Civil engineering company Onkabetse Civils and Mining CC has become one of the beneficiaries of the Northern Cape Blended SMME Fund, a provincial development finance initiative aimed at expanding access to capital for black-owned small businesses.
Founded in 2012, the 100% black female-owned business is based in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberley. It operates in the civil construction sector, providing services that include road construction and maintenance, earthworks, stormwater systems, sewer infrastructure, and plant hire services across the Northern Cape.
The business is supported through the Northern Cape Blended SMME Fund, a financing programme implemented by the National Empowerment Fund in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
The fund was launched in 2021 and is scheduled to run until 2027. It was established to address one of the most persistent barriers facing small businesses in South Africa—access to finance.
According to NEF Regional Manager Kgatliso Manake, women-owned businesses remain among the strongest performers under the fund.
“What I have found out is that women entrepreneurs really pay us back. Most importantly, they reinvest the proceeds that they make, they buy more stock, and they also employ more staff as well. When you empower a woman, you really do empower the whole community,” Manake said.
By combining loan funding from the NEF with grant contributions from the provincial government. The blended structure is designed to reduce the cost of capital while supporting business expansion and sustainability.
NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani said the broader objective of the fund is to reposition black-owned enterprises within key sectors of the economy.
“The objective is to ensure that black-owned enterprises are able to grow, compete and participate meaningfully in the economy, rather than remain on the margins,” he said.
R10 million boost and 13 jobs created
The NEF notes in its report that Onkabetse Civils and Mining has received approximately R10 million in investment through the blended finance programme, aimed at strengthening its operational capacity and enabling it to compete for larger infrastructure contracts.
According to the NEF, the company has created 13 permanent jobs, with additional employment opportunities generated through project-based work.
Company founder Maria Mooketsi says the journey has required patience, resilience, and continuous learning in a demanding industry.
“There are challenges in running a business. It is not easy, but we are really dedicated and we have patience in terms of the challenges we are experiencing. With the knowledge that we have, we are really trying our best every day to strive for better,” she said.
She added that growth in business requires ongoing learning.
“It starts with believing in yourself. There is nothing that can kill you if you have a dream. Learning doesn’t end in school, we learn every day.”
Fund continues to support businesses
The Northern Cape Blended SMME Fund continues to support businesses across the province as part of a broader strategy to stimulate inclusive economic growth, with a focus on construction, mining services, agriculture, manufacturing and other high-employment sectors.
As the programme moves towards 2027, institutions such as the NEF say the focus remains on scaling sustainable enterprises that can contribute to job creation and long-term economic participation in the province.
“All you need to do is look at the right place and look for the right people, and to learn more,” Mooketsi said.
