Celebrating Zelma Matinise: A milestone in franchise ownership and empowerment
Linda Sinclair, Head of Beauty and Wellness Investments, Clicks Group; Zelma Matinise, Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur Franchise Partner; Andile Mazwai, Bidvest Bank Managing Director and Dhevan Pillay, Managing Executive for Retail Business Development, Clicks Group.
Image: Luigi Bennett
In a landmark event that reverberates through the world of beauty and entrepreneurship, Zelma Matinise, has officially taken ownership of her very own franchise at Sorbet Howard Centre. This significant handover marks a new chapter in Zelma's 12-year journey with Sorbet where she started as a nail technician.
The Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme, a collaboration between Sorbet Group and Bidvest Bank, serves as a beacon of hope for people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to transition from Sorbet employees to franchise owners. The programme facilitates this transition by providing 50% of the capital required as a grant from Bidvest Bank, complemented by a repayable loan for the remaining half.
Matinise's journey with the Sorbet brand began in 2014 when she joined as a Sorbet Empowering Wo+Men (SEW) candidate. Rising from her position as a Level 5 Nail Technician at Sorbet Cavendish Mall, her dedication, ambition, and unwavering focus on self-development paved her way to franchise ownership. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and skills enhancement has equipped her with the tools crucial for her success as a business owner.
Reflecting on this achievement, Zelma expressed her profound gratitude: “This opportunity is truly a dream come true. Sorbet and Bidvest Bank have played a significant role in shaping who I am today as a business professional, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support and belief they have shown in me over the years. I’m committed to building a strong team and sharing everything I’ve learned along the way to empower others to grow within the brand – just as I have. People development and passion are powerful, and I’m excited to put both into creating a successful business.”
Linda Sinclair, Head of Beauty and Wellness Investments at Clicks Group, commented on Matinise's inspiring journey: “Sorbet is about more than beauty – it’s about people and unlocking their potential. Zelma’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when opportunity, ambition, education, and support come together. Through the Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme, we are proud to help our Citizens transition into ownership and leadership roles.”
Andile Mazwai, Managing Director of Bidvest Bank, echoed this sentiment, stating: “Through our partnership with Sorbet, Bidvest Bank is proud to empower driven women like Zelma with the funding, mentorship, and resources necessary to thrive as business owners.”
Matinise’s franchise handover marks the sixth successful franchise established through the programme.