Innovative business cases in the South Africa table grape and wine industries: developing the concept of empowerment entrepreneurship

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on an innovative initiative taken spontaneously by producers in the supply chain of the table grapes and wine industry to empower employees. Empowerment is a fundamental force for change in doing business in South Africa and its societies, especially in the lives of previously disadvantaged people (PDI). The majority of the PDI employed in the agriculture industry have been marginalised with regards to business opportunities and proper education for decades by the political system of the country prior to 1994. By examining the innovative business models used by the producer in the empowerment process we gain a broader comprehension of how sustainable empowerment of employees in a supply chain can successfully be integrated into the business strategy used by the producers. The business models have undergone several innovative changes over time to find the 'ultimate' business model for creating empowerment in South Africa.