approach that promotes inclusive community development.
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Published on 2026-04-03 12:21:00 • By the Editorial Desk
