On 16 June, South Africa commemorates Youth Day, a moment of national reflection on the vital role young people play in shaping society and driving progress. The day honours the courage and determination of the youth of 1976, who stood against discrimination and injustice. As the country marks the 50th anniversary of this historic moment, its message of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of equality continue to resonate universally.
At Thungela, we recognise that supporting and empowering young people is a social responsibility that extends across all the regions in which we operate. As a global business, we are intentional about investing in the potential of youth by creating meaningful opportunities for them to learn, grow, and thrive.
This Youth Month serves as a reminder of the critical role young people play in addressing complex challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and social transformation. Their energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives are essential to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Lesego Mataboge, executive head of human resources, says: “Youth empowerment is central to building a sustainable and future-ready organisation. At Thungela, we are committed to creating pathways that enable young people to develop their skills, gain meaningful experience, and realise their full potential. By investing in youth today, we are shaping a stronger, more resilient workforce and contributing to the long-term growth of the communities where we operate.”
Thungela’s key youth-focused initiatives reflect this commitment:
In addition, initiatives such as Take a Child to Work Day offer young people a firsthand glimpse into the world of work, helping to inspire career aspirations and broaden their horizons.
Together, these programmes demonstrate Thungela’s belief that investing in youth creates long-term value – not only for young people themselves, but also for our business, communities, and the broader global economy.
As we reflect on the legacy of those who came before us, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers across South Africa, Australia, and Dubai.
By continuing to inspire, develop, and uplift young people, we contribute to building a future where their success becomes the foundation of shared progress.
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Thungela celebrated the graduation of its fourth cohort of entrepreneurs from Thuthukani, its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, at the Zibulo Colliery in Mpumalanga. This milestone marks another step in the growth of a local business pipeline designed to strengthen economic resilience in Mpumalanga’s mining communities.
This year, 49 entrepreneurs from Thungela’s host communities completed the programme, bringing the total number of Thuthukani graduates to 185 since its inception in 2023. The programme continues to focus on both developing business acumen and technical enablement which aims to improve access to income generating opportunities and reduce reliance on mines by strengthening local SMMEs.
Mpumi Sithole, Executive head of corporate Affairs at Thungela, said: “Our goal is to grow businesses that can operate successfully and compete beyond a single opportunity. This year’s cohort reflects a dual focus on commercial capability and technical readiness. Of the 49 entrepreneurs, 27 completed business development support interventions, while 22 advanced through technical enablement, including licensing and accreditation support required to participate in formal value chains.”
Among the graduates is Sinegugu Perseverance Jiyane, Director of Theza Logistics and Projects, a 100% youth-owned, women-led logistics company based in Secunda. Operating in a traditionally male- dominated sector, she has grown her business through consistency, discipline and a strong focus on delivery. Following her participation in Thuthukani, Jiyane strengthened her commercial approach and at the time secured a coal hauling contract at one of our mines, supported by funding for a truck and trailer.
“Before joining the programme, I did not fully understand how to position my business for larger opportunities. The programme has strengthened how we operate and how we pursue growth. We are now able to take on larger contracts with confidence,” Jiyane said.
Thuthukani gives entrepreneurs exposure beyond Thungela’s own supply chain. In 2025, Thuthukani entrepreneurs participated in platforms including the Black Business Council Summit, and the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance South Africa Summit, creating opportunities to engage with business leaders, policymakers and potential markets.
Jeanne Renou, Strategic relations and projects manager at Raizcorp, said: “Programmes like Thuthukani have effectively worked because they combine practical business support with consistent business mentorship and guidance. As Raizcorp, we have seen the entrepreneurs grow in confidence and capability, and importantly, begin to translate that into real market opportunities.”
The graduation reflects Thungela’s ongoing commitment to developing small businesses within host communities. As more entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and access new opportunities, the programme continues to contribute to broader economic activity at a local level.
“Every entrepreneur who strengthens their enterprise adds to the resilience of the communities around our operations. This graduation underscores the SMMEs progress and capability while celebrating local businesses that are taking up more space in the economy, beyond the mine gates. This aligns with our purpose to responsibly create value together for a shared future,” says Sithole.
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Thungela has partnered with Black Power Africa, a black-owned community-based company in eMalahleni, to mine the Schoongezicht mineral residue deposit (MRD). This agreement will see the remaining coal reserves mined safely, formally and in compliance with the applicable legislation. The site will create jobs, support local businesses, and bring economic benefits to the surrounding community, while also making use of resources that would otherwise go to waste.
Mpumi Sithole, executive head of corporate affairs at Thungela said: “For us, this partnership advances the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) by promoting equitable access to mineral resources and expanding opportunities for historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs). In addition, this partnership also ensures that mining contributes to social and economic development in surrounding communities, while also encouraging participation of junior and emerging miners. In a context where illegal mining remains a serious challenge in South Africa, for both mining operations and law enforcement, projects such as this one provide a proactive and structured response.”
Under the agreement, Black Power Africa operates independently and is responsible for all remining activities, ensuring that compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory and operational requirements are executed in a responsible manner. The scope of work includes the extraction of material from the MRD, crushing and screening of material, stockpiling, deployment and use of mining equipment, and the removal of material from the site.
The remining of the coal reserves began in February 2026 and is already contributing to economic activity in eMalahleni. Black Power Africa has employed 15 local individuals and a further eight through a security service provider. The company has also partnered with five community-based businesses. Ongoing operations are expected to further enhance economic growth in the area.
Jabulani Nkonyana, general manager at Black Power Africa said: “This is a significant milestone for us because it has unlocked meaningful local business participation in a formal and structured way. This agreement has presented us with an opportunity to contribute to responsible mining activity, grow capability, and demonstrate what is possible when communities are included more meaningfully in the mining value chain.”
Black Power Africa has also supported community initiatives in Schoongezicht, Ward 17. These include sponsoring the Easter soccer tournament, helping with a police-led debate competition for local secondary schools, renovating two classrooms at Witbank Primary School, and clearing out of rubble and waste in Overline.
“This partnership reflects Thungela’s commitment to enabling communities to actively participate in the mining value chain in a responsible way. By empowering Black Power Africa, we are supporting local enterprise development, creating jobs and contributing to long-term socio-economic development for future generations of eMalahleni. This underscores our purpose to responsibly create value together for a shared future,” said Sithole.
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Thungela’s Isibonelo Colliery has completed upgrades to the Emzinoni Multi-Purpose Centre and officially handed it over to Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mpumalanga. The R10.5 million investment strengthens the function of the centre as a hub for community activities, social services and public events. Upgrades to the main hall, office building, fencing, and paving have restored the centre, after damage left it in an unusable state. It is now fully operational and accessible to residents of Emzinoni and the wider Bethal community.
Thungela contributed a further R2.1 million towards phase one of the development of the waste transfer station in Embalenhle, which will cover an Environmental Impact Assessment, geophysical studies, designs and technical drawings required ahead of construction. The project was identified during the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan discussions and is a significant step toward advancing the station.
Edrich Welthagen, previous general manager at Isibonelo, said: “At the centre of these projects are the communities surrounding our operations. The Emzinoni Multi-Purpose Centre provides a shared space where people can gather, access services and participate in programmes that support social development. The work in eMbalenhle will help lay the groundwork for the construction of a waste management facility that will benefit households and create cleaner and healthier public spaces that will contribute to the wellbeing of residents.”
These initiatives form part of Thungela’s ongoing commitment to socio-economic development in communities surrounding our operations, strengthening local infrastructure and improving access to essential services.
Councillor Nhlakanipho Zuma, executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, said: “The implementation of these projects underscores the positive outcomes of public-private collaboration that works. We are pleased to be part of a partnership that has played a key role in strengthening infrastructure, supporting service delivery and improving the lives of residents in communities within the municipality.”
The upgrade of the centre was delivered in partnership with the municipality, Izigi Consulting and Venn Milford, together with other local contractors. Guma Holdings completed the work, creating 64 temporary job opportunities and enabling subcontracting opportunities for 33 local businesses within the Emzinoni and Bethal communities.
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Mafube Coal, Thungela’s 50% joint venture with Exxaro, has handed over three solar-powered boreholes to the Kleinfontein farming community in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM), Mpumalanga, benefiting approximately 147 residents. The R3 million water supply project includes the installation of borehole and solar power systems, pumps and water storage infrastructure that will deliver approximately 30,000 litres of water per day.
Tamara Qwatekana, general manager at Mafube Coal, said: “Access to clean, reliable and affordable water is a basic human right and essential to human dignity, health and food security. The project is delivered as part of our Social and Labour Plan commitments aimed at supporting community development in the areas surrounding our operation.”
“The infrastructure we have provided will supply residents of this farming community, largely made up of the elderly and unemployed, with a long term, safe and consistent water supply to support them and their livestock.”
The project was implemented by Pulsar Africa, which was responsible for the installation of borehole systems and supporting infrastructure. Construction activities created approximately six temporary employment opportunities for local community members during the project implementation phase.
The municipality commended Mafube’s investment, acknowledging the role of partnerships in supporting community development. Councillor Mhlonishwa Masilela, executive mayor of the STLM, said: “Collaboration between local government and industry plays a critical role in extending essential services and enhancing the living standards of the residents of STLM. Now that this community has received this infrastructure, we can direct our efforts to other areas without water supply.”
Mafube Coal aims to continue working with local stakeholders to identify opportunities where investments can make a meaningful difference for communities surrounding the operation, way into the future. “This is in line with our purpose, to responsibly create value together for a shared future,” said Qwatekana.
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Thungela’s Khwezela and Greenside Collieries joined forces in officially handing over a newly constructed health post to the Kwa-Mthunzi Vilakazi community, known as Clewer in the Emalahleni Local Municipality, in Mpumalanga. The R10.2 million facility forms part of the mines’ Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments and will improve the consistency and reliability of service to residents of this community and surrounding areas.
Sherperd Nkadimeng, Khwezela Colliery’s general manager, said: “Access to primary healthcare services remains essential for healthy and resilient communities. In Clewer, healthcare services were historically offered through a mobile clinic that operated only one day a week, providing care for the community and surrounding areas. This health post will significantly improve the consistency and reliability of service delivery, thereby strengthening access to healthcare.”
The facility boasts two consultation rooms, a room used to check patients’ vitals, a dispensary, a storeroom, a waiting area, a staff kitchen, a boardroom, ablution facilities for staff and the public, and a disposal yard. These spaces create a practical, fit-for-purpose facility that supports primary healthcare operations, from patient intake and assessments to dispensing.
Ms Sasekani Manzini, MEC for Health in the Mpumalanga Province, said: “Expanding preventative care and community health programmes through routine check-ups and health education will strengthen overall health outcomes in Kwa-Mthunzi Vilakazi Village. This partnership with Thungela will enable us to deliver health services to those who need them most, helping them to thrive, improving their human dignity.”
“Mobile clinic services are often interrupted by challenges such as vehicle breakdowns and adverse weather conditions, and they do not provide adequate shelter or waiting areas for patients. This fixed structure will address these limitations, ensuring a more stable, accessible, and patient-friendly healthcare service.”
Thungela enlisted the services of a local contractor to construct the facility, creating meaningful economic opportunities within the community. During the construction phase, the project generated thirty-four (34) temporary employment opportunities and enabled four (4) subcontracting opportunities for other local SMMEs, further supporting local economic development. A big thank you to our contributing partners for their generosity during the construction of the project; BB Transport, Vimbani Cleaning Services, Nkosiken Trading, Mphikeleli Civils and Serverst.
Councillor Anna Mtsweni of the Emalahleni Local Municipality also welcomes the investment, acknowledging its contribution to improving local health services delivery in the community through easy access for residents, particularly the elderly, children, and the vulnerable, who require continued care.
“Delivering a facility with long term tangible benefits to the community through our SLP commitments remains at the heart of our work as a responsible coal mining company, and we continue to drive initiatives in line with our purpose to responsibly create value together for shared future,” said Sherperd.
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Thungela, meaning 'to ignite' in isiZulu, is a global pure-play producer and exporter of high-quality, cost competitive thermal coal, with operations in South Africa and Australia. We focus on high-quality coal reserves and marketable production, positioning ourselves as a key player in the global energy market by delivering coal through world-class ports, powering nations.
Our ESG approach supports our purpose to responsibly create value together for a shared future. A robust ESG framework underpins our licence to operate. Establishing and committing to a comprehensive ESG framework with associated targets is one of Thungela’s five strategic focus areas.
