Sithole scores big deal in mining
Supply of tyres and rims gets company rolling
Nkateko Leoneldah Sithole of Musina has signed a massive five-year contract to supply a mining company in Limpopo with tyres, rims and batteries.
Sithole, the director of Chibadura Trading, benefited from the De Beers Venetia Mining Company’s local procurement and integrated enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programme as the mine continues to empower local communities through strategic partnerships. Venetia mine is situated north of the town of Alldays, off the R521 heading to Mapungubwe National Park. The aim of the programme is to assist local businesses to achieve long-term sustainability and contribute towards the socioeconomic development of the province. Partnering with leading tyre manufacturers Bridgestone South Africa and Global Wheel, De Beers facilitated the five-year contract for Sithole’s company to become the local distributor for light duty vehicles’ tyres, rims and batteries to Venetia mine. Chibadura Trading was se-
We’ll provide a professional service
lected following an extensive expression of interest process throughout Venetia mine’s labour-sending areas of Musina and Blouberg, which falls in line with the mine’s drive to include local suppliers into its main procurement activities, according to a statement. The selection process targets local historically disadvantaged South Africans such as persons living with disabilities, youth and women-owned small, medium and microsized enterprises to ensure a lasting impact where it is needed most. Sithole expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“The partnership with Bridgestone SA and Global Wheel will allow us to provide a sustainable and professional service to the mine and the broader Musina community.” Sithole said she was thankful and very committed to staying focused on obtaining the goals set for the business, listening to customers’ needs and providing them with quality service.
As part of the partnership, Bridgestone and Global Wheel have provided technical training to Chibadura staff and will also offer after-sales support for the duration of the contract. Joyce Kayombo, executive sales manager at Global Wheel, said: “This partnership is an opportunity to bring change where it is needed most and provide enterprise development support and offer technical rim training. Our relationship with Chibadura does not only include the supply of rims but also equates to training, ongoing business support and assistance with management going forward.” The De Beers’ ESD programme also provides local SMMEs, both within and outside Venetia mine’s supply chain, with business advisory and mentorship support, business skills training, training to access markets, as well as access to funding.