Boxer Superstores, in partnership with the W&RSETA, Golden Ratio College, and uMlalazi Municipality, proudly celebrated the graduation of 277 small-scale farmers from the Boxer Skills Training Programme.

Graduation ceremonies were held in Giyani and Thohoyandou (in February), and Eshowe on the 6 March 2025, and mark a significant milestone in empowering local farmers with essential skills to sustain and grow their businesses.

The 194 graduates from KwaZulu-Natal attended training sessions in Empangeni, Mtubatuba, Gingindlovu, and Eshowe. Following the success of the programme’s first edition in the Eastern Cape, Boxer has now extended the initiative to Northern KwaZulu-Natal, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable farming practices and increasing market accessibility for small-scale farmers.

“The overall purpose of the training is to equip these incredible farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to access the market sustainably. Over three months, they have undergone intensive courses covering essential topics such as small business management, merchandising, stock replenishment, cash control, and more,” said Boxer Group Executive for Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability, Ntombi Dludla. “Their hard work and dedication will empower them to grow their businesses and supply much-needed produce to supermarkets, including Boxer.”

Of the enrolled farmers, 146 are female, and 101 fall within the youth category, showcasing the programme’s role in promoting gender and youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. To further support their learning journey, Boxer provided each participant with a monthly stipend, and presented PPE (including gumboots and overalls), Boxer Build Ecoupons, and a cellphone!

As Boxer continues to champion local enterprise development, this initiative remains a testament to the company’s dedication to equipping small-scale farmers with the skills and resources they need to thrive in an evolving retail and agricultural landscape.

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