Vutivi
  • Business
    Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank

    Standard Bank commits millions to empower women across Africa

    In just few minutes, fraudsters can hijack a SIM card,hack business accounts, drain bank accounts, and leave small businesses devastated

    SIM swap scammers target SMEs

    AI is making rental scams harder to spot in South Africa’s housing market

    Property agencies face AI-driven rental scams

    SA's G20 presidency spotlighting on Africa's high borrowing costs

    SA’s G20 presidency looks at lowering borrowing costs

    Paulvia Shiburi founder of PS Debt-Management

    Debt management business aims to empower women

    Consumers Moovy-ing to Soweto’s bike courier service

    Small businesses plead for end to red tape

    Carol Morena, founder of Carol.M Lingerie

    Turning women’s challenges into bold innovation

    Township Innovators in Sedibeng eye for DTIC support

    Township innovators eye new government support

    The cost of beans has surged, leaving small brewers in places like Soweto and Maboneng struggling to protect their margins

    Coffee roasters struggle to stay afloat as bean prices soar

  • Agriculture
    A thriving cabbage field in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, where small-scale farmers are bracing for harsh summer weather that threatens crop production

    Harsh summer weather and poor infrastructure to impact farming

    Drought and floods threaten farming

    Farmers beat harsh weather with thriving potato crop

    Local farmers are worried about the increased pork and beef imports from the US

    US poultry and pork imports worries small meat suppliers

    Farmer and agro ecology campaigner Rosa Ramaipadi hopes the career and trade expo she is hosting will benefit small scale farmers and SMEs in general. Photo. Lucas Ledwaba

    Expo to empower farmers with new opportunities

    SMEs in North West hope the development of a new poultry project will benefit local business.

    Poultry project gives former miners and SMEs hope

    Espinaca Innovations which started a health revolution in Cape Town townships

    Small agro-processing businesses making their mark

    U.S. slaps 30% tariff on South African citrus, a blow that could squeeze small growers out of the export market

    Citrus sector concerned as tariffs bite

    MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in North West :Madoda Sambatha

    Livestock SMEs want access to retailers

  • Innovation

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

    Coin powered connectivity delivers easy profits for small businesses

    Portable power station by Vincent Mosebe

    Innovator develops portable station to power up SMEs

    Lillian Barnard, president for Microsoft Africa. Picture: Microsoft

    Empowering SMMEs through AI: Microsoft’s new vision

    AI-driven disinformation becoming a threat

    How businesses can fight back against cybercrime

    Owen Lekala

    Innovative transport app set to expand

  • Finance
    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

    Heineken is investing in a malting plant

    Heineken’s R1.9bn investment set to boost local barley farmers

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Picture: GCIS

    Value Added Tax hike has SMMEs worried

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to deliver revised budget

    Revised Budget 2025: What SMMEs Expect

  • Tourism
    Newly opened Atrium Boutique Hotel in Polokwane

    Atrium Hotel becomes a catalyst for Limpopo tourism

    Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

    G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

    Flysafair pilots on strike

    Tourism hit hard by FlySafair pilot strike

    Creativity and collaboration key to coastal SMME survival

    Premier Panyaza Lesufi

    New initiative offers hope for SMMEs, fairer contracts

    Economic development, environment, conservation and tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane

    SMEs sceptical despite promise of R71 million for tourism

    G20 Tourism Hackathon

    Tourism enterprises call on hackathon to help bridge digital divide

    The Unveiling of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State

    Kgodumodumo Centre boosts tourism and empowers SMMEs

    Tourism companies eye opportunities in digital visa surge

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
  • Business
    Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank

    Standard Bank commits millions to empower women across Africa

    In just few minutes, fraudsters can hijack a SIM card,hack business accounts, drain bank accounts, and leave small businesses devastated

    SIM swap scammers target SMEs

    AI is making rental scams harder to spot in South Africa’s housing market

    Property agencies face AI-driven rental scams

    SA's G20 presidency spotlighting on Africa's high borrowing costs

    SA’s G20 presidency looks at lowering borrowing costs

    Paulvia Shiburi founder of PS Debt-Management

    Debt management business aims to empower women

    Consumers Moovy-ing to Soweto’s bike courier service

    Small businesses plead for end to red tape

    Carol Morena, founder of Carol.M Lingerie

    Turning women’s challenges into bold innovation

    Township Innovators in Sedibeng eye for DTIC support

    Township innovators eye new government support

    The cost of beans has surged, leaving small brewers in places like Soweto and Maboneng struggling to protect their margins

    Coffee roasters struggle to stay afloat as bean prices soar

  • Agriculture
    A thriving cabbage field in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, where small-scale farmers are bracing for harsh summer weather that threatens crop production

    Harsh summer weather and poor infrastructure to impact farming

    Drought and floods threaten farming

    Farmers beat harsh weather with thriving potato crop

    Local farmers are worried about the increased pork and beef imports from the US

    US poultry and pork imports worries small meat suppliers

    Farmer and agro ecology campaigner Rosa Ramaipadi hopes the career and trade expo she is hosting will benefit small scale farmers and SMEs in general. Photo. Lucas Ledwaba

    Expo to empower farmers with new opportunities

    SMEs in North West hope the development of a new poultry project will benefit local business.

    Poultry project gives former miners and SMEs hope

    Espinaca Innovations which started a health revolution in Cape Town townships

    Small agro-processing businesses making their mark

    U.S. slaps 30% tariff on South African citrus, a blow that could squeeze small growers out of the export market

    Citrus sector concerned as tariffs bite

    MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in North West :Madoda Sambatha

    Livestock SMEs want access to retailers

  • Innovation

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

    Coin powered connectivity delivers easy profits for small businesses

    Portable power station by Vincent Mosebe

    Innovator develops portable station to power up SMEs

    Lillian Barnard, president for Microsoft Africa. Picture: Microsoft

    Empowering SMMEs through AI: Microsoft’s new vision

    AI-driven disinformation becoming a threat

    How businesses can fight back against cybercrime

    Owen Lekala

    Innovative transport app set to expand

  • Finance
    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

    Heineken is investing in a malting plant

    Heineken’s R1.9bn investment set to boost local barley farmers

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Picture: GCIS

    Value Added Tax hike has SMMEs worried

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to deliver revised budget

    Revised Budget 2025: What SMMEs Expect

  • Tourism
    Newly opened Atrium Boutique Hotel in Polokwane

    Atrium Hotel becomes a catalyst for Limpopo tourism

    Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

    G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

    Flysafair pilots on strike

    Tourism hit hard by FlySafair pilot strike

    Creativity and collaboration key to coastal SMME survival

    Premier Panyaza Lesufi

    New initiative offers hope for SMMEs, fairer contracts

    Economic development, environment, conservation and tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane

    SMEs sceptical despite promise of R71 million for tourism

    G20 Tourism Hackathon

    Tourism enterprises call on hackathon to help bridge digital divide

    The Unveiling of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State

    Kgodumodumo Centre boosts tourism and empowers SMMEs

    Tourism companies eye opportunities in digital visa surge

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
No Result
View All Result

Gas-to-power project worth billons brings hope to SMMEs

by Excel Likhonithemba Fongoma
April 17, 2025
in Business
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane  and Major Cllr Fikile Mhlophe  of Matlosana Local Municipality

MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane and Major Cllr Fikile Mhlophe of Matlosana Local Municipality

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

Matlosana municipality in the North West has launched a R15 billion gas-to-power project and empowerment initiatives targeting women and youth entrepreneurs.

This development, hailed as a turning point for local SMMEs, aims to tackle the twin challenges of energy insecurity and economic exclusion.

The initiative is spearheaded by the economic development MEC Bitsa Lenkopane in collaboration with Matlosana’s mayor Fikile Mahlophe.

At its centre is the Urban Blue International gas-to-power plant, which is a 99MW facility that will be built on land allocated by the municipality. The plant is expected to dramatically improve energy stability, reduce the frequency of load-shedding and attract fresh investment into the region.

“This landmark investment represents a crucial step forward in our quest for energy security and the promotion of vital investment in our municipalities and our province,” said Lenkopane.

“More than that, it lays the groundwork for the development of small enterprises who are the lifeblood of our communities.”

She stressed that the initiative was not just about infrastructure.

“It’s about building inclusive economies where small businesses, especially those led by women and youth, are not only supported, but empowered to thrive.”

For local SMMEs, the news could not have come at a better time. Businesses across Matlosana have battled under the weight of an erratic power supply, which has resulted in operational disruptions, increased costs and stunted growth.

Thabo Mokoena, who owns a food distribution business, explained the burden of power outages on his operations.

“Energy stability is everything to us. The frequent load-shedding has not only disrupted our operations but has cost us dearly in terms of lost stock and productivity,” he said.

“This project is a real game-changer for businesses. Reliable energy means I can plan ahead and offer better service. For SMMEs, this is a step towards long-term sustainability.”

Vukubi Building PTY Ltd founder Sipho Vukubi echoed similar sentiments.

“As a manufacturer of building materials, power disruptions have repeatedly halted production, increasing costs and delaying delivery timelines. The gas-to-power project will allow us to increase productivity, meet demand and grow our client base. It’s not just energy; it’s the future of our business on the line.”

Alongside the energy project, Matlosana also saw the launch of a skills development programme in partnership with the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority, which focuses on women and youth.

Lindiwe Sekwati, who runs Elegant Salon PTY Ltd in Klerksdorp, said the initiative could change the face of township enterprises.

“Many of us are running businesses without formal training. A programme like this doesn’t just help us get certified, it also boosts confidence and credibility with customers and lenders.”

A further 100 local youth have been employed as compliance monitoring officers to assist in enforcing environmental and business regulations, an initiative that has been praised by Mahlophe.

“This supports both awareness and enforcement. We will also be able to run environmental campaigns in schools and across the CBD,” he said.

The government has pledged ongoing support for Matlosana SMMEs, including plans for a one-stop shop centre to streamline regulatory and development processes. Tourism, environmental services and further economic development initiatives are also in the pipeline.

 

 

 

Tags: Gas-to-Power plantMEC Bitsa LenkopaneSMMEs and Urban Blue
Previous Post

Natural hair boom opens door to the continent for shea industry

Next Post

From general dealer to Basotho-inspired fashion

Excel Likhonithemba Fongoma

Excel Likhonithemba Fongoma

Excel Likhonithemba Fongoma studied journalism at TUT, and has worked in radio and online for eight years, covering a wide variety of stories for Tshwane FM, Rekord Noweto and more.

Related Posts

Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank

Standard Bank commits millions to empower women across Africa

September 1, 2025
In just few minutes, fraudsters can hijack a SIM card,hack business accounts, drain bank accounts, and leave small businesses devastated

SIM swap scammers target SMEs

August 31, 2025
AI is making rental scams harder to spot in South Africa’s housing market

Property agencies face AI-driven rental scams

August 31, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Serial entrepreneur Molefi Mokoatle

From general dealer to Basotho-inspired fashion

Factory workers in china producing luxurious goods sold around the world.

Your high end brands are made in China.

Mase Manopole, MEC of Agriculture Enviromental Affars, Rural Development and Land Reform in Northern Cape

CASP handover delivers vital water and livestock facilities

Information Inspiration Education | AnalysisSouth Africa's best news resource for micro-businesses and township entrepreneurs.
Follow Vutivi Business News on WhatsApp

FEATURED POST

Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank

Standard Bank commits millions to empower women across Africa

September 1, 2025
In just few minutes, fraudsters can hijack a SIM card,hack business accounts, drain bank accounts, and leave small businesses devastated

SIM swap scammers target SMEs

August 31, 2025
AI is making rental scams harder to spot in South Africa’s housing market

Property agencies face AI-driven rental scams

August 31, 2025
SA's G20 presidency spotlighting on Africa's high borrowing costs

SA’s G20 presidency looks at lowering borrowing costs

August 29, 2025

Vutivi is a digital business news platform that will serve the Small Medium Micro Enterprises in the form of writing stories that will be informative about their sector. We pledge to deliver a commercially sustainable, world-class digital financial and business news service that is a must-read while being responsive to readership needs and tailor-making packages for SMMEs.

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Analysis
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Innovation
  • Top story
  • Tourism

Get in Touch

Email

news@vutivibusiness.co.za

© 2025 Vutivi. All rights reserved. Website by AIPX Atelier

Advertise / Privacy Policy / Contact

No Result
View All Result
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Innovation
  • Finance
  • Tourism
  • Advertise

© 2024 Vutivi // Website by AIPX Atelier.