Limpopo Business 2022/23 by Global Africa Network Media

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a flagship project

Limpopo is open for business! ■

StanleyPremier Mathabatha

BUSINESSLIMPOPO

want to start by thanking Global Africa Network for sustaining the publication of this important magazine, Limpopo Business. I also wish to join in celebrating this 12th edition of what I consider a premier business and investment guide for our beautiful Limpopo Province.

What is even more tantalising is the fact that this project enjoys the overwhelming support of our National Government.

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) remains our flagship economic development project. Through this initiative, and through partnerships with the private sector, we hope to stimulate economic growth, create much-needed employment opportunities and reduce the ballooning gap of Businessinequality.opportunities in this SEZ project are limitless. These opportunities range from manufacturing, agroprocessing, automotives, steel, pharmaceutical, logistics and many more.

Indeed, Limpopo Business is an important partner in the continued endeavour to market and position Limpopo as a leading and most attractive business and investment destination.

This informative edition once again affords us an opportunity to take you through the plentiful business and investment offerings of our province, from Bela-Bela to ThroughMusina.thispublication, you will also learn about great private-public partnership investments that are the pulse of our provincial economy.

The construction industry is one of the booming sectors of the Limpopo economy, the inherited legacy of an infrastructure backlog means that the sector has a longer future. Investment in this sector is an investment in the future. Limpopo Province has also moved to embrace the new digital economy through competitive support infrastructure.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha invites private investors to work with the public sector in building infrastructure and growing the economy.

As you will come to learn, Limpopo is home to a thriving mining sector, tantalising tourism offerings and a limitless potential for the agricultural sector.

As the Limpopo Provincial Government, we have placed this MusinaMakhado SEZ Project at the apex of our priorities. We believe that the only available option for us is to make this project a resounding success.

EDITION2022/23 THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZAJOIN US ONLINE

Enhancing developmentsocio-economicinLimpopo

Roads Agency Limpopo provides road infrastructure services to the people of Limpopo.

oads Agency Limpopo (RAL) is a provincial road infrastructure service-delivery entity mandated to build and maintain the Limpopo provincial road network. The mandate is aligned with the province’s economic development plan to facilitate access to various facilities that promote socio-economic development. Despite stringent budgetary constraints, the Agency continues to deliver on its mandate for the benefit of the province based on an annual financial allocation used to build and maintain the Limpopo road network through equitable shares (EQs) and the Provincial Roads Management Grant (PRMG).

RAL has several lucrative partnerships within the mining sector, including with Exxaro Resources, which dates back to 2015. The partnership between RAL and Exxaro resulted in the upgrading of road D2001 in the Waterberg District from gravel to tar over a stretch of 9.56km at an estimated cost of R100-million, which cost was 100% met by Exxaro.

In addition, Exxaro Resources sponsored the upgrading of several roads connecting Ga-Seleka villages to the commercial centre of Lephalale, which was identified as an important project through the Integrated Development Plan of the Lephalale Local Municipality. Another notable stride made in the strategic partnerships approach was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RAL and eight mining companies operating in the Sekhukhune District for the rehabilitation and

Strategic partnerships in the Mining Sector

Given the current demand for quality road infrastructure that far exceeds the available resources in the province, the Agency has

For more information: www.ral.co.za

managed to channel its limited resources towards supporting the Limpopo province’s key strategic economic pillars, namely the mining , agriculture and tourism sectors. Leveraging on these three pillars enables the Agency to be an active catalyst for the province’s economic growth and social development. RAL has recently adopted the strategic partnerships approach which seeks to augment the annual fiscus to meet the demand for quality roads. This is in recognition of the entity’s view that building a thriving economy requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders. With the strategic partnership approach, RAL engages the private sector to solicit funds to augment the entity’s annual budget allocation. Through this strategic approach, the entity has over the years raised more than R700-million in funding towards building and expanding Limpopo’s roads network.

Limpopo is host to Mapungubwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two renowned national parks, Marakele National Park and Kruger National

Strategic partnerships in the Agricultural Sector

PANTONE P49-8C CMYK - 0, 99, 91, 2 HEX TRICOLOURHEXCMYKPROCESSHEXCMYKPROCESSC01823COLOUR-69,62,62,54383938COLOUR-0,0,0,60818285LOGOVERSION @roadsagencylimpopo roadsagencylimpopo @RoadsAgency Roads Agency Limpopo

Park. The province is also among the most-visited areas in the country due to its scenic nature, which contributes to its uncontested performance statistics in tourism, which is one of its key pillars in economic growth. Accordingly, strategic roads leading to critical tourism hotspots need to be of good quality to encourage return visits among tourists. For this reason, RAL continues to engage the tourism sector to find synergies in enhancing access to the sector, in particular, its facilities, with ease.

building of the new Steelpoort Bridge. The partners believe that the bridge will bring relief to the surrounding communities by facilitating easy movement between Jane Furse, Burgersfort and the mines in and around Steelpoort, among other adjacent areas. A sum of over R80-million was raised to fund the project. Mining companies involved in the project included Rakhoma Mining Resources, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine, Glencore, Rustenburg Platinum, Samancor Chrome, Booysendal Platinum, Tjate Platinum and Two Rivers Platinum.

Farming plays a pivotal role in the province’s economy. Farm produce from the province is among the best in the country exported to the rest of the world. Some of the success stories in the agricultural sector were born out of the RAL-ZZ2 partnership, which since 2016 has included road maintenance works on the R521 Pondrift (border post) and Alldays roads. ZZ2 also assisted RAL in maintaining several sections of other strategic and mostly gravel roads in the province including P135/1 (Musina to Pafuri), D1942 (Malaladrift) and D617, which passes through Houtbosdorp from Mooketsi Farm. Most recently, the D2531 near Cloudslands Farm was fixed after it collapsed due to flooding. In addition, as part of RAL’s strategic road infrastructure intervention, more partnerships will be sought to solicit resources for the maintenance of roads that link to other agricultural produce. As it stands in many places, instead of a truck taking 30 minutes to travel from a farm to the tarred road, it takes more than an hour. This is a situation which calls for all roads related to economic activity to be maintained.

Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Roads play a major role in connecting all sectors of the economy and enhancing business in the province. RAL endeavours to partner with the various sectors of the economy for improved road infrastructure development. These partnerships are important enablers of quality roads construction through the interface between the private sector and government towards economic development of the province.

Strategic approach in the Tourism Sector

Regional overview of Limpopo 8

Mining 40

Business 2022/23 Edition

Large investments are being made into Limpopo mining

Limpopo

Attracting new investments is one of the key priorities for the province’s newly-established Special Economic Zones. The province’s platinum resources are opening up huge opportunities in the field of green energy.

Big companies are investing in prototypes and the province’s Special Economic Zones are positioning themselves as green energy hubs.

Limpopo’s Special Economic Zones are a vital part of the province’s road to recovery through industrialisation, as the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Thabo Mokone, explains.

Message from the Premier of Limpopo 3

Economic sectors

2LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

A unique guide to business and investment in Limpopo.

Green hydrogen comes to Limpopo 22

Foreword 6

Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha and his administration are working hard to create conducive conditions for investors.

Agriculture 38

Special features

MEC message: LEDET 5

CONTENTSIntroduction

Schemes to support small-scale farmers are expanding.

as a means to market and position the province as an attractive business and investment destination.

MESSAGE

Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha and his administration are working hard to create conducive conditions for investors.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha outlines his administration’s priorities in welcoming potential investors to the varied economy that is already receiving interest from China and elsewhere.

Infrastructure is a key driver in job creation and development

One of the key drivers of employment creation in the province government’s deliberate investment in infrastructure projects. end of the 2018/19 financial year, provincial infrastructure expenditure stood at above R5.5-billion. We look forward to spending the province’s infrastructure grants on capital infrastructure which will help to stimulate the economy and create jobs people of Limpopo.

MESSAGE

Musina-Makhado

promise of growth and development of the economy for a decent quality of life. This is a promise which we intend working in partnership with all our social partners and stakeholders.

sustaining the wish to join business economicinvestmentagriculturaleconomy.mostcontinuedandattractivetotakeyouprovince,fromprivate-publicminingsector,sector.theLimpopomeansthattheinthedigitaleconomyremainsourandthroughgrowth,ballooningopportunitiespharmaceutical,enjoysthethisMusina-thattheonly

After a long journey of pursuing the establishment of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, we are proud to announce the launch of the project following the granting of the environmental authorisation by the relevant authorities. This milestone will unlock unlimited opportunities for the provincial economy. We have already set aside R600-million towards infrastructure in the North Site of the project in Musina. We are well on track to turning the Musina-Makhado Corridor into a hive of industrialProgressactivity.towards the designation of Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ is at an advanced stage. The completion of this designation will go a long way in contributing to employment creation. Already 21 companies with the potential to invest R45-billion and create over 8 000 jobs have shown interest in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ. The first phase will integrate the expansion of an existing industrial hub into a mining-supplier precinct. ■

Building a green and resilient future

MESSAGE

Our work is guided by the conviction that without ignoring collective achievements, so much more can and must still

Infrastructure

e are steering our economy to a green, resilient and developmentalinclusivepath, in line with the National Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the Limpopo Socioeconomic RecoveryCentralPlan.to these economic recovery efforts is to position Limpopo as an investment destination of choice for both domestic and foreign investors. This will help to enhance the muchneeded creation of employment, particularly for our young people. We welcome the publication of this Limpopo Business publication

e are fresh into the 6th afterAdministrationProvincialourmost successful national and provincial general election. This was an election which was fought on the

Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha

This plan will pay special attention to various Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) support programmes. The total investment and interventions by this economic recovery plan is projected at around R170-billion. This is projected to create over 48 000 jobs in the next five to 10 years.

7 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2020/21LIMPOPO BUSINESS Limpopo is open for business! 73 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, Premier of Limpopo economy.sectorinvitesin

As we prepare to implement the manifesto priorities ruling party, we move from a premise that over the past the lives of the people of South Africa have changed for the Millions of people have houses, electricity and access drinking water. Children from poor communities have free education. In the past five years the number of HIV-positive people on antiretroviral treatment has doubled while the rate of new infections is decreasing. Over 17.5-million of vulnerable citizens receive social grants. We advanced the rights of workers to organise, collectively bargain, refuse dangerous work, and to strike.

We recognise that information and knowledge, supported through state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology, is critical to support service delivery and to achieve our developmental goals. Our Five-Year Limpopo e-Government Strategy Implementation Plan lays a solid foundation for digital transformation.

Our collective focus is on the creation of jobs, the need poverty and the urgency of building a better life for all. This greater focus and determination, and our set targets and objectives can only be realised through working together as government, business, organised labour and other groups and organisations.

flagshipSpecialproject

In addition, the implementation of the Limpopo Industrial Master Plan has also received R208-billion in investment pledges from the Limpopo Investment Conference.

We are hard at work to strengthen the implementation of the Provincial Procurement Strategy, promoting the production and consumption of locally-produced goods and services.

Mathabatha

Energy 48

Private generation is picking up.

New hotels are under construction.

References

Overviews of the main economic sectors of Limpopo.

Digital hubs will offer greater digital access.

An enterprise coaching programme is reaping rewards.

Index 72 ABOUT THE COVER: Baobab tree (Baechi on Pixabay); Mining truck (De Beers); Planted field with baobabs (ZZ2); Mine shaft opening (Northam Platinum); Elephants (Anglo American); Furnace (Implats); Packhouse and workers (Westfalia). BUSINESSLIMPOPO EDITION2022/23 THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZAJOIN US ONLINE 2020/21 6LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20 Infrastructure is a key driver in job creation and development Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha outlines his administration’s priorities in welcoming potential investors to the varied economy that is already receiving interest from China and elsewhere. W e are fresh into the 6th afterAdministrationProvincialourmost successful national and provincial general election. This was an election which was fought on the promise of growth and development of the economy for jobs and decent quality of life. This is a promise which we intend to keep, working in partnership with all our social partners and stakeholders. Our collective focus is on the creation of jobs, the need to end poverty and the urgency of building better life for all. This requires greater focus and determination, and our set targets and objectives can only be realised through working together as government, business, organised labour and other groups and organisations. As we prepare to implement the manifesto priorities of the ruling party, we move from a premise that over the past 25 years the lives of the people of South Africa have changed for the better. Millions of people have houses, electricity and access to clean drinking water. Children from poor communities have access to free education. In the past five years the number of HIV-positive people on antiretroviral treatment has doubled while the overall rate of new infections is decreasing. Over 17.5-million of our most vulnerable citizens receive social grants. We advanced the cause and rights of workers to organise, collectively bargain, refuse dangerous work, and to strike. Our work is guided by the conviction that without ignoring our collective achievements, so much more can and must still be done. Infrastructure One of the key drivers of employment creation in the province is the government’s deliberate investment in infrastructure projects. By the end of the 2018/19 financial year, provincial infrastructure expenditure stood at above R5.5-billion. We look forward to spending more of the province’s infrastructure grants on capital infrastructure projects which will help to stimulate the economy and create jobs for the people of Limpopo. MESSAGE Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, Premier of Limpopo Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha invites private investors to work with the public sector in building infrastructure and growing the economy. The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a flagship project I want to start by thanking Global Africa Network for sustaining the publication of this important magazine, Limpopo Business also wish to join in celebrating this 12th edition of what consider premier business and investment guide for our beautiful Limpopo Province. Indeed, Limpopo Business is an important partner in the continued endeavour to market and position Limpopo as a leading and most attractive This informative edition once again affords us an opportunity to take you through the plentiful business and investment offerings of our province, from Bela-Bela to ThroughMusina.thispublication, you will also learn about great private-public partnership investments that are the pulse of our provincial economy. As you will come to learn, Limpopo is home to thriving mining sector, tantalising tourism offerings and a limitless potential for the agricultural sector. The construction industry is one of the booming sectors of the Limpopo economy, the inherited legacy of an infrastructure backlog means that the sector has longer future. Investment in this sector is an investment in the future. Limpopo Province has also moved to embrace the new digital economy through competitive support infrastructure. The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) remains our flagship economic development project. Through this initiative, and through partnerships with the private sector, we hope to stimulate economic growth, create much-needed employment opportunities and reduce the ballooning gap of Businessinequality.opportunities in this SEZ project are limitless. These opportunities range from manufacturing, agroprocessing, automotives, steel, pharmaceutical, logistics and many more. What is even more tantalising is the fact that this project enjoys the overwhelming support of our National Government. As the Limpopo Provincial Government, we have placed this MusinaMakhado SEZ Project at the apex of our priorities. We believe that the only available option for us is to make this project a resounding success. Limpopo is open for business! ■ Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha MESSAGE

Water 50

sector contents 36

ICT 52

Tourism 56

University entity is earning its keep digitally.

Key

Development finance and SMME support 62

State projects and new hotels are underway.

CONTENTS

Polokwane’s new bus rapid system is up and running.

Mining companies are supplying water to communities.

Construction and property 51

Transport and logistics 58

Education 68

Among the catalytic projects are the Broadband Network Infrastructure Initiative, Mining Supply Hub, Technology Hub/Science Park, Digital Hub and two Special Economic Zones.

MEC

At MMSEZ we recognise partnerships and continuous stakeholderengagement as an integral part of our value system. Nevertheless, the success of the MMSEZ is dependent on its ability to attract and maintain sound and mutually beneficial relationships with investors. Both domestic and international investors are the mainstay of the MMSEZ to grow Limpopo’s economy.

Investment opportunities

LEDET is moving forward on the actualisation of the FetakgomoTubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), which is at an advanced stage. We have finalised the business case for the designation of the FTSEZ and the Department has put its support behind the Mining Input Supplier Park, owned by Glencore. There is also a quadripartite agreement consisting of four strategic partners: LEDET, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). ■

Thabo Mokone

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is leading the industrialisation of the provincial economy through a series of mega-projects in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, with a strong element of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Economic EnvironmentDevelopment,andTourism

The MMSEZ SOC is collaborating with stakeholders across various spheres of government and Musina Municipality to develop a Smart City in the Musina-Makhado Corridor. This initiative has opened a new basket of investment opportunities with a great potential for return on investment.

he Limpopo Executive Council has approved the Limpopo Industrial Master Plan: 2020-2030 as the anchor of the province’s industrialisation agenda. This plan will change the structure of Limpopo’s economy.

The Musina-Makhado SEZ was launched in April this year and is continuously engaging with local and international investors. The rollout of bulk infrastructure in the MMSEZ will focus on bulk sewersupply pipelines and wastewater treatment works; bulkwater storage and supply pipelines; water-treatment works and internal roads and storm water. Eskom has started with the inception and scoping report for bulk electricity infrastructure of the MMSEZ.

The investment value of the 1 000MW solar power plan to be constructed in the SEZ is $1.5-billion and this project will be implemented by Huadian Hong Kong Ltd.

MESSAGE

5 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

An industrial master plan has been approved

Administration & accounts: Charlene Steynberg

This journal carries messages of welcome to investors from the province’s Premier and the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism.

Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd

Both of the province’s two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have taken several pages in this journal in order to share their goals with potential investors. The business case for the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in the province’s far north has been accepted and the SEZ has received its official designation. Several investors have signed on and infrastructure development is underway. The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ in the east is building up its infrastructure in terms of roads, railway sidings and water provision and both SEZs are taking an interest in renewable energy, and green hydrogen in particular.

Online editor: Christoff Scholtz

Sam VanessaGabrielOliverVenterWallace

he 2022/23 edition of Limpopo Business is the 14th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Limpopo Province.

PublishingCredits

Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700

Shiko Diala

Kathy Wootton

PUBLISHED BY

Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943

Managing director: Clive During

Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za

Production: Yonella Ngaba

A special feature on green hydrogen appears in the front section of this journal. News related to mining, agriculture, tourism, construction and property, water, education and development finance is carried in overviews of the main economic sectors.

Editor: John Young Business manager:development

Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701

Limpopo Business

Limpopo Business is distributed internationally on outgoing and incoming trade missions, through trade and investment agencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s main trading partners around the world; at top national and international events; through the offices of foreign representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, airport lounges, provincial government departments, municipalities and companies.

FOREWORD

COPYRIGHT | Limpopo Business is an independent publication published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to the publication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd.

PHOTO CREDITS | Anglo American; De Beers; dtic; GCIS; De Beers; Glencore; Grinaker LTA; Implats; Leeta La Polokwane; Northam Platinum; Premier Hotels, GoLimpopo; RAL; Readymix; Sun International; Umhlali Construction; Univen; Wynand Uys on Unsplash; ZZ2.

Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales

director: Chris Whales

Ad sales: Gavin van der Merwe

Distribution and circulation

To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.limpopobusiness. co.za. Updated information on the Limpopo is also available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.gan.co.za, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces, our flagship South African Business title and the new addition to our list of publications, Journal of African Business, which was launched in 2020. ■

A unique guide to business and investment in Limpopo.

ISSN 1993-0119

DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in Limpopo Business is accurate and up-to-date, the publishers make no representations as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, or completeness of the information. Global Africa Network will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or any reliance placed on such information.

Chris Whales Publisher, Global Africa Network Media | Email: chris@gan.co.za

Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07

manager: Edward MacDonald

Printing: FA Print

Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations

DISTRIBUTION

Designer: Tyra Martin

• LUBF’s role is therefore to ensure access to available programmes and assist entrepreneurs to take their space in the new normal of digitisation, innovation and manufacturing.

Objective

Limpopo United Business Forum

Administrator: Abram Luruli Cell: 084 451 9923

• Intervention is vital for the survival of businesses but it is also true that the new economy presents opportunities for small businesses to create new jobs and maintain current ones.

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment.

Small Business Enterprise Unity (SBEU) South African Women In Construction & Built Environment (SAWIC & BE) Thohoyandou Business Forum (TBF) Limpopo Women in Tourism (LimWiT) Youth Business Forum (YBF)

NAFCOC, Black Management Forum (BMF), Businesswomen’s Association (BWA), Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), Seshego Business Quorum, Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE), Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU), Limpopo ICT Forum and the African Farmers’ Association of SA.

• Businesses are struggling due to the stagnant economy, a situation that has now been exacerbated by the unprecedented pandemic. Limpopo has lower than average household income and low ICT connectivity. Small businesses have to continue creating jobs to save the economy.

development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment. In responding to the challenges that are facing SMMEs, LUBF has engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

To collaborate and partner with public and private organisations in promoting and advancing the interests of members. LUBF further forms part of the social compact comprising business, government and civil society in order to grow the economy of Limpopo, contribute to the creation of jobs, reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills

Executive Association (BWA) Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE) Limpopo ICT Forum

Survival and opportunity

• LUBF has intensified its programme of action and has recently engaged many relevant stakeholders. The objective is to assist SMMEs to gain access to Covid-19 relief programmes and access business opportunities.

Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF) Seshego Business Quorum

Contact details

Programme of action

impopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising several business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC Limpopo)

CONTACT DETAILS 25

months engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

PROFILE

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2020/21

• The leadership remain committed to uniting the voice of business. ■

InvestCan Women Association (IWA) Limpopo Women In Business (LIWIB)

Administrator: Abram Luruli Cell: 084 451 9923 Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Members

Address: 1st Flr, Terminal Bldg, Polokwane Airport, Gateway Drive, Polokwane Tel: +27 15 296 0654

In responding to the challenges that are currently facing SMMEs, LUBF has in the past two

The Forum provides local bodies with a single voice to talk to government.

Objective

The Forum provides local bodies with a single voice to talk to government.

Address: 32 Juno Avenue, Sterkpark, Polokwane 0700 Tel: +27 15 296 0654

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

Programme of action

Limpopo United Business Forum

impopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising 10 business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

committee President: Tshepo Mathabatha (BWASA Limpopo) Deputy President: Timothy Marobane (NAFCOC Limpopo) Secretary General: Chichi Nemadzivhanani (SAWIC & BE) Deputy Secretary General: Beef Thato Nkoana (YBF) Treasurer General: Joseph Mathebula (PPF) Members African Farmers’ Association of SA (AFASA) Black Lawyers Association (BLA) Black Management Forum (BMF) Businesswomen’s

PROVINCELIMPOPOOF

8LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 A REGIONAL OVERVIEW

By John Young

impopo is engaged in a concerted drive to attract new investors to the province. A number of targeted conferences have been held in several key sectors and the teams leading the push to establish Special Economic Zones in the Limpopo have been working hard to promote the Musina-Makhado SEZ and the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ.

Early in 2022, the Limpopo Investment Conference was the site of investment pledges in the order of R208-billion, a figure which the province’s premier described as going a long way to help industrialise the province and create jobs. Somewhat surprisingly in the wake of Covid-19, at least three new hotels are under construction in the province, a testament to the wonderful variety that the area has to offer visitors and to the resilience of the Somesector.

Limpopo nature reserves are to be commercialised using private-public partnerships.

Among the first reserves to be part of the programme are Masebe, Rust de Winter and Lekgalameetse. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is responsible for 53 provincial nature reserves.

Each of the SEZs has its own unique attributes but both of them seek to support the beneficiation of minerals that are plentiful in the region, encourage the growth of green energy hubs and green manufacturing, take advantage of their strategic location to welcome logistics companies and to use the SEZs as a means of uplifting local communities through training, jobs and contracts to supply goods and services to the SEZs themselves, and to companies that set up operations in the SEZs.

The Limpopo tourism sector is welcoming several new hotels. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is an established part of Polokwane’s entertainment and leisure environment, with 54 rooms and six suites. Credit: Sun International

The mining sector was less effected by shutdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic than many other industries. Record prices for some commodities ensured that mining houses were able to post excellent results in June and July 2021 and expansion projects, such as the purchase of new rights by Amplats (platinum), the conversion to underground mining by De Beers (diamonds) and increased volumes promised by Exxaro (coal), point to confidence in the future of the sector and the resource beneath the ground.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Three major national parks – Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe in the north and Marakele in the Waterberg – are run by South African National Parks (SANParks) and attract large numbers of tourists every year. The province’s private game reserves and lodges enjoy a reputation for luxury and excellence of service that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors. The combined land area of Limpopo’s national, provincial and private game and nature reserves is 3.6-million hectares.

Agriculture

The provincial government records that the province will be receiving a total investment from mining of R36.3-billion in the period to 2025.

The provincial government is putting considerable resources into agricultural infrastructure. This includes upgrading old irrigation schemes and building new ones, building a packhouse, investing in processing equipment at a tomato paste factory and constructing and supplying Farmer Production Support Units around the province. These all constitute attempts to bring small-scale farmers into the value chain at a point where more money can be made.Limpopo is home to some of South Africa’s largest commercial agricultural enterprises who are drawn to the fertile and varied soils that the province has to offer. This is one of the reasons why Limpopo punches above its weight in exports.

One of the country’s biggest exporters, ZZ2, is in the process of building a giant new packhouse at its headquarters in Mooketsi. As one of the country’s largest agricultural companies, ZZ2 is

Limpopo’s assets include the largest diamond mine in South Africa (De Beers Venetia Mine), the biggest copper mine in South Africa (Palabora Mining Company), the biggest open-pit platinum mine in the country (Anglo America’s Mogalakwena) and the biggest vermiculite mine in the world. The province has 41% of South Africa’s PGMs, 90% of South Africa’s red-granite resources and approximately 50% of the country’s coal reserves. Antimony, a highly strategic mineral found in large quantities in China, is another of Limpopo’s major assets. In 2019, the mining sector in Limpopo employed 48 782 workers and paid out R39.7-billion in wages and salaries.

The provincial government has committed to enhancing the value of Limpopo’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Makapans Valley and Mapungubwe Heritage Site, where the superbly crafted little golden rhinoceros, a relic from medieval times, was found in 1932. This is also a priority programme in the National Tourism Sector Strategy. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO protected site.

9 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

In his 2022 State of the Province address delivered in February, Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha stated, “We are steering our economy to a green, resilient and inclusive developmental path, in line with the National Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the Limpopo Socioeconomic Recovery Plan.”

In support of the investment drive, major infrastructure projects have been undertaken, not least by two roads agencies. SANRAL is the national agency and it has been busy in every part of Limpopo, including the building of a new ring road around Polokwane, the provincial capital. Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) has similarly been actively engaged in fixing and upgrading roads throughout the province, sometimes in partnership with mining companies.

Several large water-supply projects such as the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Project and the Groot Letaba Water Augmentation Project have been implemented or are underway. These infrastructure investments are vital, not only for the sake of the citizens of Limpopo whose needs are great, but to keep the economic wheels of the province turning and to convince investors that work is being done to make it possible to allow private enterprises to create functional and sustainable businesses.

Transport infrastructure is vital to economic growth in a province where long distances are common. Credit: RAL

The Limpopo Province’s 125 754km² covers a remarkably diverse geographical and cultural landscape that is also rich in minerals and agricultural products.

Limpopo covers about 10% of South Africa’s land mass and is home to about 10% of the country’s population. The 2011 census recorded 5.4-million residents. The main languages of the people of Limpopo are Sesotho, Xitsonga and Tshivenda but English is widely used in business and government.

Potatoes are grown in great quantities in Limpopo, together with 75% of South Africa’s mangoes and tomatoes. Statistics in many categories are impressive: papayas (65%); tea (36%); citrus, bananas and litchis (25%) and 60% of the country’s Agro-processingavocados.isstrong in several parts of the province, with Pioneer Foods, McCain, Granor Passi, Kanhym, Westfalia and Enterprise Foods all prominent, but this sector still has potential to grow.

The centrally situated city of Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo province. Located on the Great North Road and almost equidistant from the high-density population of greater Johannesburg and the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Polokwane’s upgraded international airport plays an increasingly important regional role. ■

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

famous for the large quantity of tomatoes and avocados produced but the company’s product range is also large: mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, almonds and blueberries.

Credit: De Beers

The N1 highway is a key reason for the province’s important role in the nation’s logistics sector. It passes through Limpopo from the south to the border town of Musina and on to Zimbabwe and its neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The busy N11 highway links the province to Botswana to the west and Mpumalanga Province to the east.

The best-performing subsector of South African exports in recent years has been fruit and nuts. Limpopo has been a major contributor to the country’s excellent export record: fruit and nuts from the province’s eastern regions are hugely popular in international markets and Limpopo’s commercial farmers are extremely efficient.

Most of South Africa’s logistics operators have a presence in the provincial capital city of Polokwane and logistics hubs have been established in that city and in TheMusina.province has a sophisticated rail network which Transnet Freight Rail aims to further expand, primarily to haul the province’s vast reserves of coal away to the coast at Richards Bay.

De Beers Venetia Mine, the country’s largest diamond mine, is undergoing an underground expansion that will extend the life of the mine.

The province is home to two universities, the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo, and seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The Turfloop Graduate School of Business is in Polokwane.

Geography

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Regan Gounder, the Senior Controls Manager of Kholo Marine and Minerals, said the car should be used to help provide more immediate support to the surrounding community of Senwabarwana, to make sure that critical interventions are not missed. “As Kholo Marine and Minerals, we are privileged and honoured to be part of this initiative and many more to come in partnership with De Beers Venetia Mine. What we experienced here today is nothing short of outstanding work that people are doing in the community. From what we have heard, this vehicle is going to help the centre act faster and respond more quickly to people’s needs.”

The ceremony was also graced by Councillor Daniel Mosena, Chairperson of Economic Development and Planning at the Blouberg Local Municipality, who shared a few words of gratitude on behalf of the municipality. “We are extremely appreciative of the good initiatives done by De Beers Venetia Mine in collaboration with their partners, to work with the municipality in ensuring that the support of the community is given a priority.”

o aid the fight against gender-based violence, Venetia Mine, in collaboration with contracting partner Kholo Marine and Minerals, has donated a brand new Toyota Rumion 7-seater to the Senwabarwana Victim Support Centre.

In closing, Itumeleng Mogale, Social Performance Specialist at Venetia Mine said, “This is about our community and what we can do for our community. This partnership with Kholo Marine and Minerals has made it possible for us to do more. It has made it possible to reach places and parts, which in isolation we would not have been able to.” As the slogan of support centre says, “Together we can!” ■

11 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

assisting them to achieve their mandate. “We are extremely happy to have received this vehicle to improve our service. It will now be very easy to reach victims where they are because the police also have challenges of their own with transport. This donation will go a long way to making our work smart and efficient.”

Supporting gender-based violence victims

In accepting the donation, Dr Masedi Mathopo, the Secretary of the centre, said that the vehicle is highly appreciated and will go a long way in

The centre renders victim empowerment services and the vehicle is intended to make it easier for staff members to get around, especially when helping victims of abuse.

The Senwabarwana Victim Support Centre has received a new car from Venetia Mine.

Head of Infrastructure South Africa and Head of the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency, Prof. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, outlines the goals behind the establishment of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) to coordinate the planning, management and delivery of high-impact projects.

Infrastructure South Africa is mandated to:

Prior to his current position, Prof. Ramokgopa was an MEC in the Gauteng Provincial Government, having been Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane before that. He was Chief Executive Officer for the Metropolitan Trading Company and the Johannesburg Market and has served as Deputy Chairperson of the board of Trade and Investment in Limpopo. He holds a PhD, a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Business Leadership. He completed his BSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Durban Westville in 1998. In 2022, Prof. Ramokgopa was appointed as Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy.

ISA has six key programmes through which it delivers its mandate: 1. Infrastructure Investment Planning and Oversight

• Enable stakeholder collaboration by convening and bringing togeth er stakeholders, including project sponsors, policy-makers, private sector, etc, to drive infrastructure planning and delivery integration

What are the goals of ISA?

Infrastructure investment for impact

What are the key programmes of Infrastructure South Africa through which it delivers on its mandate?

• Lead the national infrastructure strategy by defining and planning the infrastructure investment portfolio of high-impact, priority and quality economic and social infrastructure projects to meet the NDP and NIP 2050 objectives

To whom does ISA report?

What is Infrastructure South Africa’s mandate?

• Provide support to project sponsors in the development of robust business cases through specialised project-evaluation expertise, financial structuring and designing fit-for-purpose funding solutions for public sector infrastructure projects and programmes.

ISA is governed under the executive authority of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), and reports to the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council chaired by the President of the Republic of South Africa.

• Through the ISA Centre of Excellence, drive best-practice thinking in terms of infrastructure research and analysis, trends, future scenarios and insights

• Through the Portfolio Management Office, ISA drives best practice enforcement by maintaining best-practice governance and assur ance for infrastructure projects and programmes

Infrastructure South Africa is an infrastructure centre of excellence and is established as a single point of entry for infrastructure planning, management and delivery. Infrastructure South Africa is a catalyst for closing the infrastructure investment gap and meeting the infrastructure target set out in the National Development Plan, and provides best practice in project preparation, leadership on infrastructure planning, technical and financial support for nationally-prioritised infrastructure projects and programmes.

Prof. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

BIOGRAPHY

INTERVIEW

12LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

• Benefits realisation and ex-post analysis of implemented infrastructure projects.

What role did the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa, first held in 2020, play in kickstarting investment in infrastructure?

5. Property, Land, Building Portfolio Management Sustainability of government assets and infrastructure; Public Private Partnerships; Frequently Built Public Assets; Public land maximisation.

• Research and analytical focus that will serve in an advisory capacity to ISA

• Create and expand infrastructure-led research and capacity development through the publication of research papers

INTERVIEW

bridging the gap between infrastructure research and infrastructure delivery

3. Infrastructure Investment Funding and Financing Infrastructure Fund oversight, innovative funding instruments for public sector infrastructure projects and programmes, enhance role of private sector in the development and financing of catalytic infrastructure, Ease of Doing Business, and Investment Intelligence.

National Infrastructure Plan 2050 offers a strategic vision and plan for the country, promotes dynamism in infrastructure delivery, addresses institutional blockages and weaknesses and develops a prioritised national portfolio of catalytic projects and programmes designed to close the infrastructure investment gap.

Focus areas for the CoE include:

4. Infrastructure Project Pipeline Execution Strategic Integrated Projects; Procurement, Contract Management Oversight, etc. Design standardisation, green technologies and innovation.

What is the ISA Centre of Excellence?

13 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

• Infrastructure research, socio-economic impact assessment, spatial analysis, forecasting, and economic analysis

The Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) is a platform that brings together critical roleplayers in the infrastructure investment space, who are galvanised around a key goal of accelerating an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan. The symposium is also a platform to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors and investment opportunities in infrastructure. Furthermore, the symposium is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, innovative funding models for infrastructure and investing in infrastructure for a shared prosperity for all.

The ISA Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to create an organisational environment that strives to develop highquality research, learning and innovation. The CoE objective is to ensure that ISA becomes the leading and “go-to” authority on infrastructure research, information, long-term planning and guidance in South Africa. The CoE will focus on collaboration with various sector bodies and institutions to enhance infrastructure research and development. The CoE within ISA is a small team of highly-skilled and dedicated individuals that operates separately from the functional areas that it supports within the ISA organisation.

The aim was to share with the private sector our view of a long-term infrastructure project horizon and to open doors for a degree of preparation and investment to stimulate demand and resuscitate the supply side, followed by an increase in job creation. In furthering infrastructure development as an avenue to rebuild the economy, we wanted to ensure that there was greater participation of black players, industrialists, communities located in villages, rural areas and townships. We are aiming for a fundamental alteration of the economic relations of society towards a shared future in which everyone must participate. Inclusivity and transformation are key ingredients to the South Africa that we want to construct. We conceptualised the symposium to demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and to ensure that we could draw on the pool of liquidity seeking to fund sustainable infrastructure projects. ■

• Development and analysis of infrastructure indices

• Development of insights and best practices of infrastructure-led strategies

2. Infrastructure Delivery Management and Governance Development of comprehensive infrastructure project pipeline: governance, visibility and transparent design in respect of project structuring, due diligence, quality assurance to build investor confidence and to leverage private sector funding.

• Update and expand an infrastructure database for the country

6. ISA Centre of Excellence Authority on infrastructure research, forecasting and economic analysis. The programme also produces infrastructure indices, conducts socio-economic impact assessments and spatial analyses of infrastructure investment projects and pipelines.

• Serves as a “Think Tank” on matters related to infrastructure economics in the country by

As a consequence of the MMSEZ, we have witnessed investments in education and training facilities through the Vhembe TVET College, which is likely to multiply with the planned construction of a new fullsatellite campus inside the SEZ. The investment in ICT and broadband infrastructure will benefit not only investors in the zone but also members of the community with regard to data access and network connectivity. We expect the local SMMEs to be empowered from the commencement of the project.

The CEO of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, Lehlogonolo Masoga, outlines the economic impact that a new metallurgical complex will have on the region.

Lehlogonolo Masoga has more than 20 years of experience as an administrator and public servant, most recently as Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature and MEC for Roads and Transport. He served as the spokesperson for the former LEDET MEC and Minister of Public Administration, the late Mr Collins Chabane. Lehlogonolo holds three Master’s degrees: Governance and Public Leadership (Wits), Development Studies (Limpopo) and an MSc in Leadership and Change (Leeds Beckett University, UK). He has B-Tech HRM from UNISA and a professional diploma in Humanitarian Assistance from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK) and is currently a registered PhD candidate in Public Administration.

14LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

The MMSEZ has been engaging with potential investors for both the South and North sites. We were worried that delays with the environmental impact assessment approvals would discourage some of the South Site investors. We are pleased and humbled by the resilience of our Chinese investors in the metallurgical complex to develop a heavy industrial park producing steel and stainless steel and beneficiating several minerals such as ferrochrome, ferromanganese and vanadium, among others. After abandoning the coal-fired power plant, our investor substituted it with green-power generation through solar.

What are the anchor investments of the MMSEZ?

Domestic industrialisation will benefit from beneficiation strategy

BIOGRAPHY

On the North Site we have secured potential investors in the manufacturing subsectors such as industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles and metal fabrication. We are currently exploring partnerships in the field of a fresh-produce market and a regional fuel terminal. These are some of the initial projects to jump-start the MMSEZ North Site while engagements are ongoing with other strategic partners. We have also secured an ICT partner to invest in the installation of broadband infrastructure and related technological infrastructure to transform the site into a “smart zone” immediately.

What are the benefits that the MMSEZ will bring to Limpopo?

INTERVIEW

The designation of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ SOC) and prospects of a second licence for TubatseFetakgomo Special Economic Zone will trigger a variety of benefits for the people of Limpopo, especially the host municipalities. The MMSEZ has already attracted a basket of over R800-million to be invested in new infrastructure in Musina, which is expected to create over 2 000 jobs. The nature of the infrastructure, which includes water, electricity, roads and sewers, will go a long way in complementing the municipal service delivery efforts.

Lehlogonolo Masoga

Urbanisation, rapid technological advancements, climate change, global pandemics and spatial and economic inequalities are encouraging leaders to review, rethink and reconfigure planning to find innovative ways to cope with change. Smart cities are about urban ecosystems that integrate digital technology, knowledge and assets to become more responsive to users, improve services and make places more attractive.

What is a Smart City, and what is planned in connection with the MMSEZ?

The MMSEZ SOC has developed a Smart City Model which promotes a new city-development model, taking urban and rural characteristics into account based on the principles of a smart and modern economy, a smart and sustainable environment with smart and responsive governance, encouraging smart living, ensuring smart mobility and attracting and developing smart people.

enabling last-mile rail infrastructure to connect to the existing Transnet grid.

In what sector will the MMSEZ make the biggest contribution?

The installation of the bulk infrastructure has commenced in earnest with the first contractor taking site in June 2022. Our plan is to simultaneously roll out the installation of basic-services infrastructure with some of the top structures wherein investors are ready to immediately take occupation.

MMSEZ will be solely responsible for the basic infrastructure for the North Site as the operator for the Zone. However, we anticipate a substantial capital flow for the development of the top structures in the Zone. Such infrastructure will also include the

Please comment on how the MMSEZ intends to leave a lasting legacy. The leadership of the MMSEZ is resolute about harvesting the capital flow into the MusinaMakhado Corridor to use it as a catalyst for growth and development, not only for the benefit of the two towns but Limpopo in general. It is our strong conviction that through the plans that we have developed we must guide development in the corridor into one direction – Smart City. We have no doubt that in the next 36 months, Musina will never look the same and the same will apply to Makhado in the next 60 months. Through the MMSEZ there will be new roads, electricity, sewer, water, rail line, houses, retail stores, hotels, airport, broadband infrastructure and above all, a new dam with abundant waterbasedTheopportunities.MMSEZSmart City Framework will have a lasting impact on Limpopo with a corridor of smartness from Polokwane to Beitbridge. Within this corridor there will be nodes that impact on settlements and economic activity. In addition, this corridor will extend and form part of the Gauteng City Region footprint in a real and dynamic way and extend to Zimbabwe, thereby contributing to an integrated and prosperous Africa. ■

INTERVIEW

MMSEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga and dtic Deputy Minister Fikile Majola.

What is planned for the various phases of the two MMSEZ sites?

15 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

How will supporting infrastructure contribute to economic development?

Nevertheless, there are planned mega projects outside the Zone to support the MMSEZ such as the planned Musina Dam. Through a partnership with the Musina Municipality, we plan to develop the Musina Airport and acquire an international licence to develop an airlifting strategy.

The metallurgical complex in the South Site will positively impact on the mining sector by supporting industrialisation which will create new jobs and harness new skills. An interruption of the current trajectory of exporting primary mineral products into global markets with a beneficiation strategy to support domestic industrialisation will become the real game-changer.

The SpecialMusina-MakhadoEconomicZone

• New Smart City Model

• Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF)

• New Smart City Model

With many companies and countries wanting to decentralise and diversify their distribution hubs (either because of Covid-19 or potential unrest in some areas), there is an opportunity for the MMSEZ North Site as a potential regional inland port.

• Regional Spatial Development Framework

Development model

16LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

• External master plan approach Investment in developmental infrastructure is ongoing: water, electricity, ICT, roads, transport, human settlement, airport, education and training.

• Strategic information system plan

–a catalyst for growth

FOCUS

The Musina-Makhado SEZ is located in the vicinity of the Beitbridge Border Post which is one of the busiest ports of entry to South Africa and a gateway to countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will boost regional and inter-regional trade volumes, giving the MMSEZ’s prime location further importance.TheMMSEZ has the potential to become an inland intermodal terminal, facilitated by its anchoring position along the northsouth corridor, and directly connecting to the country’s major ports through both the N1 highway and the Johannesburg-Musina railway line, for the trans-shipment of sea cargo and manufactured goods.

• North Site internal master plan

• Minerals identification and beneficiation

Multiple investments in northern Limpopo are set to make a huge impact on the regional economy.

• Limpopo Development Plan

The MMSEZ state-owned company (MMSEZ SOC) has been established as the implementing agent of the project and is a subsidiary of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), which reports to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET).

• District-based development model

Key projects completed

Feasibility studies for agro-processing, timber beneficiation, logistics and manufacturing, an SMME incubation centre and the Musina Dam:

• Investment promotion strategy

Regional implications

Approval and support for the concept and location of the SEZ has been obtained from national government through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and forms part of broad national plans to diversify and grow the national economy. Private sector participation will be key to the success of the SEZ in driving growth in the region. Sectors represented in the SEZ will include energy and metallurgy, agro-processing, logistics and general manufacturing. The MMSEZ has appointed a private operator for the Energy and Metallurgical Complex (EMSEZ).

The development model of the MMSEZ complies with local, national and regional blueprints and plans. These include:

he Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) is an initiative of the Limpopo Provincial Government.

17 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Finalising the short- and medium-term water Bulksolutioninfrastructure engineering design Site clearance and fencing Installation of bulk infrastructure Ramping up skills development

• Chemicals manufacturing: investor

The action plan in the post-EIA approval phase encompasses:

During the State of the Province Address, the Premier emphasised that industrialisation of the provincial economy, through implementation of megaprojects in manufacturing and the agriculture and tourism sectors, continues unabated. LEDET is implementing high-impact catalytic projects focusing on the Broadband Network Infrastructure Initiative, the Science and Technology Park, digital hubs and our two Special Economic Zones, namely, Musina-Makhado SEZ and Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ. LEDET will drive implementation of the industrialisation programme in partnership with other sector departments in the economic cluster.

The South Site’s EIA application was approved on 23 February 2022.

• Fresh produce market: partnership

NORTH SITE

Extract from Budget Speech, 2022, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Thabo Mokone:

The province has set aside R600-million to develop infrastructure for the North Site of the MMSEZ over the medium-term expenditure framework. Of this allocation, R38.7-million has been spent to date on engineering work. The current year’s budget allocation of R200-million will be utilised to roll out security, water and electricity infrastructure. The implementation of the SEZ is progressing very well.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the site has been approved, as has the engineering planning phase for bulk infrastructure.

• Rail connectivity

Infrastructure installation is envisaged to begin in the course of 2022.

A pre-feasibility study for the project has been done. A project-based EIA application will begin after a site has been chosen and confirmed. ■

• Rezoning of the South Site

The plan to build a coal-powered power station has been phased out. A memorandum of understanding was signed in December 2021 with a Chinese investor to build a 1 000MW solar power plant.

FOCUS

• Trucks and buses manufacturing: investor

Nor th Site Layout

South Site Status

• Regional fuel terminal: partnership

Phase 1 projects:

Driving industrialisation

• Vhembe TVET College

SOUTH SITE

he Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) will be a vehicle for uplifting the skills level of the population and for creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.

FOCUS

A feasibility study has been conducted to investigate the establishment of an SMME

Tertiary beneficiaries are classified in two levels. Level One: includes South African bidders from outside Limpopo Province. Level Two : includes bidders from outside South Africa. Procurement-based empowerment makes allowance for both primary and secondary beneficiaries.

Skills profile

Training opportunities are being created and small business will benefit.

Vhembe TVET College has already opened a satellite campus with mobile classrooms in Musina and the campus is in the process of gearing up to respond to the emerging industrial activities in the corridor. Plans are underway to develop a fully-fledged satellite campus in the North Site of the MMSEZ. This initiative has been endorsed by the national Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Diamond mining company De Beers has agreed to support graduates with on-the-job training opportunities. Furthermore, collaboration is being investigated with the Limpopo Skills Academy. The skills required for the construction and operational phases of the MMSEZ have been identified and many opportunities exist for training.

The Musina-Makhado SEZ has ambitious targets

SMME empowerment strategy

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Incubation Centre for the MMSEZ. The MMSEZ SOC is actively looking for opportunities to engage with small business owners and entrepreneurs to look for ways to collaborate or to encourage small business. This could be as a business assisting in building infrastructure in the SEZ, creating new factory or production facilities or as a service provider.

Primary beneficiaries: Level One: Bidders in 17

An artistic impression of the Vhembe TVET College in the North Site of the MMSEZ

SMME Empower ment Strate g y SMME Empower ment Strate g y

discounts

Stainless Steel Plant

•

• Accessible logistics support for the movement of goods

•

Cell: +27 71 391 8188

Where is the MMSEZ located?

•

•Metallurgy

• Energy Generation • Manufacturing • Agro-Processing • Logistics

• Health Entertainment Musina Dam

• corporate tax

relief

Preferential

zone:

• Schools and airport

•

Musina Makhado SEZ SOC Address: 93 Biccard Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, RSA

Email: T.Makuya@mmsez.co.za

• Preferential corporate tax • Building allowance and tax relief • Employment tax incentive • Customs-controlled area tax relief • Rental space discounts • Readily available infrastructure • Sufficient land for greenfield projects • Access to agricultural & mineral resources • Easy access to the up-north (SADC) market • Accessible logistics support for the movement of goods MMSEZ A world of game-changing opportunities POTENTIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AND OUTSIDE THE MMSEZ ENERGY METALLURGY& Power Plant Iron FerromanganeseSteelandPlant Plant Ferrochrome Plant Chrome Plant Lime Plant MANUFACTURING Light Industries Basic PackagingFurnitureICTPetro-chemicalsAgro-chemicalsFertilisersComponentOEElectromechanicalAutomotiveAssemblyManufacturingOperationsManufacturingManufacturingSolutionsManufacturingServices AGRO-PROCESSING Food Processing Facility Fresh Produce Handling Canning Facility Cotton Beneficiation Timber Processing LOGISTICS Logistics BondedColdVehicleContainerDistributionWarehousingServicesYardDistributionStorageWarehouses INFRASTRUCTURE Construction Services Engineering Services Real andManufacturingBuHospitalityRetailDevelopmentEstatePropertyFacilitiesildingMaterialsSupply MUSINA-MAKHADOCONTACTS SEZ SOC 29 Market LimpopoPolokwane,Street,Province(RSA) MS TSHAMAANO MAKUYA Stakeholder Relations Manager Tel: +27(0) 15 295 5120 Cell: +27 (0)67 411 Tshamaano.Makuya@lieda.co.za9192 MR RICHARD ZITHA Project Executive Tel: +27(0) 15 295 5120 Cell: +27 (0)71 391 Richard.Zitha@lieda.co.za8188 What is

What is the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone?

• Real estate

LogisticsBuilding

• Energy generation • Manufacturing • •LogisticsAgro-processing

• Readily available infrastructure

incentive

Customs-controlled

Cell: +27 067 411 9192

•

• area tax

• Easy access to the up-north (SADC) market

the zones:

The Musina-Makhado SEZ is a flagship initiative of the Limpopo Provincial Government implemented through the Musina-Makhado SEZ SOC in partnership with a Chinese Operator, Shenzhen Hoi Mor Resources Holding Company Ltd. The MMSEZ as an economic development tool aims to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures in order to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments, research and development.

•Preferential Building allowance and tax tax incentive

• Metallurgy

The Musina-Makhado SEZ is located in the vicinity of the Beit Bridge Border Post which is one of the busiest ports of entry in SA and an undisputable gateway to the South African Development Community (SADC) countries. The MMSEZ has the potential to become an inland intermodal terminal, facilitated by its anchor along the North-South Corridor, and directly connecting to the country’s major ports through both N1 road and the JohannesburgMusina railway line, for the trans-shipment of sea cargo and manufactured goods to inland destinations and the SADC markets.

• Rental space

Musina-Makhado SEZ is flagship initiative of the Limpopo Provincial Government implemented through the Musina-Makhado SEZ MMSEZ SOC in partnership with a Chinese Operator, Shenzhen Hoi Mor Resources Holding Company Ltd. The MMSEZ as an economic development tool aims to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures in order to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments, research and development.

• •• • • • • • • •

• Employment tax

•

• • • • • •

Mr Richard Zitha, Project Executive Cell: +27 071 391 8188

A world of game-changing opportunities

Musina-Makhado SEZ SOC 67 411 9192

Email: R.Zitha@mmsez.co.za

The MMSEZ is a flagship initiative of the Limpopo Provincial Government implemented through the MMSEZ SOC, in partnership with a Chinese Operator, Shenzhen Hoi Mor Resources Holding Company Ltd.

19 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2020/21 SPECIAL FEATURE

• Access to agricultural and mineral resources

•

• Building allowance and tax relief

• Sufficient land for greenfield projects

opportunitiesInvestment outside

• Retail and hotels

The MMSEZ is an economic tool that aims to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures in order to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments, research and development.

MMSEZ INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

• • •

• •Access zone:

Contact details

Investment opportunities inside the zones: Industrial infrastructure Corporate offices Logistics services Petroleum supply Industrial chemicals

•

What is Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ)?

MUSINA-MAKHADO SEZ CLUSTERS (mineral beneficiation)

•

MUSINA-MAKHADO SEZ CLUSTERS (Minerals Beneficiation)

Ms Tshamaano Makuya, Stakeholder Relations Manager

Email: R.Zitha@mmsez.co.za

Mr Richard Zitha, Executive Investment Promotion

71 391 8188 Metallurgy Agro-processing

WHAT ARE THE INCENTIVES FOR INVESTING IN THE MMSEZ? the Musina-Makhado Economic Zone?

SMART CITY MUSINA MAKHADO “A leading innovative, sustainable and inclusive high-tech Africa gateway city” A summary of investment opportunities at the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) Inside the zone opportunities 1. General manufacturing 2. Agro-processing 3. Warehousing 4. Industrial property 5. Petroleum depot 6. Renewable energy 7. Office park 8. Hotel 9. Student accommodation 10. Real estate Outside the zone opportunities 1. Real estate 2. Retail 3. Hotels 4. Private hospital 5. Airport development 6. Education and training 7. Entertainment 8. ICT 9. Musina Dam 10. Cross-border trade

SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 202019

SA has a sophisticated banking sector with a major footprint in Africa. It is the continent’s financial hub, with the JSE being Africa’s largest stock exchange by market capitalisation.

10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN SOUTH AFRICA

The African Continental Free Trade Area will boost intra-African trade and create a market of over one billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of USD2.2-trillion that will unlock industrial development. SA has several trade agreements in place as an export platform into global markets.

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SA offers a favourable cost of living, with a diversified cultural, cuisine and sports offering all year round and a world-renowned hospitality sector.

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A massive governmental investment programme in infrastructure development has been under way for several years. SA has the largest air, ports and logistics networks in Africa, and is ranked number one in Africa in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance

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SA has a progressive Constitution and an independent judiciary. The country has a mature and accessible legal system, providing certainty and respect for the rule of law. It is ranked number one in Africa for the protection of investments and minority investors.

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SA is endowed with an abundance of natural resources. It is the leading producer of platinum-group metals (PGMs) globally. Numerous listed mining companies operate in SA, which also has world-renowned underground mining expertise.

SA is the location of choice of multinationals in Africa. Global corporates reap the benefits of doing business in SA, which has a supportive and growing ecosystem as a hub for innovation, technology and fintech.

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(SA) has the most industrialised economy in Africa. It is the region’s principal manufacturing hub and a leading services destination.

SA has a number of world-class universities and colleges producing a skilled, talented and capable workforce. It boasts a diversified skills set, emerging talent, a large pool of prospective workers and government support for training and skills development.

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Big companies are investing in prototypes and the province’s Special Economic Zones are positioning themselves as green energy hubs.

Green hydrogen comes to Limpopo

has a wide range of uses across multiple sectors, from transport to heat generation and power.

The Mogalakwena mine is near Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) and south-west of Polokwane, the provincial capital of Limpopo Province.The 2MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck generates more power than its diesel predecessor and can carry a 290-ton payload. Forty Anglo trucks will be retrofitted, starting in 2024, and the whole fleet should be green by 2030.Theoperating company of the MusinaMakhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ)

alk about clean energy via green hydrogen has been going on for some years all around the world, but suddenly that talk has turned into serious dialogue between national governments and powerful business interests who really want to do something concrete about creating power in a cleaner, more sustainable way.

Anglo American’s newest truck is not only more powerful than its predecessors, it’s also clean. Credit: Anglo American

Anglo American intends using green hydrogen which it will produce at the mine to feed into its green-hydrogen system, which includes production, fuelling and a haulage system.

22LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Hydrogen is generated via the electrolysis of water using electricity. If renewable energy is deployed to make the electricity that makes the hydrogen, then that is “green hydrogen”. Hydrogen

In May 2022, talk became action at the Mogalakwena platinum group metals (PGMs) mine in Limpopo when Anglo American unveiled “a prototype of the world’s largest hydrogenpowered mine haul truck designed to operate in everyday mining conditions at its Mogalakwena PGMs mine in South Africa”.

SPECIAL FEATURE

As of 2022, the IDC has invested R15.4-billion in renewable energy in four provinces: 25 projects with a combined capacity of 899.2MW.

The Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), on the other hand, has plans to turn that area’s platinum group metals to good effect in the energy field. Platinum and iridium are important catalysts in the process which creates hydrogen, so that has become one of the big selling points of the FTSEZ. In July 2022, a delegation from the FTSEZ participated in the UK-RSA partnership mission on Hydrogen Economy Roadmap.

Entrepreneur Mashudu Ramano wants his Mitochondria Energy Company to produce 250MW in hydrogen fuel cells per year from 2023. He has found a commercial partner in AVL, an Austrian engineering company, and financial backing from the Industrial Development Corporation and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). He wants to operate in Mpumalanga where coal plants will be shutting down in rapid succession over the next few years and where he believes there is sufficient water for the project. Chris Barron ran an extensive interview with Ramano in his “Newsmaker” column in the Sunday Times in April 2021. Ramano says that the South Africa’s export potential in green hydrogen is R1.5-trillion “more than half our GDP”. ■

the busy N1 highway. Current users of hydrogen in the Johannesburg area will be expected to switch to green hydrogen and green hydrogen will also be used as feedstock substitution for ethylene production and fuel and as a catalyst for iron and steel, in public buildings and buses. Future privatebuilding demand is expected to grow. At Richards Bay Port there is potential to export green hydrogen and use it as a fuel for port functions. Trucks using the N3 could be another market.

Anglo Platinum’s 75MW solar plant under construction at Mogalakwena could well become the 320MW plant that the company wants it to be, if President Ramaphosa announces the lifting of restrictions on the scale of private generation. He surprised and pleased the business community in 2021 when he lifted the limit on the size of private projects that did not need to apply for licences to 100MW; it’s very likely more red tape will fall away as South Africa’s utility, Eskom, continues to fail to keep the lights on.

The Limpopo Province is one of the three hubs on which a Hydrogen Valley is planned to stretch from the metals-rich Bushveld area through the country’s industrial and commercial heartland to two of the continent’s busiest ports in Richards Bay andItDurban.isenvisaged as a means of kickstarting the hydrogen industry in South Africa. The other two hubs are Johannesburg and Richards Bay. Demand at the Limpopo end of the corridor will be driven by trucks used in the mining industry and along

The Department of Science and Innovation has a chief director of hydrogen and energy. The Industrial Development Corporation is mandated by national government to champion the commercialisation of the green hydrogen economy. A hydrogen strategy was compiled for the country as far back as 2008, the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development and Innovation strategy.

Hydrogen Valley

With ample wind and sun, a long coastline and 75% of the world’s PGMs, Limpopo and South Africa are well placed to be leaders in the production of green hydrogen.

23 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 SPECIAL FEATURE

The Hydrogen Valley concept is being researched and developed by a collaboration that includes the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), Anglo American, Bambili Energy and ENGIE. A 2021 feasibility report suggests that $4-billion could be added to South Africa’s GDP if the valley were successfully implemented, with an additional tax revenue of about $900-million.

has signed a partnership agreement for greenhydrogen electricity generation with Australian company African Resources Development Energy (ARD Energy). Paladin Hydrogen, a partner of ARD Energy, is using its Tasmanian project as the prototype of coal-to-hydrogen technology that apparently has zero emissions. Once that project reaches sufficient scale, the intention is to deploy the technology to the Makhado coal fields of northern Limpopo.

four different levels of government, the agreement covers two municipalities, the provincial government and a national department.

Local, regional, provincial and national bodies commit to building and promoting the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone.

Quadripartite agreement underpins economic boost for Limpopo

The FTSEZ is to be implemented to achieve the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) and Provincial Industrialisation Strategy and Special Economic Zones Policy.

Among the department’s objectives are to promote industrial development, investment, competitiveness and employment creation, to facilitate broad-based economic participation through targeted interventions to achieve more inclusive growth, and to create a fair regulatory environment that enables investment, trade and enterprise development in an equitable and socially responsible manner.

n important agreement by four partners has been signed that will give life to a plan to build a vital piece of economic infrastructure in the eastern part of Limpopo, the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic ZoneRepresenting(FTSEZ).

FOCUS

National government is promoting Special Economic Zones and the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ will stimulate growth in Limpopo. Credit: Policy document on SEZ, dtic

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is to be formed to run the Special Economic Zone. The dtic will also be responsible for the costs of the building of top structures on the site and the costs of the project management unit.

Other responsibilities of the dtic, the national promoter of Special Economic Zones, will be to provide direction in terms of policy and regulation, promote SMME participation and training within the zone and, through its Industrial Zones Development Programme, strengthen the technical capacity of the FTSEZ.

24LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

The strategic objectives of the dtic fit in well with the establishment of the FTSEZ.

25 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

The Executive Mayor of the Sekhukhune District Municipality, Ms Julia Mathebe, is pleased that the District is a “key partner” in the development of the FTSEZ. She notes that, “Our support of the SEZ comes in the form of infrastructure projects such as the R21-million Ga-Malekana Water Treatment Works upgrade and the Regional External Master Plan which the municipality is funding to the tune of R1.6-million.”Anothermajor project taking place within the District is the construction of a larger Steelport Wastewater Treatment Works, with funding being made available by the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr Fikile Majola, on an oversight visit to the proposed site of the FTSEZ in Steelpoort.

Limpopo Premier’s message: Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha

The Mayor of Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, Mr Eddie Maila, says, “As the host of the FTSEZ, we welcome all developments and investors who will set up their operations in the SEZ. The FTLM gives unwavering support and will assure investors and all developments a quick turnaround for approvals required from our Municipality.” ■

LEDET’s mandate is economic development and industrialisation as envisioned through the Limpopo Industrial Master Plan (LIMP) and Limpopo Development Plan. This mandate is implemented through undertaking mega economic and industrialisation projects such as the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone.

whatever it takes to remove any bottlenecks to ensure the success of businesses in the FTSEZ”. Sekhukhune is located in the south-eastern part of the province, bordering the province of Mpumalanga and two other Limpopo districts.

The largest of the four municipalities that make up the district is the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality. It includes the towns of Burgersfort, Ohrigstad, Steelpoort and many rural villages. The economy of the municipality is quite diverse but mining and quarrying and agriculture predominate.

FOCUS

The implementation of the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ (FTSEZ) heralds an awakening on the rolling out of the industrialisation agenda espoused in the Limpopo Development Plan, using the district development model approach with our partners the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Sekhukhune District Municipality and Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality. The FTSEZ will be a centre of excellence in green-energy manufacturing, agro-processing and mineral beneficiation. Limpopo is inviting potential investors to take advantage of this opportunity.

Implementation by LEDA Implementation of the project will be carried out by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), on behalf of LEDET.

The newly-surfaced road to Mphanama. Roads upgrades are part of ongoing infrastructure investment in the Sekhukhune District. Credit: RAL

The Provincial Government of Limpopo, through its Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) will see to some of the bulk infrastructure budget, working capital and establishment costs, together with costs related to the project management unit and its operations.

The other contributors to bulk infrastructure costs are the Sekhukhune District Municipality and the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality. Each of these four entities is a 25% shareholder in the SPV.

Mayor Mathebe has further pledged to “do

How does the FTSEZ fit into the priorities of the dtic?

Maoto Molefane has Master’s degrees from Wits (in Development Planning) and from the University of London (in Public Finance Management). After a stint as a researcher and a brief spell in the private sector, he had three years as the head of Industrial Planning and Development with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Since 2011 Maoto has been with the dtic. In 2018 he became Chief Director: Special Economic Zones and is currently Acting Deputy Director General.

Maoto Molefane, Acting Deputy Director General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) explains how the Special Economic Zone Programme can boost local development and enhance regional connections.

How are decisions made about where to place SEZs in the country?

One of the strategic objectives of the dtic is to transform and build an inclusive economy through targeted spatial industrial development instruments such as SEZs and Industrial Parks, improving the investment climate and level of fixed investment in the economy, and increasing value-added exports.

BIOGRAPHY

Accelerating and expanding industrialisation

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are established on the basis of the economic potential of a region. This could either be comparative or competitive advantages and the SEZ programme is used as a sweetener to attract foreign and domestic investors. SEZs are used to accelerate industrialisation through coordinated planning and the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The FTSEZ proposal aims to complement and support the region’s comparative advantages, which will be corroborated through a detailed strategic-planning, feasibility and master-planning process. This will also consider commercial sustainability, target markets and businesses, growth trajectory, infrastructure availability, technology innovation capability and environment sustainability.

Maoto Molefane, Acting Deputy Director General, dtic

The Special Economic Zone Programme, including the proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), helps the dtic to achieve this. It is one of the key development mechanisms of the dtic’s National Industrial Policy. The purpose of the SEZ programme is to attract Foreign Direct Investments and build a solid manufacturing base into globally-integrated value chains which will provide an environment where the economy can provide more sustainable jobs and reduced levels of poverty and inequality.

26LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

It further complements a new approach by government, aimed at addressing the uneven spatial industrial development that continues to undermine the country’s industrialisation efforts. This will unlock the latent economic potential of different districts.

INTERVIEW

The acceptance of the Tubatse region’s proposal is also based on its vast mineral resources. The zone is located within the eastern limb of the Bushveld Igneous complex (BIC), which is known to have the world’s largest deposits of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), along with vast quantities of tin, iron ore, chromium, titanium and vanadium. The region’s 20 mines currently export

27 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

What contribution will the dtic make to costs?

What role will the dtic play in investment facilitation and skills training?

minerals in raw form. The FTSEZ will further benefit the local economy by focusing on upstream and downstream beneficiation. This will promote larger-scale industrialisation for both the manufacturing of mining inputs and the beneficiation of the mining outputs.

The dtic’s shared ownership encourages full support for implementation. This operational model has been tested in Gauteng with the proposed Tshwane Automotive SEZ. All newly-designated SEZs will operate under this revised framework.

Through the SEZ Fund, the dtic will directly contribute to the establishment of the FTSEZ once it is designated as an SEZ. The funding is for top structures linked to specific investors and is financed through the SEZ allocation in the Industrial Finance Division of the dtic The dtic will also provide technical support in various ways, including resourcing the SEZ Project Management Unit at the IDC.

Furthermore,efficiencies.theproposed

Review and analysis has shown that some revisions to South Africa’s approach were required in terms of the ownership. The dtic can strengthen the programme by participating in the planning, development and management of new zones. It will also provide direction in respect of policy and regulations.

What role will the dtic play in the governance of the SPV?

FTSEZ seeks to harness energies among public and private sector players with the aim of creating an integrated ecosystem that will change the socio-economic landscape and benefit all South Africans. ■

The dtic will play a direct role in investment facilitation. The most important prerequisite for designation will be strong investment commitments. Before the FTSEZ application is submitted, proper planning will be undertaken by the dtic , the municipality and the private sector to establish a strong investment pipeline. The dtic will also be extending its role in order to operationalise the

secured investments in the zone.

We also hope for more regional integration of Limpopo with Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other African regions. The FTSEZ will create opportunities for opening commercial routes to ports in neighbouring Mozambique, parts of South Africa and even possibly to Zimbabwe and Tanzania to accelerate trade

Through the establishment of the proposed FTSEZ, the dtic is not only hoping to attract investments, but also to create a platform to support and develop host and adjacent regions by providing connecting infrastructure, skills, research and development facilities and employment. When SEZs import specialised skills, this often results in a skills transfer to the host region. This will also provide opportunities for SMMEs to be integrated into procurement chains.

INTERVIEW

Yes. By offering world-class infrastructure, fiscal incentives, a protected environment and an easyto-navigate business environment using One Stop Shops, SEZs have directly contributed to the country’s attractiveness. The zones have 167 operational investors and almost half of these are FDIs.

What is the dtic hoping will be the major outcomes?

The new SEZ approach advocates for integrated multi-use development where host regions will provide secured locations with improved living standards supported by industrial development, commercial spaces, tourism, better schools, entertainment, healthcare and recreational facilities.

Do SEZs contribute to the attractiveness of South Africa as an investment destination?

Through its capacity-development programme, the dtic will provide skills-development training in fields required to develop, manage and operate an SEZ. The programme has been running for more than five years. Linkages have been created with a number of countries that have SEZs, including China. The lockdown has facilitated the introduction of online training programmes with these countries.

In the case of the proposed FTSEZ, the dtic has concluded Memorandums of Agreement with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Sekhukhune District and Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality. In the MOA, all four stakeholders hold 25% of the shareholding in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

Japie Fullard, Glencore Alloys CEO

In 2011 Glencore (then Xstrata South Africa) decided to construct a Mining Supply Park close to the Lion Ferrochrome Smelter in Steelpoort. Our key objective was to streamline the supply chain to Glencore’s ferrochrome smelters and chrome operations in the area by housing key suppliers to such operations. This in turn would create jobs and stimulate the local economy for the benefit of the communities surrounding our operations.

A catalyst for future investment

What is the extent of Glencore’s operations in Limpopo?

Glencore Alloys has established three local enterprise and supplier incubation hubs around its operations in North West and Limpopo provinces. We firmly believe in the localisation of the economy by providing free business training to emerging entrepreneurs at these local hubs. We capacitate suppliers to position themselves to take advantage of business opportunities in the industry while developing enterprises further to allow them to pursue independent business ventures outside the mining industry. By way of example, an average of 250 emerging entrepreneurs visit the Steelpoort Hub each month.

How did the Glencore Mining Supply Park originate?

Glencore strives to make a valued contribution to social progress through the production and marketing of commodities that provide the

Having started his career as an apprentice electrician, Japie studied for an engineering qualification while working. He furthered his studies in Mining Engineering and obtained his Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency. He was Chief Engineer and manager of several mines before joining the Alloys Mining Division as General Manager, rising to Head of Mining. He has been CEO of Glencore Alloys since 2019. As a past president of the South African Coal Engineering Association, he now serves on the board of Minerals Council South Africa.

Glencore CEO Japie Fullard describes the role played by the Steelpoort Mining Supply Park in stimulating and supporting local enterprises.

Is there a planned private-public partnership envisioned between Glencore and the provincial government or the FTSEZ SPV?

28LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

BIOGRAPHY

INTERVIEW

The ongoing role of the Mining Supply Park in creating jobs and supporting local enterprises to serve the surrounding smelters and mines with the supply of goods and services should be a good example of what can be achieved in the Steelpoort area and further create a good catalyst for future investment.

Glencore Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, through the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture, has extensive operations in Limpopo, including the Lion Ferrochrome Smelter and three chrome mines, namely Thorncliffe, Magareng and Helena mines.

Please describe Glencore’s enterprise development programme.

What role will the Mining Supply Park play in the planned Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone?

Are there projects on which you currently cooperate with government?

The Mining Supply Park provides existing infrastructure around which a Special Economic Zone can grow.

29 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Glencore is proud to fund the electrification of 1 800 households while also doing extensive upgrades and extensions to the supply of potable water to households around its operations in Steelpoort. Our partnership with the Department of Education entails vast expansion at a local primary school. We have also partnered with mining peers to fund the construction of a new dual concrete bridge to replace the steel bridge at Ga Malekane, which is soon to kick off. This is in addition to our extensive social and labour plan projects and obligations in Limpopo.

What good things could potentially come from the FTSEZ?

The launch of the Glencore Alloys Local Enterprise Development Hub.

basic building blocks for development and payments to government such as taxes and royalties, provision of employment and business partner opportunities and through social development in the communities where we Shouldoperate.theopportunity arise, and subject to its internal policies and procedures, Glencore will most certainly assess opportunities to partner with the provincial government or the FTSEZ SPV. We believe it may be a good mechanism to making a valued contribution toward the social progress of the local communities in the area.

We believe that the FTSEZ will stimulate business in the region and we would expect significant investments to follow, resulting in the further industrialisation of the region. This will have a multiplier effect for local enterprises and employment. ■

Status update

Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ aims to be a globally recognised Centre of Excellence for greenenergy technology and mineral beneficiation. To achieve that goal, multiple partnerships with the private sector and specific investors are envisaged for the SEZ and the area:

• Manufacturing of vehicle batteries and related components

• Manufacturing of auto catalysts from PGMs

Electricity substation designs are underway for the erection of a substation. Several roads, including the R37 and the R555, have either undergone

EIA authorisation: granted Engineering designs for perimeter fencing: in progress

The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ offers a great value proposition.

Bulkwater supply source: confirmation by October 2022

• Manufacturing and assembly of components for vehicle and trucking industry

Investment opportunities

Potential collaborations

Skills audit of the entire district: complete. The skills audit will assist companies to better understand the area’s potential and to assist in the formulation of training intervention plans.

• Manufacturing of vehicle components designed for green hydrogen fuel cells and electrolytes energy from PGMs

nfrastructure in support of investors’ commitments is being delivered to the Special Economic Zone where a range of opportunities are available with an emphasis on agroprocessing, developing ICT infrastructure for the SEZ, green energy (solar and biomass energy, hydrogen from fuel cells) and manufacturing (autocatalysts, electric vehicle components, mining machinery, trucking components).

• Collaboration on skills development in partnership with merSETA , LEDA and the mining industry

Other infrastructure

DSI | Turner & Townsend | LEDA 08 November 2021

30LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

A globally recognised Centre of Excellence for Green Energy Technology and Mineral Beneficiation

The existing Mining Inputs Supplier Park currently has more than 11 000m² of industrial space available with a further 130 000m² of land available for development and ready for top structures to be installed. Water, roads and electricity are in place. This graphic from the SEZ Master Plan depicts the proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ.

upgrades or will be upgraded. National roads agency SANRAL is engaged in several projects to this end. Various rail projects, including a siding project and plans for a new steel bridge, are in the planning phase. A scoping plan for human settlements at the SEZ is underway.

• Employment tax incentives

Contact details

• Reliable and low-carbon green energy

• Musina Beitbridge Border Post 400km

Bunjiwe Gwebu, Project Executive

The main objective of this SEZ is to develop a low-carbon green economy which will offer promising opportunities, not only to fight climate change, but to enhance energy security and develop local industries.

Email: Solly.Kgopong@lieda.co.za

Contact details

Tel: 076 521 5077

• Global leadership in production of chrome

Email: Bunjiwe.Gwebu@lieda.co.za

• Extensive road and rail network

• Building allowance

Seven investors in the light industries of pharmaceuticals, steel fabrication, agro-processing and solar and hydrogen energy are finalising site and location development plans.

The advantages of being close to mining operations and smelting operations and with access to reliable and low-carbon green energy speak of a unique value proposition for potential investors. With excellent infrastructure and a range of incentives available (building, employment and tax allowances to VAT relief), the case for investment is strong.

Solly Kgopong is the Executive Manager of the FetakgomoTubatse SEZ. Before joining the Department for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, he was General Manager of Absa Bank. His work experience started as Business Analyst at Trade and Investment Limpopo until he became Executive Manager Strategic and Economic Planning. During this period, Solly was a part-time lecturer at the University of Limpopo. A USA-Mandela Scholar Alumni, Solly holds an MSc in Economics degree from Ohio State University. He was recently seconded to head the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ Project Management Unit by the Provincial Government.

Distances to key points:

Why businesses chose FTSEZ

• Vat and customer relief

Solly Kgopong, Executive Manager

The strategic aim of the SEZ is to develop green primary-energy supply for localised manufacturing of both upstream and downstream activities of the PGMs and chrome value chains.

• 12i tax allowance and incentives

• Reduced carbon tax

Bunjiwe Gwebu is the Project Executive for the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone, having joined the Limpopo Economic Development Agency in 2014 when the Special Economic Zones programme was being rolled out nationally. She is an Economic Development Specialist who holds a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has held positions at executive and senior management levels in government and nongovernmental institutions such as eThekwini Municipality, Slum Dwellers International, uTshani Fund and the Housing Development Agency where she was responsible for strategy, programme planning and management, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.

• Carbon credits

CALL TO ACTION: Contact the FTSEZ now!

Tel: 082 455 4220

• Land and security

• One Stop Shop facility

• Enabling infrastructure and warehouses

• Port of Richards Bay 600km

• Reduced corporate income tax (15% corporate tax)

Generic SEZ incentives

Invest now

• Port of Maputo 380km

• Good water supply

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CEO Charles Molapisi

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The MONZA rollout in the two provinces will include modernisation and new sites. The extension of MTN’s 5G connectivity includes rolling out new sites in 2022.

Kagiso Moncho, MTN General Manager, Northern Region

34LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

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FOCUS

“Our aim is to significantly enhance access and open the door to new digital opportunities for many more people across the province. Our investment is specifically targeted at increasing network coverage, improving throughputs, and connecting the previously unconnected,” says Kagiso Moncho, General Manager: Northern Region from MTN South Africa.

“An important point is that the pandemic, loadshedding and the prevailing economic environment have underscored the value of mobile networks, which remain the only form of Internet access for many. MTN’s investments are directly targeted at accelerating recovery and significantly enhancing growth and job opportunities,” says Moncho.

One stumbling block to growth remains the activity of criminals and syndicates. Due to high incidences of vandalism and battery theft, MTN has partnered with Bidvest Security and set aside an additional R101-million in 2022 to combat this “Ensuringcriminality.usersreceive quality and network stability is our number-one aim, but the fight against battery theft and vandalism remains a major hindrance. I am pleased that our ongoing efforts to make a dent in these criminal acts are seeing change, but all South Africans are requested to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” says“WeMoncho.have big targets this year in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Every completed project, or success achieved against battery theft, ensures our clients can take that one step forward and benefit from the magic of the modern, connected world,” concludes Moncho. ■

General Manager Kagiso Moncho shares good news for the region as MTN SA invests R820-million into network modernisation and infrastructure.

Boost for Limpopo and Mpumalanga

“We have extensive plans to drive growth and connectivity solutions into under-serviced areas. With unemployment in South Africa reaching new peaks, it is critical to focus on harnessing digital solutions to drive the recovery, especially in those areas that were hardest hit,” Moncho adds.

Doing works everywhere—thanks to a range of MTN Business hybrid connectivity solutions designed to reduce the cost of remote working and to ensure team connectivity. Build your bundle with any of our offerings today MTN Business Work from home solutions So. What are we doing alwaysthatproductivityThrivetoday?withison mtnbusiness.co.zaVisit083 123 1800Call getconnected@mtn.comEmail TPISrunking TeamDirectRouting Fixed Voice AntivirusPerimete r SecuritySecure Broadband exiFdLTE SD-WAN Mobility BillURLReverse APN Cloud cxEhangeHosted 365 MSOffice

KEY SECTORS Agriculture 38 Mining 40 Energy 48 Water 50 Construction and property 51 ICT 52 Tourism 56 Transport and logistics 58 Development finance and SMME development 62 Education and skills training 68 Overviews of the main economic sectors of Limpopo

Glencore Operations South Africa is a major investor in Limpopo. The Lion Ferrochrome Smelter and three chrome mines, Thorncliffe, Magareng and Helena, are operated through the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture. Credit: Glencore

Schemes to support small-scale farmers are expanding.

chicken abattoir at Lebowakgomo is due to start oper ating in 2022 as a means of assisting small-scale farmers and broiler producers. There will be 150 jobs created at the abattoir and many more along the value chain.

OVERVIEW LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

There are plans to get the troubled Tshivhase Mukumbani Tea Estates into the black by producing something other than tea. Studies are currently being done to determine which crops will be best suited to the conditions and the market.

Zebediela Citrus Estate, once a successful citrus producer, is another estate in need of help. In this case, a partnership agreement between the Bjatladi Community Property Association and the Humansdorp Cooperative has been signed to revive the orchards while the Impact Catalyst programme is providing help in drawing up a long-term plan for the sustainable development of the estate.

Provincial government efforts to promote specific value chains in different areas are bearing fruit as various types of infrastructure are rolled out to support small-scale farmers. Farmer Production Support Units provide a cluster of services which include livestock auction facilities, mechanisation services and a training centre for farmers.

SECTOR INSIGHT

An irrigation scheme at Ohrigstad. Credit: Wynand Uys on Unsplash.

ZZ2 is building a big new packhouse.

These areas have been targeted: Sekhukhune District: grain and cotton; Mopani District: vegetables; Waterberg District: red meat; Capricorn District: potatoes.

Private investment

Agriculture

One of South Africa’s biggest exporters is building a massive new packhouse about 40km north of Tzaneen. ZZ2, the agricultural company with operations in six South African provinces and Namibia, is making a major investment in expansion near the site where it all began, Mooketsi.

The firm’s founder discovered that it was possible to plant and cultivate tomatoes throughout the year in the fertile Mooketsi valley and that is where an 11 200m2 packhouse will come into operation early in 2023. ZZ2 now grows a large assortment of fruits including mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, almonds and Theblueberries.intention is to gradually scale up volumes until the packhouse handles 70 000 tons per year, some of which product will be from other growers.

and the potential of the Chinese market, almost 1 000ha per year of new land is being planted with avocados in South Africa.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Cotton South Africa: www.cottonsa.org.za

South African Subtropical Growers’ Association: www.subtrop.co.za

The same amount of new macadamia planting is underway every year, according to the Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC), adding to the existing 19 000ha.Theother big sellers are mangoes and tomatoes. Limpopo grows three-quarters of South Africa’s mangoes and two-thirds of its tomatoes. The Waterberg District produces large quantities of red meat while Capricorn has potatoes in abundance, and Vhembe in the north specialises in citrus and subtropical fruits. Mopani has those fruits too – and the Mopani worm. The Sekhukhune region in the south-east produces grain and the marula fruit that goes into Amarula CreamWestfalialiqueur.is

It also produces significant quantities of mango, litchi, citrus and macadamia and has three agri-processing plants in the province. Greenway Farms supplies about 45% of the fresh-market carrots consumed in Southern Africa under the Rugani brand.

Macadamias South Africa: www.samac.org.za

Credit: ZZ2

ZZ2 is one of the country’s largest producers of fruit and vegetables, with sophisticated systems and controls.

Citrus Growers Association: www.cga.co.za

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2339

another huge enterprise, part of the Hans Merensky Group, and it is the world’s largest avocado grower.

Export contributions

The Olifants River (also known as the Lepelle River) supports varied and intensive citrus, grape, cotton and vegetable cultivation, much of which is transported to the markets of the denselypopulated areas to the west in Gauteng. The Joburg Market and the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market are the primary destinations of the municipality’s products. Cattle ownership is common among subsistence farmers.

Companies like ZZ2 are major contributors to the country’s annual production of 120 000 tons of avocados. Of the current crop, about half is currently produced in two Limpopo regions, Letaba and Tzaneen. Exports are rising exponentially. In response to this demand,

The packhouse’s potential allows for a further 3 500ha of avocado plantings which could lead to the creation of 5 000 jobs.

VKB Milling runs white maize mills in Mokopane, Lydenburg and Louis Trichardt and sells via the Magnifisan brand. VKB also has eight silos and 29 retail outlets in the Limpopo region. ■

Cotton growing is experiencing a renewal in the province. The Limpopo Provincial Government’s programme for revitalising irrigation schemes is helping. In Ephraim Mogale Municipality about 345 hectares of cotton has been planted which will benefit 74 small-scale farmers in the area. The projected harvest is 522 tons and an estimated 300 seasonal jobs are expected to be created during the harvesting period.

The percentage contribution of Limpopo agriculture to national agriculture is 7.6% although its contribution to provincial GDP is just 2.3%. Agro-processing has enormous potential to expand in everyLimpopo’ssubsector.fruits and vegetables form an important part of South Africa’s export basket and more than 45% of the annual turnover of the Joburg Market originates in the fertile province.

OVERVIEW

SECTOR INSIGHT

African Rainbow Minerals has purchased the Bokoni platinum group metals mine for R3.5-billion. Bokoni is located near ARM’s Modikwa and Two Rivers PGM mines and gives the ARM more palladium to mine.

Large investments are being made into Limpopo mining.

In addition to these projects, the massive investment De Beers is making in its Venetia mine will extend the life of that mine to 2046, making a significant impact on the regional economy for years to come. Similarly, the ongoing investments of majors such as Exxaro and Glencore in a variety of minerals and projects mean that the mining sector in Limpopo is in good shape for continued success.

40LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Mining

De Beers is expecting its Venetia underground project to start delivering its first ore in the second half of 2022. Investment in the project will amount to about $2.1-billion, from the start of the project in 2013 through to 2025.

Limpopo’s 2022 Mining and Energy Conference covered a number of issues relevant to the mining sector and laid out the investment case for the province.

Increased demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) has been a trend for some years, driven by the vital role played by PGMs in reducing pollution in the automotive sector. This has been boosted more recently by applications for renewable energy and now by

supply constraints brought about by Covid-19 with production volumes down and shipping made more difficult throughoutGlencore2020.(with a 79.5% stake) and Merafe Resources jointly own chrome mines in Limpopo on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (Helena, Magareng and Thorncliffe), the Lion smelter complex near Steelpoort and the Lydenburg smelter.

n his State of the Province address in February 2022, Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha reported on the following investment values for mining projects underway in the province: Sefateng Chrome Mine, Sekhukhune District, R1.2-billion; Ivan hoe Mines, Waterberg District, R7-billion spent of a R9-billion com mitment; and Anglo American and De Beers, Sekhukhune District, R3.9-billion in the first quarter of 2022 (within a broader investment commitment of R48-billion).

Rare earths are a vital element in plans to save the world from carbon emissions and pollution. As the name implies, they are not found in many places in the world but Rainbow Rare Earths believes it has found a huge stash in the gypsum dumps near Phalaborwa (Mining Weekly). The dumps have built over many years of phosphate mining in the area and the company representative quoted said that the multiple tons of gypsum were grading at 0.43% total rare-earth oxides, a good percentage. High values of neodymium and praseodymium in particular are good news, as these rare earths are important in permanent magnets, which in turn are vital in the green economy.

OVERVIEW

Commodity prices have buoyed the mining sector during the time of Covid-19. Rhodium, palladium, platinum and gold collectively rose in price by more than 50% in the course of 2021 and these are all minerals that occur in Limpopo.

Northam Platinum has sunk a new shaft at Zondereinde. Credit: Northam Platinum

Rare earths are showing potential.

New mines and expansion projects

Minerals Council South Africa: www.mineralscouncil.org.za

This is where Exxaro operates its giant Grootegeluk mine. Nine plants serve a 4km-long and 120m-deep opencast mine on a 1 200ha site. Originally intended to supply the nearby power plants, Exxaro is now eyeing the export market with countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt and Pakistan potential markets.

Rustenburg Platinum Mines (RPM), a subsidiary of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), has bought the prospecting rights for two blocks close to its existing Mogalakwena PGM mine, south-west of Polokwane near Mokopane. The blocks were purchased from Atlatsa and provide space to expand what is already the world’s biggest and richest opencast PGM mine in the world.

The planned Tubatse Platinum SEZ will focus on the beneficiation of platinum group metals, magnetite, vanadium and chrome. The other strong mineral focus in the eastern part of the province is at Phalaborwa where Palabora Copper, a subsidiary of Palabora Mining Company, produces about 45 000 tons of copper annually, most of which is sold domestically. It runs a smelter and a refinery and also mines magnetite, vermiculite, sulphuric acid and nickel sulphate. ■

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: www.dmr.gov.za

South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: www.saimm.co.za

FOCUS LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2341

Glencore runs smelter complexes in Limpopo. Credit: Glencore

Mineral beneficiation is a key component of the MusinaMakhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in the far north of Limpopo and coal is needed for the making of steel.

Exxaro’s two coal mines in the Waterberg represent threebillion tons of Measured Coal Resources and 1.8-billion tons of Indicated Coal Resources.

ONLINE RESOURCES

The soils of Limpopo are rich in platinum group metals, coal, copper, diamonds, gold, iron ore, nickel, rare earth minerals and tin.

A new mining right has been granted to PTM in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. The Waterberg project will be operated by PTM on behalf of Waterberg Joint Venture Resources which comprises Mnombo Wethu Consultants, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hanwa Company, PTM and Impala Platinum. Implats intends expanding production at its Two Rivers PGM mine by 180 000oz. The project will take four years and cost R5.7-billion.

Limpopo contributes 4% of coal mining in South Africa, according to the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, but it is likely that within the next three decades, the province will be supplying about half of South Africa’s coal. Limpopo’s Waterberg coal field is estimated to contain about 75-billion tons of coal.

The mine’s Stakeholder Engagement team conducts monitoring visits on a regular basis in line with its monitoring and evaluation principles, which are aligned to the sustainability of all projects. The clinic offers the following services: emergency, minor ailments, chronic conditions, child health, mother and child, antenatal care, postnatal care, youth, family planning and HIV testing.

FOCUS

Kiwi clinic facility composition

Northam Booysendal brings healthcare services to local communities.

With a 24-hour nurse on standby and Covid-19 vaccinations available, the health and well-being of local community members have improved. Booysendal is committed to continuously invest in the improvement of its local communities with suitable and fully-equipped healthcare facilities and infrastructure which will benefit its stakeholders for decades to come, establishing a long-lasting legacy.

Kiwi Clinic: A Northam Booysendal Community Trust Project

The mine, in partnership with the Booysendal Community Trust, donated a state-of-the-art clinic at Kiwi village, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, to the Mpumalanga Department of Health in 2021. The clinic cost approximately R5-million, which included construction and resourcing it with the most advanced medical equipment.

The Kiwi clinic infrastructure includes the following facilities: a patient registration area, waiting and admission room, observation room, emergency room, consultation rooms, tuberculosis room, boardroom, patient record room, pharmacy, kitchen and ablution facilities.

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

ocals in the Kiwi village and surrounding areas lacked access to healthcare facilities. Moreover, there was a significant lack of awareness about health services. The region also has a high rate of teenage pregnancies and chronic conditions, which, of late, have been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. Before the construction of the clinic, community members in the area travelled long distances (+30km) to access health services.

Booysendal is proud and committed to continue being a driving force to advocate and to take action for better living conditions and quality of life for all its stakeholders and continues to lead by example, championing social accountability and what it means to be “head and shoulders above the rest”. ■

Operating five days a week since opening its doors in April 2021, Kiwi clinic serves over 5 000 people, many of whom reside in communities such as Kiwi, Shaga, Rooikraans, Boschfontein, Vygenhoek, Protea, Boschoek, Schaapskraal, Pakaneng and Draaikraal.

the dignitaries who accepted the Northam sponsorship and further expressed his gratitude to the company for their generosity and in helping to ensure quality education.

Quick facts about the project:

• Grade R facilities provided

Lusikisiki is in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality north-east of Port St Johns and many of the employees of the Zondereinde Mine come from the region.

ortham Zondereinde Mine has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades of three schools in the Lusikisiki area of the Eastern Cape.

At the project handover, Dali Duma, Northam Platinum Holdings: Executive Sustainability, reflected, “As we will be going back to Northam in Limpopo, these buildings will remain. May it become a collective memory of this community struggle and the many beautiful things Northam represents. By virtue of association through your fathers, you have earned these decent buildings and other basic human rights.”

Every learner also received a pair of shoes and a school bag from the company, to encourage them to focus on their studies.

• Two boreholes provided ■

Mud classrooms are a thing of the past for Eastern Cape children.

Schools benefit from Northam upgrades

• 1 597 learners benefit

“It is an honour to be recognised first by Northam Platinum mine and to bring muchneeded change to the school,” said Gade.

• All ablution facilities upgraded

The projects are part of the company’s commitment to working with communities around mines and in labour-sending areas as well as a response to a legal requirement from the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE).

Mbotyi Senior Primary, Emyezweni Senior Primary School and Sichwe Junior Secondary School experienced many years of teaching in overcrowded rooms. One school had a severelydamaged mud house as classroom, exposed electric cables and no flushing toilets.

The handover events were done in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (DoE), with the MEC for Education, Fundile David Gade present. He was part of

• 12 classrooms provided

Mbotyi Senior Primary received Grade R facilities. Both Emyezweni Senior Primary School and Sichwe Junior Secondary School received six classrooms. Boreholes and ablution facilities were added to all of the schools.

43 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

The Northam Zondereinde Community Trust actively supports public healthcare.

he maternity ward of the Thabazimbi Local Hospital has received a donation of new equipment from the Northam Zondereinde Community Trust (ZCT).

44LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

Among the vital items donated are infant incubators and radiant warmers (10 each), foetal cardiotocography (CTG) machine with twin probes (20), obstetric electric beds (three), ultrasound trolleys (two), hospital beds and mattresses (20 each). Also included in the donation were special types of equipment and furniture for the ward.

The Zondereinde Community Trust is a share-ownership vehicle that Northam Platinum

Community trust donates vital equipment to maternity ward

The equipment donation aligns with the passion of the Provincial Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for enhancing infant and maternal mortality and health. “We believe that the sponsorship will improve the medical situation of our communities and assist the government to cope with the demands of bringing good healthcare services to expecting mothers and babies,” said the Northam Zondereinde Community Trust Chairperson, Simphiwe Dlungwana.

Holdings Limited has set up for mine communities, including communities which fall under the Thabazimbi Local Municipality. The primary focus of the trust in terms of sponsorship is education and healthcare. The items donated fulfil the mandate of the trust.

In 2020, the trust and Northam Zondereinde jointly sponsored Covid-19 personal protective equipment to various primary healthcare facilities in nearby local municipalities, as well as equipment for the Covid-19 ward in the Thabazimbi Local Hospital.

The trust is dedicated to continually providing support for the improvement of the public health service. ■

h e Zondereinde Western Extension is a quality-resource block containing 2 1-million ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs) within the high-grade Merensky and UG2 orebodies. The resource was purchased in 2017 for R1-billion. The addition of the Western Extension improves operational flexibility at Zondereinde and will permit annual PGM output to increase to 350 000 ounces 4E by 2026.

“The raised borehole will be ready for equipping towards July 2023,” added Pienaar. “Civil construction of the permanent lamp room and change houses, as well as the surface-water storage dams, will commence in January 2023.”

45 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

■

No 3 Shaft

Northam Zondereinde breaks record

At a recent event, dignitaries from Northam Platinum, prominent mining media houses and several contractors witnessed the historical milestone of the No 3 Shaft drilling completion at a world-record depth of 1 382 metres.

Unprecedented new drilling depth opens way for mine to continue to provide income and jobs.

The project will add 50koz of PGMs with the expansion of the remaining life of the operation to over 30 years and create 600 permanent and sustainable jobs. The terrace is 95% complete and the team has commenced with erecting the manwinder“Bulkbuilding.electrical supply is nearing completion. The switching yard and control room are almost complete. Major activity remaining is completing the consumer substation building, equipping of the control room and the consumer substation as well as the loop-in-loop out of the 132kV overhead line,” noted Northam Group Services Engineering Manager: Projects, Jako Pienaar, while breaking down the progress of the project.

Expressing the magnitude and importance of the project, Northam CEO Paul Dunne said, “This project milestone was delivered on time and budget by the Zondereinde team, in collaboration with our project service provider, Master Drilling. The resultant long-term stability and life-of-mine extension delivered by this project will have a beneficial impact on the mine, its stakeholders and the local economy for decades to come.”

In the coming months, the raised bore foundation is set to be removed to develop a cold-air duct into one side of the raised borehole.

Then shaft shutters will be installed into the cast of reinforced concrete shaft lining from the shaft sub-bank to the toe-in position 16m below the raised bore collar.

Marula strives to operate in way that honours the Group’s values – to respect, care and deliver. Through the mine’s core activities, we employ more than 4 500 people, pay taxes and procure goods and services from our host communities. These activities stimulate the economy of the greater Sekhukhune District and the Limpopo Province.

Our aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of our operations to benefit all our stakeholders. Marula contributes tens of millions of rands every year to boost socio-economic development in its local communities. Our social and labour plan (SLP) and local economic development (LED) commitments support South Africa’s mining framework to drive transformation in the industry and stimulate and grow economic development. Projects are identified following a needs analysis of impacted communities and robust engagement with key stakeholders, such as the local and provincial municipalities, formal community structures and traditional leaders. Lasting social impact and broad-based benefits are key factors when we consider each project.

Creating a better future

We seek to appoint local contractors and require contractors to offer employment to local community members. This ensures the benefit of our community infrastructure projects are felt beyond those who now have power in their homes, water in their schools and improved roads for commuting.

Alice Lourens, Group Head: Corporate Communication

46LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

Marula and Implats are helping the world go greener and communities grow stronger.

The bulk of Marula’s spend is focused on infrastructure development in its four farm communities: school infrastructure upgrades, building community structures, water-supply projects, community-access bridges and upgrades to community roads. Our ongoing electrification project brings household electricity to local communities for the first time.

Email: alice.lourens@implats.co.za

Through these projects and our many other Covid-19, food-relief and educational-support initiatives, Marula is contributing to creating a better future for its employees, its mine-host communities, Limpopo and South Africa. ■

outh Africa produces about 80% of the world’s platinum and 40% of its palladium. These important precious metals are part of the suite of platinum group metals (PGMs) which are found in South Africa’s two-billion-yearold Bushveld Igneous Complex, especially in the Limpopo and North West provinces. Marula, part of the Implats Group, is at the forefront of producing these PGMs which contribute to a cleaner and greener world. At Marula, we are committed to creating a better future – through the metals we produce and the way we do business.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: 011 731 9033

Our metals touch lives every day. They connect people through hard drives, smart phones, computer screens and petrol, and they save lives through their use in cancer treatments, pacemakers and airbags. PGMs green the world through fuel cells, autocatalysts and clean water technologies and they grow wealth via investments in bars, coins and jewellery, derivatives and shares. PGMs are also used in our celebration of life for jewellery, clothing, lipstick, and paint and they are even used in food preservation.

Coole Adv 18895

Celebrating life Jeweller y, paints, food preser vation, polyester clothing, lipstick

Growing wealth Investment

Fuel cells, autocatalysts, clean water technologies, fertiliser

Committed to supplying the metals needed to develop, sustain and improve our world

better future through the metals we produce Creating a

Fuel cells, autocatalysts, clean water technologies, fertiliser

Going green

Celebrating life Jeweller y, paints, food preser vation, polyester clothing, lipstick

Going green

GM miner Ivanhoe Mines wants to be procuring some of the power it needs for its Platreef mine from green sources by 2023. The mining company is building its own 5MW solar plant and has also signed an offtake agreement with Renergen to have access to the electricity generated by that company’s gas and solar power plant in the Free State province. Renergen is powering ahead with a project to produce helium and liquified natural gas at its Virginia Gas Project.

SECTOR INSIGHT

Implats is already using natural gas to supply its refinery in Springs. In Phase one of the project 20 Doosan fuel cells are generating 8MW of power. The long-term goal is to generate 22-30MW. ■

OVERVIEW

The concentrator at Mogalakwena Mine requires vast amounts of energy. Credit: Anglo American

The Musina-Makhado SEZ has also signed an agreement with a Chinese company for the first phase of a project that will supply 1 000MW of solar power to support the SEZ’s metallurgical complex. The two local municipalities in the area have been allocated R147-million by provincial government for infrastructure upgrades, including electricity.

The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ also has intentions of attracting green power. One of the region’s biggest minerals-processing companies, Samancor Chrome, intends building a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that will deliver up to 60MWp-capacity ( Mining Weekly ).

Two of the province’s other big mining companies have also announced plans to generate their own power. Exxaro’s huge coal mine at Grootgeluk (which supplies Eskom power plants) will be the site of an 84MW solar project and Northam Platinum plans to build a 10MW solar plant at its Zondereinde smelter. The Northam plant should be operational in early 2023 and the company expects to recoup its investment within four years.

South African Independent Power Producers Association: Southwww.saippa.org.zaAfricanNational Energy Development Institute: Southwww.sanedi.org.zaAfricanPhotovoltaic Industry Association: www.sapvia.co.za

A new public-private planning exercise, known as Impact Catalyst, is working on focus areas which include biofuels and intends to prepare the province to deal with the emergence of new sectors such as renewable energy.

National Energy Regulator: www.nersa.org.za

48LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Energy

Private generation is picking up.

A Chinese company will build a solar plant in the north.

Both Special Economic Zones in Limpopo are making a play for the green hydrogen market. This is discussed in a Special Feature elsewhere in the journal.

The current will be converted and sent to the Samancor grid in support of the Tubatse ferrochrome smelter. The company has appointed consultants to carry out a heritage impact assessment on the farm Goudmyn in the Fetakgomo Local Municipality.

ONLINE RESOURCES

The concentrator of the Mogalakwena Mine run by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) relies on constant and reliable electricity supply. With energy comprising a significant portion of costs and Eskom experiencing difficulties in terms of its debt and its ability to supply reliable power, the mining company is investigating the installation of a large solar PV project.

Excerpts from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on the energy crisis on 25 July 2022.

he set of additional actions I am announcing this evening firstly, are aimed at improving the performance of Eskom’s existing fleet of power stations. Secondly, will accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity. Thirdly, are intended to massively increase private investment in generation capacity. Fourthly, are designed to enable businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar. Finally, are directed at fundamentally transforming the electricity sector and positioning it for future sustainability.

working together with industry to accelerate the most advanced projects, several of which are already entering construction.

The amount of new generation capacity procured through Bid Window 6 for wind and solar power will be doubled from 2 600MW to 5 200MW.

While they will not require licences, all new generation projects will still have to register with the regulator and comply with the technical requirements for grid connection and our environmental legislation. ■

ENERGY GCISCredit: 49 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

We will release a request for proposals for battery storage and a further request for gas power thereafter. The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy will issue a determination for the remaining allocations in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 and will open further bid windows on an expedited basis.

To end loadshedding, however, we need to urgently add much, much more capacity to the grid.

This includes taking a pragmatic approach to the local content requirements for these projects, prioritising the need to build new capacity as quickly as possible.

Bid Window 6 doubled to cope with crisis

To ensure effective planning, the country’s Integrated Resource Plan is being reviewed to reflect the need for additional generation capacity and our climate

Third,commitments.weareaccelerating greater private investment in generation capacity. Last year we announced the raising of the licensing threshold to 100MW. This move was widely welcomed. It has unlocked a pipeline of more than 80 confirmed private sector projects with a combined capacity of over 6 We000MW.arealready

These changes have fundamentally changed the generationFollowinglandscape.thesuccess of this reform and the enthusiasm shown by the private sector, we will remove the licensing threshold for embedded generation completely. This will enable private investment in electricity generation to rise to higher levels.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, together with the Independent Power Producers Office, will provide further details.

Our second priority is therefore to accelerate the procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage. The relevant government departments are working together to ensure that all projects from Bid Window 5 of the renewable energy programme can start construction on schedule.

The Capricorn District Municipality funds a watertesting laboratory on the campus of the University of Limpopo.

Limpopo has markedly different rainfall patterns in its three main geographical regions: the escarpment (sub-humid with annual rainfall of more than 700mm); semi-arid middle veld and Highveld; and the arid and semi-arid Lowveld.

De Beers Venetia Mine also delivered a receptacle that could hold 10 000-litres, but this time it was a water tank for the village of Simson (pictured). Residents had been retrieving and siphoning water from the top of a degraded reservoir but the mining company’s intervention included a repair and recommissioning of that facility.

National Department of Water and Sanitation: www.dws.gov.za

ining companies, which are big water users, are con tributing in different ways to assist local municipali ties and communities. Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Mine has donated a 10 000 litre water truck to the Lephalale Local Municipality. About a third of households in the area rely on standpipes in the street for water and the truck will greatly increase the municipality’s ability to get water to rural villages.

Water

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority: www.tcta.co.za

The Water and Sanitation Services branch of Polokwane Municipality operates five water-purification plants and three sewage-purification plants.

Supplying water for the newly-designated Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a critical issue in an area where that resource is not plentiful. Talks are underway with Zimbabwe and other SADC member states.

Mining companies are supplying water to communities.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Phase 2A of the MokoloCrocodile Water Augmentation Project has stalled. Another TCTA project, the MWCAP, is designed to transfer water from the Crocodile River to the Lephalale and Steenbokspan areas. Lephalale is the site of coal mining and Eskom’s huge new power station, Medupi. A joint venture comprising Bigen Africa Services, Nyeleti Consulting and Gibb has been contracted to design, construct and supervise the project. ■

The province’s rivers are threatened.

The province’s rivers are under threat from the damaging effects of the mining industry, power stations, chemicals used in agriculture and from sewage treatment in catchment areas. Opportunities exist in this sector for innovative solutions. Concern about drought conditions and water quality under pressure from mines and industry has led to the calling of a Provincial Water and Sanitation Summit.

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 50 OVERVIEW

The project will entail the building of a 70km pipeline from Flag Boshielo Dam to Pruisen near Mokopane. This would improve water supplies for mines and domestic users.

Innovation Hub: www.theinnovationhub.com

As part of its Regional Water Scheme programme, Polokwane provides water to the residents of the rural areas of Mothapo, Mothiba and Makotopong.

Phase 2B of the multi-year Olifants River Water Resources Development Project is under discussion by project manager, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which is looking at funding options together with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

SECTOR INSIGHT

OVERVIEW

and has been donated by the Polokwane Local Municipality for the construction of a 488-bed academic hospital, for which more than R4-billion has been allocated by National Treasury.

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2351

Two areas of focus will see more than 2 000 homes come on to the market:

SECTOR INSIGHT

State projects and new hotels are underway.

• Ba-Phalaborwa Extension 7 and 9, 1 200 units.

A four-star Premier Hotels property under construction in Thohoyandou is being built by Nakiseni Business Enterprise (pictured) and should provide about 480 jobs in the first phase. This includes labourers, artisans and project managers.

More than 3 000 houses were handed over to citizens in need of shelter by the provincial government in the course of 2021/22, meaning that 12 000 people were catered for. An additional 1 948 fully-serviced sites were delivered to those who could erect their own structures.

Risima has introduced the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme, for those earning between R3 501 and R15 000 per month. Risima and the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) distribute grants to cover a deposit or to make up the shortfall between an asking price and what the applicant can afford. The South African Affordable Residential Developers Association (SAARDA) caters to the gap market.

Black Business Council in Built Environment: www.bbcbe.org Construction Industry Development Board: www.cidb.org.za South African Property Owners Association: www.sapoa.org.za

A non-mortgaged financial product assists government employees to get a foot on the property ladder. Risima is also exploring

The Risima Housing and Finance Corporation, a division of LEDA, is helping citizens of the province to become homeowners by creating affordable housing opportunities in the gap market.

Construction and property

Clinics are also being built, providing more work opportunities in the construction sector. A start has been made on a provincial theatre, with R15-million allocated to planning.

The Enterprise Development and Finance Division of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) offers loans to businesses in the construction and property sector and runs specialised training in vocational skills such as bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and welding.

cooperation with mining houses such as Exxaro, Amplats and Northam at ThavhaniThabazimbi.Mallisoperating

in Thohoyandou in a bigger development called Thavhani City. The 27ha site will eventually include an office park, automotiverelated businesses, private healthcare, a library, an information centre and a sports stadium. Its anchor retail tenants include Woolworths, Edgars, Pick n Pay and SuperSpar. The partners in the R1-billion project are Thavhani Property Investments, Vukile Property Fund and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development.

• Polokwane Extension 72 and 79, 1 000 units

A new academic hospital is planned.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Five libraries are under construction in the province and four new libraries are planned for Tshaulu, Makhuduthamaga, Vleifontein and Botshabelo in the Mopani District. The Schoemansdal Museum is to be upgraded. ■

Mike Nkuna at the launch of Nkuna Smart City

The Limpopo Science and Technology Park is intended to assist in the transformation of the provincial economy.

52LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 OVERVIEW

Serial property developer Mike Nkuna has announced that his Masingita Group will develop a R5.4-billion project in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality in the far northeast of the province. To be called Nkuna Smart City, Construction Review reports that 119 hectares at Nkuzana hamlet, near the town of Elim, has been allocated for theTheproject.National Department of Communications is responsible for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the regulator of communications, broadcasting and postal services, the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and three other agencies.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Good progress has been made in rolling out digital infrastructure in the province, with a Data Centre, a Network Operating Control Centre and a Contact Centre complete. A total of 52 sites have been connected to the network, using both fibre and satellite technologies. Phase One of the Broadband project is complete, including the development of investment models and strategies for sustainability.Aninvestment

SECTOR INSIGHT

Digital hubs will offer greater digital access.

Limpopo Connexion has been appointed as the operator of the Seshego hub and the provincial government has budgeted R23-million for the project.

A private investor is creating a Smart City in the north-east.

ICT

igital Hubs are to be created at Seshego in Polokwane and Nkowankowa in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality of the Mopani District Municipality. The hubs will offer train ing, provide access to ICT facilities and enable incubation for young entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.

partner is expected to be announced during the 2022/23 financial year. The partner will assist Limpopo Connexion in expanding the network footprint across the province at an estimated cost of R1.7-billion.

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) is a programme of the National Research Foundation and supports an average of 235 projects per year. THRIP supports initiatives that use science to bring benefits to wider society. This can relate to boosting distant rural computer literacy or for scientists working at the University of Venda who have received THRIP funding for soil research. ■

State Information Technology Agency: www.sita.co.za Support Programme for Industrial Innovation: www.spii.co.za Technology Innovation Agency: www.tia.org.za

Anglo American is rolling out a comprehensive information and communications technology (ICT) programme in 109 schools around its mining operations in South Africa to give thousands of learners and community members skills they need to enter the digital job market.

Primary schools and high schools will receive this benefit, in both the Musina Local Municipality and the Blouberg Local Municipality.TheAngloAmerican’s Head of Education and Community Skills, Zaheera Soomar, notes, “The latest intervention we have in the schools is in ICT infrastructure. It has always been an important factor for us, but with Covid-19 we all realised the dependency we have on ICT and we haven’t done enough in our schools. In the past year, we’ve been working on our ICT component which looks at giving both learners and educators access to WiFi. The second part is about ensuring that there are devices available in all schools and the third part is related to training, making sure that our learners and educators are trained to use the ICT infrastructure both for teaching and learning and that devices and connectivity features in the class every single day.”

Anglo American’s national project is improving digital literacy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills at schools.

• the work that it is currently undertaking in the education and ICT space was showcased

In Limpopo, Anglo American has provided feeback on the vari ous components of the ICT

he Anglo American South Africa ICT Education Project aims to ensure that all students from the schools in the project have access to the Internet and a device as well as to digital literacy programmes to help them build and develop their ICT skills. This will help them to actively participate in the digital world and increase their chances of gaining access to postschool opportunities.

To fulfil this purpose, Anglo American embarked on ICT launches across its business units and operations, including in Limpopo, where:

• the importance of education and ICT skills was emphasised as being critical and aligning with Anglo American’s purpose

Paving the future with access to ICT

National programme

A further 400 tablets have been given to 100 early childhood development centres for learning, play and engagement. A key element of the programme will be to ensure its sustainability. The implementation partners will work with the schools to ensure that they can continue driving the programme by themselves. ■

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2353

• Anglo American’s ICT Champions were introduced in various schools.

• learners, teachers and other stakeholders were inspired and encouraged to take an interest in education and ICT

Project, and these include: the status of the ICT infrastructure rollout in schools; device rollout in schools and ECD centres; and certified ICT courses offered by Anglo American partners.

MTN’s work in these provinces also governmentpartnershipsKeydeepparticularlytheprogrammesincludestohelpmostvulnerableintheruralvillages.stakeholderwithand

MTN’s strategy is anchored in building the largest and most valuable platform business, with a clear focus on Africa.

Limpopo: Moshe Molepo 083 211 0787

MTN Business has tailored solutions for any size business, small, medium, large, multinational and public and state-owned enterprises. ■

faster download speeds as well as uninterrupted streaming, surfing and the best in voice when compared to other mobile operators.

Microsoft and others to accelerate growth and provide seamless solutions for your business. MTN’s transformation journey from a core mobile service provider, telco, to a techco is embedded in its ICT solutions: managed networks, unified communication, IoT, security, data centre and hosting and mobile solutions, throughout the 19 markets it operates in.

he C ovid-19 pandemic has forc ed organisations of all sizes to kick their digital transformation strategies into high gear. Service providers with the capabilities to offer a full digital platform have been increasingly in demand.

Mpumalanga: Maria Lee 083 211 0808

About

community to report any vandalism incidents that they might witness to the nearest SAPS branches. Our efforts are directed towards building and maintaining a resilient infrastructure amidst adversities. We remain committed to proving a modern connected digital life for all,” says Moncho.

Seamless solutions for business.

CONTACT

“We are working tirelessly to ensure customers enjoy their experience on our network, and our commitment to serving customers with distinction will always be core of what we do,” concludes Moncho.

municipalities will see ongoing support for learners the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a

Why MTN Business

MTN Business has partnered with leading global service providers like BT, Securicom, Cisco,

MTN strives to ensure customers connected to the digital world and also delight of sharing moments and memories friends and family through their social platforms.

54LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 FOCUS

Dial 083 123 1800 Visit mtnbusiness.co.za Email getconnected@mtn.com Doing knows that trust is built on delivery. Let MTN Business take your enterprise on the journey of digital transformation. So. What are we doing today? Digital transformation is not an option, it’s a necessity. MTN Business ICT and Mobile solutions SolutionsMobile NetworksManaged ofInternetThings Data Centre and Hosting CommunicationUnified

Hammered by Covid-19 and pressured by cost-of-living concerns, the tourism industry has had a tough time of late. But the varied virtues of the Limpopo tourism offering have persuaded investors to commit to the future. The African Century Group is owned by Tsakani Masia.

Some Limpopo natu re reserves are to be commercialised using private-public partnerships. Among the first reserves to be part of the programme are Masebe, Rust de Winter and Lekgalameetse. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is responsible for 53 provincial nature

OVERVIEW

Threereserves.major national parks – Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe in the north and Marakele in the Waterberg – are run by South African National Parks (SANParks) and attract large numbers of tourists every year. The province’s private game reserves and lodges enjoy a reputation for luxury and excellence of service that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors.

Tourism

SECTOR INSIGHT

A four-star Premier Hotel is under construction in Thohoyandou. Credit: Premier Hotels

Private investors are sought for nature reserves.

New hotels are under construction.

Two other regions are receiving hotel investments. They include:

The provincial government has committed to enhancing the value of Limpopo’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites,

s a symbol of the start of a recovery process for the tourism sector, the sod-turning ceremony which took place in April 2022 in Thohoyandou was appropriate. The African Century Group is building a four-star Premier Hotel and the team behind the venture expects to fill its 120 rooms. Up to 450 delegates will be able to attend conferences at the hotel, which will also have two bars, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a gym.

• A R250-million Amazin Hotel in the Capricorn Region

by R10-million paid out by the Provincial Government of Limpopo to businesses not covered by the fund.

The National Tourism Relief Fund paid out R14.7-million to 294 Limpopo enterprises and this amount was supplemented

• R60-million committed to by Shekinah Lion & Game Lodge in the Waterberg region

The Vhembe District has a host of attractions and is connected to the northern section of the Kruger National Park via the Punda Maria gate. Elsewhere in the district are sacred lakes, the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and many baobab trees of legend.

The combined land area of Limpopo’s national, provincial and private game and nature reserves is 3.6-million hectares.

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 56

OVERVIEW

The 160-room Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane has opened in the provincial capital. Located near the golf course and the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the hotel also has conference and event facilities. Tsogo Sun runs the Garden Court Polokwane, which has 180 rooms

The lakes of the Vhembe District have a mystical quality.

Confederation of Hunting Associations of South Africa: Limpopowww.chasa.co.zaTourism

South African National Parks: www.sanparks.org

The Protea Hotel group has three hotels in the province. The Protea Hotel Landmark in Polokwane has 80 rooms and six conference venues. Just outside the city is the Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort where guests can walk with lions. The hotel is on a 1 000-hectare nature conservancy and specialises in weddings. The Protea Zebula Lodge is in Bela-Bela.

The Fusion Boutique Hotel in the provincial capital offers five-star quality in 30 en-suite rooms and two exclusive suites. Sun International runs the Meropa Casino and Entertainment World near Polokwane. The Khoroni Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort is in Thohoyandou. A three-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel is in the same complex.

Hotels and casinos

Wildlife farming and hunting generates enormous amounts of money but South Africans who were previously excluded by law still have limited access to this sector. Calculations done by a Professor in Tourism at North-West University, Peet van der Merwe, show that trophy and biltong hunters contribute significant amounts to the South African economy, more than R10-billion in the season that he studied.

ONLINE RESOURCES

57 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Tourism is a key sector in the economy of Limpopo, and as such is part of a new planning initiative called Impact Catalyst. In addition to a broad examination of the sector, specific thematic areas of focus include the game-farming sector, an important and lucrative subsector of tourism.

A new drive to promote home-stays is underway in the northern part of the province. Getting tourists to eat mopani worms and learn about local traditions and cultural practices would help to generate income for villages and hamlets otherwise outside of the mainstream economy.

Marula Festival: www.limpopomarulafest.co.za

ranging from executive suites to family rooms.

The newest casino licence was awarded to Peermont Global Resorts for the official launch and operation of the Thaba Moshate Casino, Hotel and Conference Centre in the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality. There are 237 limited pay-out gambling machines in the province, and licences of one sort or another generate more than R50-million for the provincial government. ■

In Mokopane near the Waterberg mountains, the familyrun The Park Hotel Mokopane has 125 rooms and can cater for up to 400 conference delegates. The three-star hotel recently added 25 self-catering units.

Makapans Valley and Mapungubwe Heritage Site, where the superbly crafted little golden rhinoceros, a relic from medieval times, was found in 1932. This is also a priority programme in the National Tourism Sector Strategy. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO protected site.

Agency: www.golimpopo.com

Both the national roads agency, SANRAL, and Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) have busy programmes of work in the province. Some of the focus has been on ensuring that road infrastructure is up to speed in support of the applications for the province’s two Special Economic Zones, but other major works such as the new ring road round around Polokwane have also been noteworthy.

SECTOR INSIGHT

58LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 OVERVIEW

In several instances around the province, mining companies have contributed to new roads and bridges, not only so that product can be taken out but also in places where villages are somewhat cut off.

Polokwane’s new bus rapid system is up and running.

Mining companies are building infrastructure.

Transport and logistics

Implats has contributed to several road and bridge projects in its area of operations. Credit: Implats

The Musina Intermodal Terminal near the Beitbridge Border Post is further confirmation of Limpopo’s status as a leader in transport and logistics. Located in the town of Musina on the N1 highway leading to Zimbabwe, the terminal is used to move cargo from road to Warehousingrail. facilities make for loading efficiencies in the main cargoes such as chrome, fertiliser, coal, fuel and citrus. Bulk

in recent years, whereas the R33 carries less traffic.

A Vehicle Operating Company (VOC), Esilux, has been appointed to operate the bus service on a three-year contract with the municipality. Some taxi drivers whose routes have been affected have been taken on as bus drivers.

In addition to the N1 highway, the N11 is a primary road corridor and there are nine provincial road corridors. Freight volumes on the N11 (to Botswana and Mpumalanga) have increased enormously

he bus rapid transport system, Leeto La Polokwane, is increasingly becoming a part of the daily routine of residents of the provincial capital. A 21-day trial period was completed in the course of 2021, during which the public were allowed to travel on the system at no cost. The trial operations were judged a success and so the project steamed ahead and the citizens of Polokwane are now getting used to using the new system.

Roads Agency Limpopo, of which the provincial government is the sole shareholder, accounts for about a third of the budget of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure. It has been successfully focussed on tackling a backlog of infrastructure maintenance, but it has also created partnerships with the national roads agency and private companies to deliver tarred roads where the majority of the province’s roads are gravel. An example of a publicprivate partnership between RAL and Implats is the successful completion of a 17km road to the Marula mine.

Logistics

Logistics is a vital feature of the Limpopo economy for two reasons – the province has huge volumes of minerals and horticultural products to be transported to markets elsewhere and the province is strategically positioned.

Delivering sustainable benefits

This project entailed the reconstruction, upgrade and rehabilitation of approximately 18 roads in Musina. The total spend on the project amounted to R24-million.

All three projects are aimed at benefiting the community of Musina. Approximately 115 job opportunities were created through implementation of these SLP projects.

The facility is now equipped with sufficient electrical supply and air conditioning. In addition, repairs to other defective work have been completed. A new paved access road has been constructed to uplift the overall appearance of the station. A total of R5.3-million was spent on the project.

Through its Socio-Economic Development strategy, Venetia Mine is also implementing a number of projects in the Blouberg area, which will be handed over to the Blouberg Local Municipality during the course of the year. De Beers’ Social and Labour Plan is an important element of the company’s work and is based on a belief that partnerships with municipalities are key to delivering meaningful and sustainable benefits in education and infrastructure as well as creating economic opportunities through farming.

Lesley Manyathela Stadium

Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects cover a range of community facilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Roads projects

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2359

Local communities benefit from Venetia Mine programme

The handover was commemorated in a small ceremony attended by Councillor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela, Mayor of Musina Local Municipality, Fistos Mafela, Chief Whip of the Musina Local Municipality, Nathi Tshiwanammbi, Municipal Manager, Benjamin Moremi, Venetia Mine’s Acting Senior Corporate Affairs Manager and David Lee, BMH Africa’s Safety Officer, among other stakeholders.

The sports and recreational facility, named after a famous soccer player who was born in Musina and went on to play for the national team, has now been secured with a reinforced ring wall and a new boundary fence. A new paved access road has also been constructed at the entrance of the stadium. The total spend on the project amounted to R1.1-million.

In accepting the projects, Councillor Mawela said, “It brings joy to note that the work done on these projects was not done merely for compliance, but to showcase that De Beers Venetia Mine is committed to quality and professional work that leaves a long-lasting impact on the lives of the local community members. We know that in order to construct and maintain infrastructure,

Musina Vehicle Testing Station project

enetia Mine has officially handed over to the Musina Local Municipality three Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects. The projects included the upgrade and rehabilitation of several roads, the revamp of the Lesley Manyathela Stadium and the renovation of the Vehicle Testing Station.

costs are often very high for the municipality. But with partners like Venetia Mine, it become easier for us to access state-of-the-art infrastructure like the ones being handed over today.”

Roads Agency Limpopo: www.ral.co.za

Gateway Airport Authority Limited: www.gaal.co.za

Leeto La Polokwane is carrying passengers in the provincial capital.

SANRAL is involved in two major road projects in support of the MMSEZ. The N1 is to be re-routed and a new single carriageway created in the Musina CBD. A bypass into ZCC Moria, the site of huge gatherings every Easter, has been completed.

Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: Limpopowww.dpw.limpopo.gov.zaDepartmentofTransport: www.ldot.gov.za

and containerised cargo are handled, with an annual capacity of three-million tons per annum.

The large national logistics company, Value Group, has only four major regional depots outside of Gauteng: in Cape Town, Durban, Nelspruit – and Polokwane. This illustrates the importance of the Limpopo Province and its capital city in the national logistics chain. IMPERIAL Logistics Southern Africa has 70 companies in its group structure, including Kobus Minnaar Transport, a firm that began in Tzaneen transporting fruit and vegetables. Other active companies in Limpopo include Dawn Wing Logistics, Kargo, F&R Logistics and Aramex SA.

The Polokwane International Airport (PIA) is wholly owned by the provincial government and run by the Gateway Airport Authority Ltd (GAAL), an agency of the Department and Transport. It has the potential to be an important regional cargo airport.

Outside of Polokwane, the towns of Tzaneen, Lephalale, Burgersfort and Musina (a border post with Zimbabwe) are all important in the field of logistics.

ONLINE RESOURCES

South Africa’s major logistics companies have facilities in Polokwane, and some have warehouses and forwarding facilities in other parts of the province. RTT has offices in Makhado. Limpopo’s biggest exports (minerals and fruit and vegetables) require dramatically different levels of handling. Minerals are poured in great volumes into the freight trucks of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and taken onward to Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

Many game reserves have airstrips and regional airports in the eastern part of the province which provide easy access to the Kruger National Park. Eastgate Airport at Hoedspruit is close to the Orpen Gate. Phalaborwa’s airport is notable for its Africanthemed terminal which includes a zebra-patterned floor. Musina, near the border with Zimbabwe in the north, hosts the province’s other regional airport. ■

60LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 OVERVIEW

Companies such as Freezerlines, Fast ‘n Fresh and Cold Chain have developed specialist techniques in getting delicate fruits to market and to port undamaged. Grindrod has a Perishable Cargo division which specialises in transporting cargo by air.

Great North Transport falls under the Limpopo Economic Development Agency. The company has more than 500 buses, covers about 36-million kilometres every year on 279 routes, employs more than 1 200 people and transports 37.6-million passengers. A turnaround strategy has been announced for Great North Transport. An amount of R216.5-million has been allocated to recapitalise the entity and support its financial and operational recovery.

The improved road P94/2 (R521) from Vivo towards Alldays in the Vhembe District reinforces Limpopo’s position as the pathway to the Southern African Development Community and the African continent as a whole. The import and export of mining products is thus made possible.

TOURISM

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE (LDPWRI) MME NKAKARENG RAKGOALE , TOGETHER WITH RAL CEO , MR GABRIEL MALULEKE HARD AT WORK DURING OPERATION #THIBAMEKOTIDITSELENG TOGETHER for better roads roadsagencylimpoporal.co.za RoadsAgency roadsagencylimpopo Roads Agency Limpopo PANTONE P49-8C CMYK - 0, 99, 91, 2 HEXHEXCMYKPROCESSHEXCMYKPROCESSC01823COLOUR-69,62,62,54-383938COLOUR-0,0,0,60-818285 ROADS AGENCY LIMPOPO SUPPORTS THE CRITICAL ECONOMIC SECTORS OF LIMPOPO INFRASTRUCTUREQUALITYDELIVERINGROADS RAL BUILDS ROADS TO ENABLE AGRICULTURE WHICH EMBOLDENS FARMERS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION

PROVINCE

RAL’s rehabilitated road P85/2 (R516) between Settlers and Tuinplaas makes transportation of farming produce seamless in the Waterberg District and nearby areas.

The rehabilitation of road D626 from Pienaarsriver towards Rust De Venter which is envisaged in the Waterberg District is set to boost tourism and agricultural activity within the district and nearby areas.

ENABLING AND FARMING – RAL CONNECTS THE PEOPLE OF LIMPOPO

RAL ROADS – MAKING THE LIMPOPO A TRUE GATEWAY INTO AFRICA

The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP),

SECTOR INSIGHT

More than a thousand spaza shops received support during the Covid-19 lockdown through the National Spaza Shop Relief Fund.

Shanduka Black Umbrellas: www.shandukablackumbrellas.org

Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za

Seda also runs the Seda Technology Programme (STP) which helps businesses scale up to the point where their products pass muster in the commercial world. A jam manufacturer may need assistance in getting the necessary health certificates before being able to sell to a big retailer, for example. Nachem Chemical, a company making cleaning chemicals in the Vhembe District Municipality, is an example of a company that has used the STP to good effect. ■

arge companies in Limpopo support new business ven tures by allocating service functions to local businesses and through training and mentoring. All of the province’s big mining companies have significant budgets set aside for procurement from small businesses and work such as cleaning and transport is routinely allocated to SMMEs.

Youth-owned enterprises are receiving support.

Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za

ONLINE RESOURCES

In addition, incubation and training programmes are available. De Beers Venetia Mine and the Small Enterprise Development Agency run an Enterprise Coaching Programme, a 10-month line-up of coaching and mentorship. A recent course offered to 30 entrepreneurs resulted in an overall increase in turnover of R5.7-million for businesses in the programme and the creation of 100 new jobs.

Among the target markets for TREP are bakeries, autobody repairs and mechanics and fruit and vegetable shops. In partnership with Seda, the provincial government has established a construction incubation centre at Steelpoort in Sekhukhune to train emerging contractors. A jewellery incubation centre in Polokwane trains young jewellery makers.

An enterprise coaching programme is reaping rewards.

Development finance and SMME support

a joint effort of the Provincial Government of Limpopo, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), assists small companies with compliance, business development services, access to markets and finance.

In sharing his testimonial as the enterprise with the highest turnover, Peter Dliwayo of Hlulani Civils said he was grateful to Venetia Mine and Seda for empowering him to be able to create employment opportunities for local communities. An example of the work undertaken by Hlulani Civils is pictured.

The incubation programme of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) was delivered to more than 100 SMMEs and co-operatives in 2021/22, with more than 60% of the SMMEs and about 30% of the co-ops being owned or run by young people. A further 77 youth-owned enterprises were assisted in getting access to finance for business ventures.

62LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 OVERVIEW

The following outcomes were planned and achieved during the twoday session:

of 49 candidates in Blouberg and 44 in Musina recently attended a Business Buzz and demonstrated their appetite for business knowledge and learning. The two-day session was developed as an interactive, informative way of introducing entrepreneurship to attendees and to assist them to analyse business concepts and their own skills, experience and passion. It was also designed to determine whether there is alignment between their strengths, skills and personalities and their business concept.

Business buzz programme offers entrepreneurs insights

• introduction to doing business

• interaction between attendees

As part of the programme, candidates were provided an opportunity to deliver a personal and business presentation to a panel drawn from the Venetia Mine Enterprise and Supplier Development team and TrioPlus Development. Candidates were graded according to aspects of the presentation that included personal analysis, skills, experience in the field of business concept, business concept that would like to be pursued,

Atotal

Energy, skill and innovative thinking was a feature of the two-day event.

• introduction to Life Skill topics such as Communication and Teamwork

• initiating new business ideas/opportunities

Following the Business Buzz, 12 candidates from each labour-sending area will be selected to be part of the Ideas and Concepts for Entrepreneurs (ICE) programme.

During this eight-month programme, the beneficiaries will be assisted to formalise their business concepts through thorough market research and analysis, be exposed to and prepared to adopt a variety of marketing approaches and introduced to financial recordkeeping. ■

63 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

unique value proposition, and which problem will be solved for customers, among other attributes. Programme facilitator Stephanie Roodt said, “It was my privilege to meet each of these groups and I was again amazed by the energy, skill and innovative thinking that is present with most of the potential entrepreneurs. All the interaction and networking was effective and positive and I am sure that the new linkages formed will assist these candidates for future endeavours.”

• personal reflection on skills, strong points, areas for development and passion

• unpacking of business ideas

• linking own personality and skills to business idea and passion

• unpacking and presenting own business concept.

Provincial Manager Koenie Slabbert believes that small businesses should embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We give them training around the startup process; we have a boot camp which is also a mentoring programme, Empretec. This is a United Nations programme established by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. We were the 42nd country to join and today there are over 59 countries.WithBusiness

We do from startup right up to businesses that want to grow and sustain themselves. Our programme has four legs: Business Start, Business Talk, Business Growth and Business Build. Start is for people who still don’t know what they want to do so we give them information through briefing sessions and they are given homework. It is our sifting process. The really entrepreneurial people will come back and say they have identified challenges in their community, they have thought how they can fix it, are there people doing a similar thing to what I want to do? But if they don’t come back then those people are not entrepreneurial.

Is the Seda Limpopo Jewellery Incubator producing results?

Koenie Slabbert, Provincial Manager

Growing and sustaining small business in Limpopo

Part of our programme is to expose people to local and international markets. Seda’s national target this year is to give 2 000 women-owned businesses international exposure. We have adopted from Finland a 12-month training programme for women.

BIOGRAPHY

Koenie Slabbert began his career as an apprentice in tool, jig and diemaking. Promotion to Supervisor inspired him to sign up for training at his own expense. Courses at the Production Management Institute of South Africa led to a Higher Diploma in Production Management and a BSc Honours through the PMI/ University of Hertfordshire. A Master’s Degree in Operations Management followed. Before joining Seda, Koenie was an industrial engineer at Limac. He has been Provincial Manager since 2007 and is the Acting Executive at national level of the Enterprise Development Division.

Where are Seda’s regional branches?

INTERVIEW LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 64

We have a branch in Capricorn District in Polokwane, which is also the site of the provincial office. Then we have offices in Thohoyandou, Tzaneen, Groblersdal and Mokopane. For areas like Lephalale we use co-location points where we share space with institutions such as LEDA.

The next three stages are where you help them build a business?

We have deliberately created the incubator as part of our network because there is a lot of diamond mining in the Musina area and also in Mokopane. The incubator at the Seshego Industrial Park in Polokwane is to assist young creative men and women, to cushion them for three to five years. Diamonds are quite expensive so we start with beads and then pewter and later on they start using platinum.

Build we give them access to markets and technology and access to finance. We help them to apply for funding. Business Growth is aimed at those that have reached a ceiling in their business. We offer turnaround strategies.

Do you provide support beyond the startup phase?

Sometimes you have sleepless nights because you are not sure whether people will really implement everything. But there comes a time when you do your impact assessment, normally in the seventh month after an intervention, then you realise that you have actually empowered these businesses. That is a very, very satisfying feeling to know that the little bit of advice that I have given, that I was throwing out when we were having discussions – they listened, they implemented, they came back, they asked questions, they took everything to heart and they implemented. It is a really satisfying feeling. ■

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 INTERVIEW Credit: Unsplash 65

Do you have partnerships with the private sector?

How can a small business build competitiveness and viability?

What are the biggest challenges SMMEs face in Limpopo?

be scared, let us help you, let us take your hand and we have all the tools that you need. The money is there, you just need to know how to package your proposal. We teach people how to prepare a proposal and how to pitch it to funders so that they will not stumble.

Board membership is inclusive of Venetia mine and we also have agreements with big chain stores like Game and Sterns for fixing rings. Participants are also given a certain quantity of rings to design.

Limpopo’s new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have great potential in many sectors. Within these zones we want to ensure that SMMEs, especially within the manufacturing sphere, are assisted. We have just established a rapid incubator in Groblersdal that is targeting all the students graduating from the local TVET college. The rapid incubation programme is an 18-month programme to see how fast a welder (or bricklayer or carpenter) can transition out of the TVET college into a business where you help him to understand the do’s and don’ts of a business, how to develop a business plan and how to grow and sustain a business.

Where are the best opportunities for small business in Limpopo?

People sometimes believe it is finance but it is not necessarily finance because it is available. People need to understand and develop a plan to start a business where there is a problem to fix. There must be a purpose and the biggest purpose there is, is to identify a challenge and say I am up to the challenge to fix this problem and help the community by establishing a business. Our task is to make sure that we bring ideas together and we nurture them and we give them the platform where they can grow.

We need to say to people, especially young people, that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is coming. Don’t

It must be very satisfying when a business does take your advice and moves forward.

Furniture company is sitting pretty

• Turnover improved 2 899% year-on-year.

The core business of the company is manufacturing (including designing) of various furniture items like tables, chairs and built-in units. The business currently has good working relationships with various bigger clients in and around Mankweng. The clientele consists of a healthy mix of establishments such as schools, churches, households and private businesses. Aubtec Kitchens has since expanded through establishing another manufacturing plant in Polokwane.

ubtec Kitchens was established in 2014 by Aubrey Koma, an active entrepreneur who has worked for various furnituremanufacturing companies in Polokwane and elsewhere in Gauteng. The business was registered as a private company.

• Business management and administration is more efficient and monitoring more effective.

Seda’s interventions benefitted the client in the following ways:

A formal diagnostic assessment of the business revealed certain limitations and challenges, namely that the company lacked the financial resources to secure vital machinery and the owner lacked crucial business management skills and techniques to improve profitability and growth. In addition, branding needed to be improved.

• The brand is more visible.

• New technology has helped secure corporate clients.

FOCUS

• Staff has increased by 12 additional employees, up from one.

A mentorship and business coaching intervention was initiated to improve various aspects of business management. An intervention to assist the client with promotional materials and branding was initiated. A financial management system was secured for the business, along with training.

• Significant funding was secured from the Seda Technology Transfer Assistance (TTA) pro gramme and the South African Breweries (SAB) Tholoana Fund. has been phenomenal in helping me to grow my business. I am actually at a loss for words.”

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 “Seda

Challenges

Seda Capricorn developed an action plan to address the shortcomings.

The client was referred to the Tholoana Development Fund of South African Breweries for funding and a Seda staff member assisted with the application. The client was also referred to the Seda TTA fund for expansion capital.

Interventions and solutions

Aubtec Kitchens is on an upward trajectory after timely interventions by Seda.

Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Mr Marcus Mukumela - Branch Manager

13 Danie Joubert Street

Seda Mopani Branch

Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za

Seda Mopani Branch

Fax: +27 15 962 4285

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor

Mr Martin Rafferty: Acting Branch

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Physical address:

Tel:Manager+2715 960 8700

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Seda offices

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

eki Mall, Sh

Mr Marcus Mukumela - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Fax: +27 15 290 8736

Fax: +27 15 962 4285

Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

13 Danie Joubert Street Tzaneen 6409 Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

Email: 0600Mokopane40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreet

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Tel: +27 15 287 2940

13 Danie Joubert Street

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Fax: +27 15 290 8736

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building 68 Hans van Rensburg Street

Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

0699Polokwane

Acting Branch Manager Branch Manager

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

Tel:Manager+2715 960 8700

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Mr Marcus Mukumela - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 13 262 9430 Email: 0470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

Building 2nd Floor Nictus Building

Mr Marcus Mukumela - Branch Manager

Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za

Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

861

eki Mall, Sh

0699Polokwane

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Fax: +27 15 290 8736 Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za 1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Fax: 086 634 8964

13 Danie Joubert Street Tzaneen 6409

Tel: +27 13 262 9430 Email: 04070470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street94326409

1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600 Email: 0600Mokopane40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreet

n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Seda Vhembe Branch

Tel: +27 15 287 2940 Fax: +27 15 297 4022

1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Email: 0600Mokopane40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreet

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

8617 We have built a strong team in the province made up of 16 Business Advisors, two Regional Facilitators and five Information Officers who have the responsibility of making measurable differences in the businesses that they assist. This team of Business Advisors works closely with a team of carefully selected service providers who possesses expert knowledge in different functional areas of business and industry sectors.

Seda Capricorn Branch

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

0699Polokwane

eki Mall, Sh n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

Email: Floor2ndkslabbert@seda.org.zaSuite6,Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0700 Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

We have built a strong team in the province made up of 16 Business Advisors, two Regional Facilitators and five Information Officers who have the responsibility of making measurable differences in the businesses that they assist. This team of Business Advisors works closely with a team of carefully selected service providers who possesses expert knowledge in different functional areas of business and industry sectors.

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

Seda Vhembe Branch

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

Provincial Ofﬁce

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

Mr Martin Rafferty: Acting Branch Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600

Seda Capricorn Branch

Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Floor, Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen 0850

Tzaneen 6409

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building 68 Hans van Rensburg Street 0699Polokwane

Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Seda contacts

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za

Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Tel: +27 15 287 2940

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch

Fax: +27 15 962 4285 Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor

ADVANCING SMALL

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

We have built a strong team in the province made up of 16 Business Advisors, two Information Officers who have the responsibility of making measurable differences in the businesses that they assist. This team of Business Advisors works closely with a team of carefully selected service providers who possesses expert knowledge in different functional areas of business and industry sectors.

Fax: +27 15 290 8736

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za

n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

Seda contacts

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

Mr Martin Rafferty: Acting Branch Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600

Seda offices Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Seda offices

DEVELOPMENT

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

eki Mall, Sh

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

Tel:Manager+2715 960 8700

Provincial Ofﬁce

Fax: +27 15 297 4022 Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Tel: +27 13 262 9430 Email: 0470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Seda Capricorn Branch

Mr Marcus Mukumela - Branch Manager

Seda offices

Mr Peter Maredi - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Tel: +27 15 306 6400 Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

Seda contacts

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Email: Floor2ndkslabbert@seda.org.zaSuite6,Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0700 Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

Email: Floor2ndkslabbert@seda.org.zaSuite6,Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0700

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Floor, Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen 0850

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building 68 Hans van Rensburg Street 0699Polokwane Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase

Seda Vhembe Branch

Tel: +27 15 287 2940

Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Fax: +27 15 290 8736

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Seda Vhembe Branch

Seda Mopani Branch

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial

Physical address: 13 Danie Joubert Street

Tzaneen6409OldNedbank

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

Seda offices

Mr Peter Maredi - Branch Manager

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za

Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor

Tel: +27 15 306 6400 Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

Fax: 086 634 8964 Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

Fax: +27 15 962 4285

8617

Mr Martin Rafferty: Acting Branch

Mr Martin Rafferty: Branch

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Floor, Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen 0850

Mr Peter Maredi - Branch Manager

Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

Seda Mopani Branch

Fax: +27 15 962 4285 Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor 8617

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

68 Hans van Rensburg Street

1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

Capricorn Branch (located in Polokwane)

13 Danie Joubert Street Tzaneen 6409

Mr Martin Rafferty: Acting Branch

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Seda Mopani Branch

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building 68 Hans van Rensburg Street 0699Polokwane

Seda contacts

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

Tel: +27 15 287 2946

Mr Peter Maredi - Branch Manager

Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600

Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

Provincial Ofﬁce

Fax: 086 634 8964

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Email: Floor2ndkslabbert@seda.org.zaSuite6,Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0700

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Floor, Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen 0850

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Seda contacts

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Physical address: Bindu 7950ThohoyandouBusinessLavhathuComplex

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

TOGETHER ENTERPRISE

Seda Vhembe Branch

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Floor, Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen 0850

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

Email: sbotha@seda.org.za

Email: 0600Mokopane40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreet

Vhembe Branch (located in Thohoyandou)

Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 287 2940

Email: 0600Mokopane40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreet

13 Danie Joubert Street Tzaneen 6409 Waterb erg Br an ch (located in M okopane)

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Email: 0470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Seda Vhembe Branch

Tel: +27 13 262 9430

Physical address: 2nd Floor ABSA Building

Fax: +27 15 491 7361

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Tel: +27 13 262 9430 Email: 0470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Mr Peter Maredi - Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

eki Mall, Sh

Mr. Peter Maredi: Branch Manager

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Provincial Ofﬁce

Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za

Fax: +27 15 962 4285 Email: Thohoyandou3rdOfficePhysicalmmukumela@seda.org.zaaddress:BindulavhathuBuildingFloor

Seda Sekhukhune Branch

n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch Tel:Manager+2715 960 8700

Tel: +27 13 262 9430 Email: 0470GroblersdalHerefordShopMutPhysicalsntshangase@seda.org.zaaddress:ualBuilding4andOffice10,12Street

Tel: +27 15 492 9600

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Tel: Email: eki Mall, Sh n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Seda Capricorn Branch

Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Seda offices

Tel: +27 15 290 8720

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Fax: 086 634 8964

Tzaneen 6409

Email: Floor2ndkslabbert@seda.org.zaSuite6,Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0700 Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

8617

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch Tel:Manager+2715 960 8700

n Riebeek Street, Groblersda

TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za

Seda Capricorn Branch

Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

Old Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

1st ans van Rent, Polokwane 0699

Tel: +27 15 287 2940 Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za

TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE

Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Postnet Suite 32 Private Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700

Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Tel: +27 15 306 6400

Fax: 086 634 8964

Physical address: 1st Floor Nictus Building 68 Hans van Rensburg Street

Fax: +27 15 290 8736

Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Koenie Slabbert - Provincial Manager

Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager

Sekhukhune Branch (located in Groblersdal)

Provincial Ofﬁce

Mr Koenie Slabbert: Provincial Tel:Manager+2715 287 2940

Email: 0699Polokwane68NictusPhysicalkslabbert@seda.org.zaaddress:2ndFloorBuildingHansvanRensburgStreet

Seda Limpopo Provincial Office

Email: mrafferty@seda.org.za27 Peace Street, 1st Prosperitas Building,

Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager

Mr Marcus Mukumela: Branch

Mopani Br anch (located in T zaneen)

Acting Branch Manager

Fax: 086 634 8964

Sed Mr Steve Botha - Branch Manager

Mr Eric Manyelenyele: Acting Branch Manager

Fax: +27 15 307 2233

Tel:Manager+2715 492 9600 Email: 40BuildingPhysicalsbotha@seda.org.zaaddress:OldNedbankRetiefStreetMokopane0600

Seda Mopani Branch

Provincial Ofﬁce

Seda Capricorn Branch

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Seda contacts

Tel: +27 15 960 8700

Old Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Ofﬁces, Mphephu Road, Thohoyandou 7950

Fax: +27 15 297 4022

Provincial Manager

granting permission to UIGC Connect to build infrastructure.

UIGC Connect is one of four units run by the university offering professional services to the outside world. Other areas covered include statistics and design and editing. This not only creates another revenue stream for the University of Venda but links the academic institution to the commercial world.

University entity is earning its keep digitally.

Sanitation projects at schools are on course.

SECTOR INSIGHT

UIGC Connect now has a headstart in the Vhembe District Municipality area, which should allow it to become the service provider of choice for businesses and private households. Wayleaves have been granted by the Thulamela and Collins Chabane local municipalities,

The offices of UIGC Connect in Thohoyandou will make it possible for the Local Municipality of Thulamela to become a smart city. The programme began by supplying accredited university accommodation sites, which includes buildings that are not official residences, with connectivity and spread out from there. Training programmes will be offered for artisans and technicians as UIGC Connect grows.

he private company that the University of Venda runs to create extra revenue streams is confident of earning significant amounts from its WiFi projects. Univen Innovative Growth Company (UIGC) expects to bring in nearly R700-million from its subsidiary, UIGC Connect, in the first five years of providing connectivity to students and the broader community.

Participants who attended the “Creating a Sustainable Economy in the Limpopo Province” workshop at the Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane, which was part of the collaboration between De Beers and International Youth Foundation. Credit: De Beers

68LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 OVERVIEW

Education and training

OVERVIEW

Venetia Diamond Mine in the far north of Limpopo is in the process of transitioning from surface to underground mining and that requires a new set of skills from employees and contractors.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Early in 2020, the University of Limpopo received a gift in the form of a R480-million loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for the construction of a 3 500-bed student residence. Other contributions will come from the National Department of Higher Education and Training and the National Treasury Budget Facility for Infrastructure. This is the first phase of a longer-term project to provide 15 000 beds over the next 15 years.

Training

69 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly part of Limpopo University) is an independent university in Gauteng Province. University of South Africa (Unisa) has a regional support centre in Polokwane and agencies at Makhado and Giyani.

National Education Collaboration Trust: www.nect.org.za

De Beers Group has partnered with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) under its SA Skills for Life (S4L) programme which focuses on strengthening teaching and learning in the public TVET college system

Six simulators are being installed at a new training centre for the mine, covering aspects such as drills and bolters while virtual reality will be deployed for a virtual blast wall. More than 300 training modules will be available.

in the Capricorn and Vhembe Districts. Programmes included Entrepreneurship, Job Skills, Financial and Critical Thinking Skills.

The university is making strides in the field of waste-to-energy. The Green Technologies Promotion Drive is a multi-disciplinary effort with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Water Research Commission (WRC). One of its goals is to develop the biogas

Sanitation infrastructure at 135 schools was completed in the 2021/22 financial year, with work underway at a further 27 schools. For 2022/23, 47 new projects will take place. The budget for this work is R455million. A further 203 schools are receiving sanitation facilities through the Mvula Trust at a cost of R162-million. ■

The University of Venda is also implementing its strategic plan for the five years to 2025. The key thrusts of the plan cover student centredness and engaged scholarship, entrepreneurship, governance, partnerships and internationalisation.

Turfloof Graduate School of Leadership: www.ul.ac.za

A commitment was made in 2021 by provincial government that 40 schools will have their water infrastructure upgraded within the next two years and that a further 100 schools will receive proper sanitation facilities. There are plans to build 17 more schools and add 295 classrooms across the province for all grades, including 45 for Grade R. Seven new libraries are under construction and a further four are planned.

Limpopo Department of Education: www.edu.limpopo.gov.za

Four new faculties have been created from eight former schools of study and a new executive portfolio for research and postgraduate studies has been created, with the university’s new Deputy ViceChancellor, Professor Nosisi Nellie Feza, responsible.

There are seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in Limpopo: Capricorn College, Lephalale College, Mopani East College, Mopani South College, Sekhukhune College, Vhembe College and Waterberg College.

Themarket.Sefako

Training programme delivers sought-after skills

70LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23

At the Venetia Underground Project, diesel mechanics are earning qualifications.

Lucky Ndou recently qualified as a diesel mechanic through Murray & Roberts Cementation’s training initiative at the Venetia Underground Project. He says, “I want to express my technical mind through my hands.”

entirely underground operation, Murray & Roberts Cementation, responsible for the sinking, equipping and commissioning of two underground shafts and a decline shaft at the VUP site, has trained many employees drawn from the local community in a variety of mining and engineering skills through its learnership programme.

hanks to Murray & Roberts Cementation’s training initiatives at the Venetia Underground Project (VUP) near Musina in Limpopo Province, two community members – Lucky Ndou and Nakedi Montja – have been able to realise their dreams of becoming diesel mechanics, a qualification in high demand in South Africa.

Since the inception of the project, which will see De Beers Venetia Mine transitioning to an

“We’re delighted with the success of the programme, which has seen many employees – all recruited locally – upscaling their skills to higher levels,” says Japie du Plessis, Project Executive, Murray & Roberts Cementation. “Our approach is to employ local people for entry-level positions and then, if they have the potential, further develop their skills to allow them to qualify for much more senior roles such as trackless mobile machine operators, diesel mechanics, electricians, riggers and miners as well as shift supervisors.”

He says that many learners have, during their skills development journey, spent time at Murray & Roberts Cementation’s world-class training academy at its Bentley Park facility near Carletonville on the West Rand.

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Challenges met and overcome Lucky Ndou joined Murray & Roberts Cementation in 2013 as a General Worker (Stores) but got the opportunity in 2019 to become one of the company’s apprentice learners. This marked the start of three years of training to become a qualified diesel mechanic. He says that his love for fixing machines, apparent at an early age, motivated his decision to upgrade his skills. As he says, “I want to express my technical mind through my Accordinghands.” to Ndou, his training was challenging at first but became easier as he progressed and the subject material

electric systems but extends to the mechanical and hydraulic systems as well.

Murray & Roberts Cementation is very proud of the achievements of Ndou and Montja. “As a company, we are committed to uplifting communities and one of the ways we do this is by providing community members with skills that will last a lifetime. We’ve been working on the VUP for roughly 10 years and it has been very rewarding to see how our training initiatives have transformed the lives of so many employees.” ■

Nakedi Montja joined Murray & Roberts Cementation somewhat later than Ndou, starting his employment as a General Worker on the decline in 2019. As a child, he was always around people who fixed cars. “I developed similar interests and fell in love with fixing engines,” he recalls. “This is why I’ve chosen to qualify as a dieselDescribingmechanic.”the highlights of his three-year apprenticeship, he says he now has a thorough understanding of mining machines such as LHDs and drill rigs and can strip and assemble them. His knowledge is not just confined to the

Newly-qualified diesel mechanic, Nakedi Montja recommends this career to others.

Lucky Ndou joined Murray & Roberts Cementation in 2013 as a General Worker, Stores, but got the opportunity in 2019 to become one of the company’s apprentice learners and recently qualified as a diesel mechanic.

became more interesting. His advice to those considering a similar journey is simple, “Nothing is impossible if you work hard and commit yourself to achieving your goal and making your dreams come true.”

He recommends a career as diesel mechanic to anyone who is ardent about machines and loves working with their hands. Like Lucky, he believes that people should follow their dreams. “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past,” he says. “Focus on the future and your life will reflect like a Dudiamond.”Plessissays

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LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/2371

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Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) 24-31

Implats....................................................................................................................................................................... 46-47

Limpopo Office of the Premier 3

MTN 32-35, 54-55, OBC

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Momentum Financial Planning IBC

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Northam Platinum 42-45

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De Beers Group of Companies (Venetia Mine) 11, 53, 59, 63, 70-71

Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).................................................................................................................. IFC, 61

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INDEX

Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) 7

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Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) 14-20

Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)................................................................................ 64-67

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Glencore 28-29

Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 5

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) 26-27

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72LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2022/23 INDEX

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