#CoffeeWithAConscience - Roast Re:public

Founded in 2013, Roast Re:public has grown to become a thriving social enterprise based in Johannesburg. Currently running a roastery and two coffee shops, with their very own social franchise shops soon to launch, Roast Re:public give 50% of their profits to Youthzones. 

Through our shared values, Roast Re:public is a well suited partner to Youthzones. Roast Re:public are passionate not only about sourcing and roasting the finest coffee beans on the planet, but also for South Africa and her people, with the dream being that education is accessible to all - "Coffee is our currency, education our priority."

There has already been a wide impact at ground level from our growing relationship with Roast Re:public, through regular staff site visits across Gauteng, working with the youth at site through to supporting with computer skills and building friendships through playing sport. 

Roast Re:public is constantly pushing the boundaries, having initially set up to donate 50% of their profit, they then opened their first café in 2014 to create employment opportunities, with the next aim to create positive change for young people on a larger scale through opening ten social franchise coffee shops. 

They were soon introduced to AmaVerkykers - a company formed by five young community leaders from Youthzones sites, who realised that development ideals can be attained through sustainable micro-enterprise. Together they collaborated, and inspired by the generosity and innovation of Roast Re:public, AmaVerkykyers saw the opportunity to make the social franchise coffee shop model accessible to a wider audience - the vulnerable and most in need communities.

Together, they formed Bottoms Up, with equal shareholding for transparency and accountability, to create sustainable change in a responsible manner, supporting the youth through the 12 week social franchise programme to they develop skills in business and entrepreneurship, hospitality and franchise specific. The top graduating candidates will be awarded with a profit share in a container coffee shop with opportunities for full time employment and ownership. Training will be supported through coaching for a period of two and a half years after completion of the programme to give the best possible opportunities of success for the youth.

"An integral part of youth development includes sustainable solutions and the development of micro-enterprise." Roelf Meyer.

Roast Re:public is without doubt one of the country's most exciting social enterprises and we are grateful for their support and friendship - keep checking back to this page for our latest news of our work together.

Want to know more about Roast Re:public or order some coffee? Click below: 

roastrepublic.co.za