Thungela’s enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programme
Welcome to Thungela’s Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, Thuthukani, meaning “uplift” in Zulu. The programme implemented in partnership with Raizcorp, our Business Development Support Partner (BDSP) is aimed at growing your business through provision of tailored business skills, one-on-one business guidance and technical enablement. Loan funding can also be made available to applicants doing business with Thungela in partnership with our fund administrator Absa, at preferential interest rates.
About Thuthukani
Improving access to income generation opportunities and reduce reliance on mines by strengthening local SMMEs.
Thuthukani, meaning “uplift” in isiZulu, is our enterprise development programme. The programme, implemented in partnership with Raizcorp, our Business Development Support Partner (BDSP), offers tailored business skills training, one-on-one mentorship and support, technical enablement and loan funding at preferential interest rates.
Strengthening local SMMEs creates alternative income streams and generates new job opportunities, reducing vulnerability to mine closure. SMMEs help build a more balanced local economy, encouraging entrepreneurship and circulating money within the community rather than allowing it to flow outward.
Thuthukani is designed to support not only existing vendors but also prospective suppliers and entrepreneurs who provide a diverse array of products and services beyond the mining industry.
Thuthukani’s 2025 achievements
R32 million
spent on ESD
(2024: R33 million)
31
local SMMEs, not yet part
of our supplier base, supported
52
enterprise development (ED) beneficiaries supported in total
Eight
ED beneficiaries advanced to supplier status
R39.8 million
disbursed in loan funding
187
direct jobs created as a result
To apply to Thuthukani, Thungela’s enterprise and supplier development programme, you must:
1. Have a registered business
2. Have a business that is 51% black owned
3. Operate in the one of the 3 municipalities:
- eMalahleni
- Steve Tshwete
- Govan Mbeki
Only applicants who meet these criteria will be considered.
To apply, SMS ‘THRS2022’ to 35839 and Raizcorp will contact you or visit the link below to apply.