Eruditio ESD Case Study: Tembisa Print

Business Overview

Business Name: Tembisa Print (Pty) Ltd

Year Registered: 2015

Sector: Printing, Signage, Branding and Corporate Gifts

Ownership: 100% Black-owned, Level 1 BBBEE Contributor

Original Location: Tembisa, Gauteng

Expansion Location: Midrand, Gauteng (2021)

Tembisa Print is a township-rooted design, printing and branding company providing end-to-end branding solutions, including business printing, signage, promotional materials and corporate gifts. The business services both private and public sector clients and was established to meet the growing branding needs of SMMEs and corporates, while contributing to township economic development.

Background and Entry into the ESD Programme

Tembisa Print joined our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programme in June 2018. At the time of onboarding, the business was operating from Tembisa with limited access to growth capital, constrained cash flow and informal internal systems. While the entrepreneur possessed strong technical expertise and market demand for services, the business faced challenges common to township-based SMMEs, including restricted access to finance and limited scalability.

At the point of entry into the ESD Programme, the business required targeted support to overcome growth constraints and transition from a small township-based operation into a scalable and sustainable enterprise. The ESD intervention was therefore focused on strengthening the business and enabling measurable growth outcomes.

ESD Support and Interventions

Through the ESD Programme, Tembisa Print received structured and bespoke support aimed at strengthening sustainability and enabling growth. Key interventions included:

• Business Development Support: Guidance on business formalisation, operational planning and strategic growth.

• Financial Support: Access to funding which enabled the entrepreneur to settle an existing business loan. This intervention significantly improved cash flow, reduced financial pressure and stabilised the business.

• Operational Strengthening: Support to improve production capacity, workflow management and service delivery standards.

• Market Credibility: Participation in the ESD Programme enhanced the company’s credibility with clients and suppliers, enabling access to larger and more consistent work opportunities.

These interventions were designed to address both immediate constraints and long-term sustainability.

Growth and Business Outcomes

Since joining the ESD Programme, Tembisa Print has demonstrated notable growth and resilience:

• Business Expansion: In 2021, the business successfully opened a new branch in Midrand, representing a significant milestone from a single-site township operation to a multi-branch enterprise.

• Improved Financial Stability: The funding support received in 2025 allowed the business to clear existing debt, strengthening its financial position and enabling reinvestment into operations.

• Strategic Client Acquisition: As the business capacity and credibility improved, Tembisa Print secured a long-term supply contract with a leading multinational cereal brand. This contract marked a major breakthrough, providing consistent revenue, strengthening operational discipline, and positioning the business within a national corporate supply chain.

• Expanded Market Reach: The Midrand branch improved access to commercial and corporate clients while the original Tembisa operation continued to service township-based customers.

• Employment Creation: Business growth supported job creation, with a focus on employing local community members and providing ongoing skills development. At inception, the business consisted of the owner and one employee; today, Tembisa Print employs a total of 10 staff members, reflecting tangible employment growth driven by the ESD intervention.

The expansion reflects the business’s transition from survival-oriented operations to a growth-focused enterprise.

Socio-Economic Impact

Tembisa Print contributes meaningfully to township economic development through local employment, skills transfer and community engagement. The business prioritises local procurement and supports community initiatives through partnerships with local non-profit organisations and youth development programmes. These efforts align with government priorities on township revitalisation, inclusive growth and black industrialist development.

Conclusion: ESD Impact

The growth of Tembisa Print illustrates the tangible impact of targeted Enterprise and Supplier Development support on township-based SMMEs. Through access to funding, business development support and enhanced market opportunities, the business has progressed from a single-location operation in Tembisa to a financially stable enterprise with a footprint in Midrand.