Small businesses in Mpumalanga’s mining sector are paying close attention to the R242 billion in investment pledges announced at the recent Investment and Mining Conference in Middelburg. For these SMEs, the news brings hope for direct benefits and a boost to the local economy.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu called the investment pledges a turning point for the province, saying they will help create jobs, support inclusive growth, and reduce poverty.
“The mining sector has historically been a cornerstone of our economy, and it holds the potential to play an even more significant role in the future,” said Ndlovu.
“By investing in this vital industry, we can boost local economies, create jobs, and equip people with skills needed for a changing sector,” he said.
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), which coordinated the pledges on behalf of the provincial government, said the funds were raised to support mining expansion, industrial parks, green economy projects, and are expected to expand operations and strengthen Mpumalanga’s industrial base.
According to John Motshweni, chairperson of a Community Mining Portfolio company that supports communities with shareholding and assists them with rehabilitation guarantees for mining permits, the focus is on helping junior and emerging miners benefit from the province’s renewed investment drive.
“Through partnerships with companies like Marang Holdings, we can provide funding and technical assistance to help these small mining businesses advance and ensure their permits meet compliance requirements,” Motshweni said.
He added that many small miners struggle to meet financial and logistical requirements for licensing and operations, and partnerships of this kind could make it easier for them to enter the formal mining economy.
In mining towns like Middelburg, eMalahleni, and Secunda, small businesses form the backbone of local economies. For these communities, the fresh investments are watched with the hope that they will generate real opportunities and practical support for SMEs.
“We want these investors to support our manufacturing projects. We plan to start with cement production, followed by dry plasterboard made from gypsum from the Kusile power station,” said Dingane Majola, owner of Siza Sikhanya Investments (Pty) Ltd, a mining and manufacturing company based in eMalahleni.
Majola said his company needs about R600 million for its greenfield cement-manufacturing project, which will produce three types of cement products.
“We plan to produce drywall using dried chips from Kusile and waste paper, and we’ve been engaging with investors both locally and internationally,” he said.
“Our goal is to build next to the power station with a conveyor belt connecting it, and we are already in discussions with Eskom to make this happen.”
Despite not being included in the Investment booklet, Nthabiseng Mohale, the owner of Tswapelo Trading in Secunda, a drilling and exploration company specialising in mine ventilation and safety, said the conference gave her a better understanding of how to access investment funding and connect with potential partners.
“We managed to get clarity on how the funding process works and made good contacts with other business owners,” she said. “Through such engagements, we can collaborate and help one another grow our revenues.”
She added that while government investments are vital for growth, small miners still face major hurdles , from limited access to land to long administrative processes.
“Accessing funds can be easier than getting land. When you go to the municipality, it’s very difficult to get even a small piece of land, yet we need workshops and space to operate,” Mohale added.
zanele@vutivibusiness.co.za
