Mafube Coal, our joint venture with Exxaro hosted a graduation ceremony in honour of 39 beneficiaries of a skills development programme that forms part of a livelihood restoration programme for resettled communities in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. With a significant investment of R5.2 million, the program's goal is to support community members in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Sherperd Nkadimeng, general manager at Mafube Coal said: “This programme is designed to help community members gain practical skills as a foundation for earning a sustainable livelihood. As part of the initiative, community members received business development skills and level 4 accredited qualification in freight logistics, backed by exposure to real business environments; setting them up for both employment and self-employment.”
“The logistics programme gave me more than just a certificate; it gave me confidence and professional direction,” said Portia Mbuyane. “Being exposed to real companies during the training helped me see where I can fit in, in the job market.”
The programme also provided beneficiaries with skills for setting up small businesses, equipping them with tools to ensure they succeed. They were introduced to budgeting, business planning, financial literacy and income-generation strategies. A few of the beneficiaries have since started their own businesses and are now able to provide for their families. These include:
- Tsepo Jele set up a rapidly growing ice supply business, while Audrey Mtsweni and Amanda Sikudo co-founded a laundromat, secured contracts with local clients, and have since expanded into cleaning services.
- Friddy Mahlangu used her beadwork skills to start a small business that is gaining traction beyond the village, and Sinenhlanhla Mngomezulu saw potential in her cultural heritage and began renting out traditional woven grass mats for ceremonies.
- Matshidiso Motsapi opened an internet café in the village to provide essential services such as printing, photocopying and internet access. Matshidiso said: “The training opened my eyes to possibilities I didn’t think were available to someone like me. For the first time, I have a plan to start my own business and the knowledge to make it real.”
“Industries like freight forwarding are growing, and with the right skills, people from mining communities can take advantage of opportunities beyond the mine,” Sherperd Nkadimeng said. “This kind of training is about opening doors and giving people the tools to grow on their own terms. This is how we deliver on our purpose to responsibly create value together for shared future, for our communities.”
ENDS