Skills development empowers SMMEs
LOCAL entrepreneurs are benefitting from leadership skills through Richards Bay Minerals' (RBM) Supplier Development Programme.
Run in RBM's host communities, the programme is part of the multinational mining giant's commitment to developing local SMMEs.
Beneficiaries include Culture Water, a bottled water supply company; Vikeleka, a company that supplies workwear and
PPE; Ngalozengwenya, a repair company; and DAN Vision which delivers rail maintenance services.
The companies hail from KwaMbonambi,
KwaDube, KwaSokhulu and KwaMkhwanazi.
RBM partnered with Unconventional Chartered Accountants (UCA) to deliver this seven-month programme using UCA’s Circle of Life
Methodology and Coaching Technology.
This involves coaching and mentorship in private individual sessions and group workshops to train the beneficiaries on businessrelevant topics.
“In 2023, a group of beneficiaries completed a seven-month marketing strategy programme to upskill them to formulate effective strategies for expansion," said RBM Supplier Development Programme manager Lebogang Kgomongwe.
“RBM also provides extensive training in key areas such as human resources, industrial relations and finance to foster well-rounded enterprises capable of thriving in diverse markets,”
Kgomongwe added that this strategic partnership with UCA ensures beneficiaries transition from survivalist trading to maximising business value, driving sustainable economic development within the community.
She added that this programme supports beneficiaries based on their specific vision and
growth needs.
“These efforts underscore RBM's commitment beyond mining
by fostering entrepreneurship and catalysing positive change locally,” said Kgomongwe.