Janine Roberts

Ukama Contract Packing

What does your company do?

Ukama Social Enterprise is comprised of Ukama Contract Packing whose sole purpose is to offer exceptional contract packing services while at the same time empowering individuals and uplifting communities. Started in 2010 with the aim of helping women from previously disadvantaged communities create. Then we have Ukama Community Foundation (a registered NPO) who feed over 500 children a day at informal ECD centres around the Deep South. We also have 3 Soup Kitchens feeding hundreds of unemployed people needing nourishment. We enable small businesses to get their products to market by using our fully certified and accredited packing facility. ‘Ukama’ is a Shona word meaning ‘we are related’ or ‘we are family’ It’s a word which encompasses our inclusive philosophy as well as our every-day practice. Our NPO link: https://www.facebook.com/UkamaCommunity

What is your biggest success?

Honestly my biggest success is getting through the past 14 years as a social enterprise with our main goal being making life better for people! We have had HUGE hurdles to overcome, many losses, an insolvency, COVID, load shedding and extreme struggles. Still being able to provide a job for 30 people is my biggest success, followed shortly by feeding over 600 people a day through our NPO.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Funding has been our hugest hurdle the whole way through the journey.