RBM invests millions in leather making facilities

RICHARDS Bay Minerals has invested millions into developing two leather making facilities in the tribal communities of KwaMbonambi and KwaMkhwanazi.

The first facility was officially opened by

RBM representatives, the KwaMbonambi Traditional Council and the uMfolozi Municipality last week.

It is housed at the Esibonisweni-Mananga

Cultural Centre in Mbonambi and will employ 13 people.

The second facility in KwaMkhwanazi is still under construction and should be completed and opened before the end of the year.

RBM has allocated R6-million to procure machinery, raw materials, furniture and cover set-up costs of both premises.

This included assistance with registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), South African Revenue

Service (SARS) and business management training.

Forty-two candidates were selected for a year’s training at the uMfolozi TVET College, as well as mentorship in the art of leather making from an established KZN-based manufacturer.

Speaking at the opening of the facility in Mbonambi last week, Induna Mthiyane expressed his gratitude for the investment, which he said would change the lives of young people in the community.

Addressing the candidates, he praised them for completing the course and their parents for raising respectful young people.

‘I wish you all the best of luck in this endeavour,’ he said to the young beneficiaries.

One of the beneficiaries, Samkelo Msane, said:

‘We hope that our parents, grandparents and members of the communities will be proud to wear our shoes.’

RBM Managing Director, Werner Duvenhage, said these projects will not only offer employment, but also income generation opportunities for the local community.

‘We are encouraged that the project will create jobs and hopefully help revitalise the local economy, especially in the context of the hardships brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,’ said Duvenhage.