- Tailored business skills training;
- One-on-one mentorship and support;
- Technical enablement; and
- Loan funding at preferential interest rates.
During the year, we spent R32 million on ESD. This benefited 11 current suppliers, 22 enterprise development beneficiaries who are not registered suppliers and 35 businesses that were aided through the programme’s technical enablement initiative . This provides support to suppliers who have the potential to grow, but lack the necessary certifications, memberships and licences required to meet the procurement standards of large organisations. One of the primary ways we provide this support is by helping businesses obtain their ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. Additional certifications and qualifications awarded involve essential assembly, specialised geological modelling, deep cleaning and hygiene, while other businesses became members of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa and The Institute of Waste Management South Africa.
During the year, 61 entrepreneurs graduated from various business skills development programmes that have given them the knowledge and skills to take their businesses to the next level. Course material covers entrepreneurship, financial analysis, sales, marketing, project management and strategy development.
We also support local SMMEs by providing loan funding at preferential rates to suppliers awarded purchase orders and/ or contracts by our operations. In 2024, we disbursed funding of R7.9 million in loans and co-funded a total of R7.1 million with Absa. Approximately 114 jobs were created as a result of our support.
A significant milestone in 2024 was the signing of a R200 million co-funding agreement with Absa to support entrepreneurial development and economic growth in host communities.
While Thuthukani has been instrumental in building business acumen and providing technical support, its capacity to offer loan funding and financial assistance has been limited. Access to finance is essential for SMMEs to secure start-up capital, cover initial operating costs and capitalise on growth opportunities. Emerging enterprises often face significant challenges in securing funding as they are perceived as high-risk investments with little or no collateral.
Absa, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services providers, reserved an initial R200 million – subject to annual review – to provide loan financing, specifically for SMMEs that have secured significant contracts from our sites. This initiative bridges a critical gap, ensuring that capable businesses can deliver on their contracts and realise their growth potential.
Speaking at the signing, Absa’s head of ESD, Kgalaletso Tlhoaela, said that the bank was attracted to the programme due to the level of support Thuthukani provides.
“With Thuthukani’s guiding hand, borrowers have a significant chance of success.”
Thuthukani hosted a supplier end-user day to provide 29 graduates with the opportunity to present their goods and services to end-users representing our sites.
Graduates were able to engage directly with potential buyers, showcase their offerings and receive valuable feedback to refine their approach. The event fostered meaningful connections and reinforced the programme’s role in equipping suppliers for sustainable business growth.
Well-known entrepreneur and founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance Bulelani Balabala spoke at the event. He emphasised the importance of resilience, a competitive mindset and delivering consistent value.
Ingy Industrial and Tech Solutions is a logistics and plant hire company established in 2013 by Frans Motau and Nkosimphile Mahlangu, two driven entrepreneurs with a clear vision for growth. One of their primary challenges was limited access to funding for essential equipment. Their breakthrough came when they secured their first major logistics contract with our business, which referred them to Thuthukani to address their funding needs. The entrepreneurs became the first beneficiaries of our agreement with Absa and received R9.5 million to acquire three trucks and trailers.
More than a hundred local SMMEs attended workshops on costing, pricing and tendering so that they can confidently compete for opportunities inside and outside of our supply chain. The owner of Namsezana Trading and Projects, Lungile Mtsweni, applied what she had learned at the two-day workshop and was awarded an industrial cleaning contract at Isibonelo. She employs 17 people.