Exxaro’s enterprise and supplier development support continues to grow SMMEs in their host communities

Kenneth Motaung grew up around Kriel, a small town in the Mpumalanga. His first job in 2004 was as a security guard; he worked his way up from there and by 2017, he had joined a mining company where he was trained as a materials handler.

“That’s where I got the mining background to understand how the mining industry works and operates. I saw an opportunity and registered my company Mosobodo Kathide Trading,” said Motaung.

The 38-year-old landed his first contract through Exxaro’s Matla mine, as well as some other big companies, which included sub-contracting work around the Kriel area. Today, Motaung has expanded into plant hire and has his own fleet of tipper trucks and front-end loaders.

“Exxaro helped me to start my company from scratch, we didn’t have anything, in fact when we came on site – Exxaro sponsored us with the machines that we now have through a loan. This support has helped us to handle even bigger projects because it is much easier when you have your own equipment as a company. Exxaro takes SMME development very seriously,” adds Motaung.

Mosobodo Kathide Trading is just one of the 173 entrepreneurs and locally owned SMME’s from Exxaro’s host community – Kriel, which have received grants and interest-free loans to grow their businesses.

Lazarus Ramashilabele, General Manager for Exxaro’s Mpumalanga Coal mines and FerroAlloys said Exxaro believes in empowering host communities toward socio-economic sustainability.

“We can alleviate poverty and desperation in these communities by stimulating more private sector investments into rural areas and unlock the immense entrepreneurial potential of local SMMEs and entrepreneurs,” said Ramashilabele.

“With access to finance and other assistance, these entrepreneurs can grow their businesses and create employment opportunities – especially for young people and women.”

Another business that has grown from the support from Exxaro is Boulevard Mining and Construction, offering construction; mining and survey services; and exploration drilling for the Matla mine. Owner of the company, Pule Mokoena, a qualified mine surveyor, says the investment from Exxaro has helped him to bring stability to his business which he built after he was retrenched.

“We got our first contract from Exxaro in 2016 shortly after the retrenchment process was completed. We received funding from the company to acquire machinery. Part of the funding was a loan and part of it was a grant.”

“Our first project at Arnot Mine, while it was still under Exxaro, included drilling and ground monitoring. In our current assignment, we take out coal for geologists to analyse the samples and check the quality of coal in this area. We’ve also completed projects in groundwater monitoring and percussion drilling.”

Exxaro Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Manager – Dr Lusapho Njenge said the company’s unwavering support for its host communities is driven by its purpose to Power Better Lives in Africa and Beyond.

“Through our ESD programme, we are able to empower and grow a small business and indirectly improve the livelihood of the business owner and his employees and family.  Supporting local businesses helps to improve the economy of our communities, which further positively impacts the basic human rights of those living in and round.”

Both Mokoena and Motaung speak gratefully of the significant impact that Exxaro’s investment and support has had on the sustainability of their businesses and their ability to give back.

“After I was retrenched in 2016, the help that I got from Exxaro assisted me to start this business and provide for my family,” says Mokoena. “Over this time, I have managed to create nine permanent jobs. We currently have two machines operating at two sites and I am blessed to have been able to create a steady income for our workers that will have an impact beyond themselves.”

READ MORE:

Exxaro donated a 1.3-million-rand water tanker truck to Emakhazeni Local Municipality

Exxaro Resources is committed to improving the lives of those around its Mpumalanga mines

Exxaro continues to make a positive impact in host communities, according to the Interim Results

Exxaro backs women entrepreneurs across Mpumalanga

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