Thuthukani, Thungela’s enterprise supplier development (ESD) programme hosted a graduation ceremony in honour of sixty-one (61) local entrepreneurs from communities surrounding its operations, who completed the programme. This is the second cohort of entrepreneurs to complete the programme since its inception in 2022.
The training programme is provided by business development support partner, Raizcorp, a pioneering business incubator that supports the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. The programme equips entrepreneurs with business-skills training, technical enablement and comprehensive mentorship to build sustainable and profitable businesses.
Mpumi Sithole, Executive Head for Corporate Affairs at Thungela said: “In the hands of small business owners lies the power to create jobs, transform lives and uplift communities, fostering resilience with every venture. We are proud of this cohort as they set out to make a positive impact in the community.”
Thuthukani exemplifies the spirit of transformation and empowerment, which honours the legacy of the 30 years of democracy by driving meaningful change in our host communities. Thuthukani promotes the growth and development of entrepreneurs to help improve access to income generation opportunities and reduce reliance on mines, which is in line with Thungela’s socio-economic development impact goals.
This year’s cohort has demonstrated remarkable growth and progress, with many of them already reporting significant increases in revenue and expansion into new markets. One of the beneficiaries, David Mphikeleli Mavuso, owner of Mphikeleli’s Civils and Building CC, said: “I joined the programme to enhance my business management skills and I am grateful that the programme has helped me acquire invaluable insights into finance and marketing through the Supply Chain Support course. Thanks to Thuthukani, I have since been able to expand my business to other provinces across South Africa.”
Jeanne Renou Raizcorp’s Strategic Relations & Projects Manager said: “Partnering with Thuthukani has allowed us to directly contribute to the growth and development of many small and medium businesses in Mpumalanga. Seeing these business owners succeed shows that we are making progress in growing and developing entrepreneurs.”
The Thuthukani ESD programme is tailored to support entrepreneurs based on individual needs identified through a detailed gap analysis. Graduates completed training sessions covering entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, sales, project strategy, leadership and management, mentorship and guidance, personal development, and ISO certifications. The courses were aimed at enhancing competitiveness for supply chain opportunities and improve financial and business management skills for the future.
