Coca-Cola Beverages SA (CCBSA) yesterday (Tuesday) launched a R400-million trust to help develop historically disadvantaged farmers and small suppliers.
CCBSA managing director, Velaphi Ratshefola, said in a statement that the Mintirho Foundation fund would provide financial, training and development support for farmers and small suppliers of inputs - particularly those who supply inputs into the CCBSA value chain.
“CCBSA's buying power will help to make a sustainable economic difference in the lives of beneficiaries," Ratshefola said, adding that the fund would focus on alleviating the key pressure points that farmers faced, such as big loans, high interest costs and capital expenditure, as well as limited access to technical skills, business support and training.