Everything You Need to Know About DFTA

The programme covers 10 comprehensive modules. Classes are held one day a month, requiring approximately 6 hours per month. In addition to class time, you’ll dedicate time to assignments, practical application, and preparation for graduation.

Every module combines classroom learning with practical application. You’ll learn costing and then calculate your actual menu costs. You’ll learn marketing and then create your actual brand and social media. By graduation, you’ll have a functioning, licensed business – not just theoretical knowledge. We do not teach cooking or culinary skills.

You learn from three types of experts:

Industry Specialists – Food safety trainers, licensing consultants, financial advisors, marketing professionals with real credentials and experience.

Delicious All Stars – Successful festival traders who’ve built profitable businesses over a decade at Delicious Festival. They mentor you on what actually works in festival trading.

DFTA Team – Programme coordinators and business coaches who guide your journey from application through graduation.

You can apply if you:

• Are a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Are 18 years or older” or age requirement
• Have a genuine passion for food entrepreneurship
• Are committed to building a festival/event trading business
• Can commit to the full 10-month programme

You can be an informal trader wanting to formalise, or someone who hasn’t started a business yet but is serious about doing so.

No. You can apply whether you’re:

• Currently operating informally and want to formalize
• Have an idea but haven’t started yet
• Are transitioning from another career into food entrepreneurship

What matters is your commitment to building a professional food business, not where you’re starting from.

We hold Cohorts in Johannesburg and Cape Town every year. Please join the waiting list and follow our social pages for information on the next intake.

We receive more applications than available spots, but selection isn’t just about being first. We’re looking for:

• Genuine commitment to the full programme
• Realistic understanding of entrepreneurship
• Passion for food and festival trading
• Alignment with DFTA’s mission
• Potential to build a sustainable business

The quality of your application matters more than the date you submit it. If you’re serious about this, please apply and demonstrate why you’re ready.

Required:

• Copy of South African ID or permanent residency permit
• Proof of residence

The programme is fully funded. There is no cost to accepted students. All training, materials, mentorship, and certification are provided at no charge. However, the cost of transport to class, and data, is for the student to cover.

We do not provide funding; we assist in directing and connecting our entrepreneurs to funding opportunities and assist them in applying.

Attendance is mandatory. We offer attendance online if you cannot attend in person. If you miss sessions due to emergency, we’ll work with you to catch up. 

Classes are held in Johannesburg South, Midrand and Cape Town. 

Yes. The programme is designed for part-time delivery to allow students to maintain employment or other commitments. 

No. Every graduate receives an opportunity to apply to trade at the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival.

Success requires implementing what you learn and committing to your business. Most graduates who struggle do so because they don’t consistently apply the systems taught, not because the training was inadequate. We provide continued support to help graduates troubleshoot and adjust, but ultimately, your success depends on your execution.