Maloma mine lays the table for rural SMMEs, co-ops to thrive
. . . supports local folks with the right tools, skills and networks to be able to grow themselves, their businesses, and communities
Maloma mine continues to put currency to its commitment to uplift the local communities in which it operates, as it empowers emerging small businesses, entrepreneurs and supports residents to create impact, deliver growth and prosperity in their areas.
Khulile Dlamini, the Community Development Officer of Maloma Colliery Limited, says one of the interventions is the provision of training for entrepreneurs, cooperatives and SMME owners on how to put together effective proposals, business plans and documents that enable them to access funding and technical support for their enterprises from funders and financial institutions.
“One of these is through a partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Trade where cooperatives from the three chiefdoms are equipped with skills and knowledge required to access funds from the Regional Development Fund,” Dlamini says.
She says over 100 people from the three chiefdoms, mainly who are members of cooperatives, have benefitted.
The mine also provides an opportunity for local businesses to benefit from its procurement and supply chain offerings. The mine also focuses on supporting SMMEs and the youth of the three communities through mentorship and business skills impartation.
“By partnering with service providers in the business incubation space, Maloma also facilitates platforms for the local residents to learn from business leaders, their peers and to network with other business owners and entrepreneurs in the community,’’ says Vusi Khumalo, a representative of the Mngomezulu chiefdom.
Khumalo listed the following as some of the positives that the residents acquired through the assistance by Maloma mine:
• They were able to develop and implement strategies to grow their businesses;
• Develop and fine tune their ability to identify and seize business opportunities;
• Improve efficiencies and professionalism in their enterprises; and
• Prepare cutting-edge proposals and business plans that enable tnem to access finance.