RBM signs multi-million rand empowerment deals

A FOUR-YEAR journey to empower black owned businesses locally, culminated with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) signing two multi-million rand deals for its core business contracts of dry mining and haulage services.

The milestone event was held at the Premier Hotel The Richards where local stakeholders, businesses, community leaders and dignitaries witnessed the official signing ceremony as RBM entered into deals with Albion Services, a community dry mining company that represents the four traditional authority trusts and community entrepreneurs, and the second with Unitrans and Ivysea, a 100% black owned enterprise representing Sokhulu, Mbonambi, Dube and Mkhwanazi entrepreneurs), now known as Ubunye Mining Services.

RBM Managing Director Mpho Mothoa said the empowerment deals are in line with the company’s vision to make a difference.

‘We value our public participation and collaboration to empower communities and transform lives.’

Mothoa said Ubunye and Albion should be applauded for reaching this significant milestone and emphasised the importance of working with strategic partners to bring about sustainable change.

The company has committed itself to continue to forge partnerships with its traditional contractors as a method of increasing the participation of black entrepreneurs in the mainstream economy.

Unitrans is a significant service provider and has partnered with RBM for approximately 30 years to provide a range of materials transport and handling services.

The Ubunye deal addresses the ownership component (30% community shareholding) for the local entrepreneurs, with skills transfer an added advantage.

Albion Services is the first black majority owned company awarded a mining contract with RBM.