Limpopo Business 2023/24

LIMPOPO BUSINESS

LIMPOPO BUSINESS

GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a flagship

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a flagship project

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha invites private investors to work with the public sector in building infrastructure and growing the economy.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha invites private investors to work with the public sector in building infrastructure and growing the economy.

Iwant to start by thanking Global Africa Network for sustaining the publication of this important magazine, Limpopo Business. I also wish to join in celebrating this 12th edition of what I consider a premier business and investment guide for our beautiful Limpopo Province.

Iwant to start by thanking Global Africa Network for sustaining the publication of this important magazine, Limpopo Business. I also wish to join in celebrating this 12th edition of what I consider a premier business and investment guide for our beautiful Limpopo Province.

Indeed, Limpopo Business is an important partner in the continued endeavour to market and position Limpopo as a leading and most attractive business and investment destination.

Indeed, Limpopo Business is an important partner in the continued endeavour to market and position Limpopo as a leading and most attractive business and investment destination.

This informative edition once again affords us an opportunity to take you through the plentiful business and investment offerings of our province, from Bela-Bela to Musina.

This informative edition once again affords us an opportunity to take you through the plentiful business and investment offerings of our province, from Bela-Bela to Musina.

Through this publication, you will also learn about great private-public partnership investments that are the pulse of our provincial economy.

Through this publication, you will also learn about great private-public partnership investments that are the pulse of our provincial economy.

As you will come to learn, Limpopo is home to a thriving mining sector, tantalising tourism offerings and a limitless potential for the agricultural sector.

As you will come to learn, Limpopo is home to a thriving mining sector, tantalising tourism offerings and a limitless potential for the agricultural sector.

The construction industry is one of the booming sectors of the Limpopo economy, the inherited legacy of an infrastructure backlog means that the sector has a longer future. Investment in this sector is an investment in the future. Limpopo Province has also moved to embrace the new digital economy through competitive support infrastructure.

The construction industry is one of the booming sectors of the Limpopo economy, the inherited legacy of an infrastructure backlog means that the sector has a longer future. Investment in this sector is an investment in the future. Limpopo Province has also moved to embrace the new digital economy through competitive support infrastructure.

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) remains our flagship economic development project. Through this initiative, and through partnerships with the private sector, we hope to stimulate economic growth, create much-needed employment opportunities and reduce the ballooning gap of inequality.

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) remains our flagship economic development project. Through this initiative, and through partnerships with the private sector, we hope to stimulate economic growth, create much-needed employment opportunities and reduce the ballooning gap of inequality.

Business opportunities in this SEZ project are limitless. These opportunities range from manufacturing, agroprocessing, automotives, steel, pharmaceutical, logistics and many more.

Business opportunities in this SEZ project are limitless. These opportunities range from manufacturing, agroprocessing, automotives, steel, pharmaceutical, logistics and many more.

What is even more tantalising is the fact that this project enjoys the overwhelming support of our National Government.

What is even more tantalising is the fact that this project enjoys the overwhelming support of our National Government.

As the Limpopo Provincial Government, we have placed this MusinaMakhado SEZ Project at the apex of our priorities. We believe that the only available option for us is to make this project a resounding success.

As the Limpopo Provincial Government, we have placed this MusinaMakhado SEZ Project at the apex of our priorities. We believe that the only available option for us is to make this project a resounding success.

Limpopo is open for business! ■

Limpopo is open for business! ■

Limpopo priorities already

W successful general election

Chupu Premier

Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha

MESSAGE

EXPLORE LIMPOPO

Start your adventure in Limpopo today!

From ancient sites and cultural experiences to stunning vistas, world-class events and the Big Five, Limpopo has it all. Limpopo offers four great routes to whet your appetite.

WHY DESTINATION LIMPOPO?

Limpopo is the preferred eco-tourism destination with 44 nature reserves, 12 wildlife resorts and two huge Transfrontier Parks Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park

Iconic baobab trees, sacred lakes and forests complement beautiful unspoilt scenery, landscapes and vistas. Limpopo is the subtropical fruit basket of South Africa.

CONFERENCING, EXHIBITIONS, INCENTIVES AND EVENTS

Limpopo offers unique conference, meetings, incentives and other venues, resources and settings. The meeting and incentive industry within Limpopo has been on a growth trajectory despite the disruptions of Covid-19. Some of Limpopo’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) products are situated a mere 1.5 to three hours from Johannesburg. Most of the venues are served by three airports with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, including Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.

KEY TOURIST EXPERIENCES

Limpopo is a heritage and cultural destination

Three key archaeological and heritage sites

• Mapungubwe in the Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Makapans Valley near Mokopane (World Heritage Site as part of the Cradle of Humankind)

• Thulamela and Masorini Heritage site within the Kruger National Park

Three biospheres in the province

• Waterberg

• Vhembe

• Kruger to Canyon

Heritage and cultural attractions

• Rain-making Queen of the Balobedu people near Tzaneen

• Rich history and heritage of Bapedi people of Sekhukhune

• Sacred lakes of Fundudzi and Thate Vondwe forests

• Traditional cuisine and the dance of the people of Limpopo

LIMPOPO BIRDING ROUTE

Discover the birds of the Soutpansberg Mountains and the Limpopo River Valley, a year-round abundance of birds:

• Over 500 bird species, 55% of the country’s total count

• Nylsvlei is an international RAMSAR site and the largest inland floodplain in South Africa

• Moletsi and Polokwane sanctuaries and the Polokwane reptile park

AFRICAN IVORY ROUTE

Breathtaking scenery and endless vistas extend for 2 000km in a giant arc through unique wilderness areas. The route has its origin in the legendary exploits of early ivory hunters and gold traders:

• Can include a 4x4 adventure route

• 12 camps offer accommodation

LIMPOPO MAPUNGUBWE ROUTE

The Limpopo Mapungubwe Route is a self-drive option which explores the areas associated with the myths and legends:

• Towns of Musina, Makhado, Thohoyandou, Alldays, Elim and Giyani

• Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, baobab trees of Musina Nature Reserve, the sacred lakes and forests of the Vhembe District

• Quaint villages, art and craft stalls, beautiful subtropical orchards

WATERBERG BIOSPHERE ROUTE

• Towns of Bela-Bela, Lephalale, Mookgopong, Modimolle and Mokopane

• Bushveld experience of the province’s western areas, the Waterberg Biosphere

• Mineral hot springs and exclusive lodges

PHOTO: Fyre Mael on Flickr

DISCOVER EXCELLENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO

Are you ready to embark on an educational journey like no other?

Look no further than the University of Limpopo, a place where innovation, excellence and impact converge.

Our institution boasts a remarkable legacy of “firsts” that have shaped South Africa’s educational landscape and transformed communities. Join us and be part of something extraordinary!

Investing in medicine for a healthier tomorrow

The University of Limpopo proudly stands as the first institution to establish a medical school since South Africa’s democratic dispensation. This monumental achievement has had a profound impact on the nation’s healthcare system, as it has significantly contributed to the country’s goal of increasing the number of doctors. When you choose to study medicine at the University of Limpopo, you’re not just gaining knowledge; you’re becoming a part of a vital mission to improve healthcare nationwide.

Our cutting-edge medical programme combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience. Our faculty consists of leading experts in the medical field, ensuring that you receive the highest quality education. Moreover, our commitment to diversity means that we welcome students from all backgrounds to contribute to the future of healthcare in South Africa.

Leading the charge in water and sanitation

In a nation where access to clean water is crucial, the University of Limpopo took the lead by launching

South Africa’s first fully-fledged Water and Sanitation Programme. Our programme is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills to address immediate water and sanitation challenges. What sets us apart is our state-of-the-art water testing laboratory, which serves not only the provincial government’s obligations in terms of water quality testing but also as an experiential training site for our water service and sanitation students.

Join us in making a real impact on water-related research and community engagement. At the University of Limpopo, we provide you with the tools to become a water and sanitation expert, helping to ensure clean water access for all.

Unveiling geological mysteries

The University of Limpopo continues to break new ground with the establishment of the first comprehensive department in geology and mining since South Africa’s democratic era. Our state-of-theart Earth Sciences Centre is a beacon of excellence, empowering researchers and students to explore the Earth’s geological processes like never before. Whether you’re interested in a BSc in Geology or pursuing an MSc or PhD, our programmes offer unparalleled opportunities to delve into the mysteries of our planet.

Our commitment to the geological sciences extends beyond the classroom. The construction of the Earth Sciences Centre is taking shape and promises to be a state-of-the-art facility equipped

The Science and Agriculture Faculty building

with advanced laboratories, cutting-edge research equipment, and interactive spaces. This centre will serve as a crucible for transformative discoveries and innovative solutions to address the pressing environmental challenges that confront us. Join us and be a part of shaping the future of geological research.

Charting a path to success in Accountancy

Our commitment to bridging educational gaps extends to the Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) programme, which exclusively produces Chartered Accountants (CAs). This accreditation not only helps the university identify and nurture talent from rural areas of Limpopo but also provides these students with access to quality education and an opportunity to qualify as CAs.

When you choose the University of Limpopo for your accountancy studies, you are joining a legacy of excellence in producing top-tier professionals. Our dedicated faculty and comprehensive curriculum will prepare you for a successful career in accountancy, opening doors to a world of financial opportunities.

Forging partnerships for a brighter future

At the University of Limpopo, we thrive on collaborations with industry partners, external organisations and international institutions. These strategic alliances serve as catalysts for innovation and knowledge exchange, propelling our graduates

towards successful careers and contributing to the broader socio-economic landscape.

Join our vibrant community of scholars and professionals, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial endeavours. Our commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry is exemplified by our Digital Hub in the Technology Transfer Office, which is taking shape to incubate talent from diverse backgrounds, including alumni and members of the larger community. Here, innovation knows no bounds and ideas come to life.

Championing climate change

The University of Limpopo takes climate change seriously and is making significant strides in addressing its impacts and implementing adaptation responses. Through our two centres of excellence ‒ the Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre and the Africa Centre for Sustainability Accounting and Management ‒ we collaborate with communities to reverse the environmental, social, economic and governance effects of climate change.

Our commitment extends to training communities in climate change mitigation and adaptation through our Certificate in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. When you join us, you become part of a movement dedicated to preserving our planet for future generations.

Taking science to the people

In 2023, we rolled out the groundbreaking Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication. This innovative programme is aimed at making science accessible to all by bridging the gap between academia and the public. Join us in taking science beyond the laboratory and into the hearts and minds of people across South Africa.

Empowering agro-entrepreneurs

Our Limpopo Agrofood Technology Station (LATS), a subsidiary of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), was established in 2009 with a mission to reduce barriers to access for agro-processing innovators. By supporting technology-based agrofood processing products through research and development, LATS has become a vital resource for start-ups and existing small and micro-entrepreneurs in the Limpopo Province.

When you join us, you gain access to cuttingedge resources, continuous training, and a supportive community of agro-entrepreneurs. Make your mark in the agro-food industry with the University of Limpopo.

Special features

10 Shovels and cranes are being put to good use in Limpopo as new projects in mining, agriculture and tourism are matched by infrastructure investments by regional and national government in roads and a major new hospital.

13

Balancing the needs of local communities with utilising resources and protecting the natural environment is a tough task. But solutions must be found.

Economic sectors

The southern hemisphere’s biggest tomato producer is planting avocados.

30

industrial master plan been approved

Limpopo’s Special Economic Zones will power progress

Special Economic Zones are a vital part of the province’s recovery through industrialisation, as the MEC for Economic Environment and Tourism, Thabo Mokone, explains.

Rodgers Monana, MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, outlines concrete steps being taken to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Once complete, the two projects will create in excess of 20 000 job opportunities in the metallurgical and mining sectors.

Among the catalytic projects are the Broadband Network Infrastructure Initiative, Mining Supply Hub, Technology Hub/Science Park, Digital Hub and two Special Economic Zones.

The Musina-Makhado SEZ was launched in April this year and is continuously engaging with local and international investors. The rollout of bulk infrastructure in the MMSEZ will focus on bulk sewersupply pipelines and wastewater treatment works; bulkwater storage and supply pipelines; water-treatment works and internal roads and storm water. Eskom has started with the inception and scoping report for bulk electricity infrastructure of the MMSEZ.

Through the MMSEZ, we aim to be a leading producer of energy through the production of coking coal that is found in huge reserves in Musina. Bottlenecks in the acquisition of land are being dealt with and we are ready to move with speed in the implementation of this project.

It’s all systems go with the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone, with a number of investors such as Mintek having committed to take sites. A mining equipment manufacturer has also made a commitment to operate a plant.

Limpopo Executive has approved Limpopo Industrial 2020-2030 the province’s agenda. This structure of Department Development, Tourism (LEDET) industrialisation of the through a series manufacturing, tourism, with a the Fourth (4IR).

Investment opportunities

e take pride in being part of this important publication which promotes our province’s abundant economic offerings. We value this partnership.

WThe investment value of the 1 000MW solar power plan to be constructed in the SEZ is $1.5-billion and this project will be implemented by Huadian Hong Kong Ltd.

Limpopo Province is home to many platinum group metals (PGMs) projects, found mostly in Sekhukhune and the Waterberg Districts, illustrating that there are many investment opportunities to take advantage of and help build our economy.

The MMSEZ SOC is collaborating with stakeholders across various spheres of government and Musina Municipality to develop a Smart City in the Musina-Makhado Corridor. This initiative has opened a new basket of investment opportunities with a great potential for return on investment.

Our Department is known for producing clean audits because of our responsible use of public funds to improve service delivery to the people of Limpopo Province.

The 2023/24 Financial Year promises to be a bumper year. Through our two key projects of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone and the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone, we aim to transform the economic fortunes of this province through the creation of job opportunities.

Limpopo Province is the cultural calabash of South Africa, boosting three national parks, namely the Kruger National Park, Marakele National Park and Mapungubwe National Park, the last of which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We are the only province which has two Kingships and a Queenship, namely, the Bapedi and VhaVenda Kingdoms and the Bolobedu Queenship. We are the melting pot of diverse cultures and different traditions that unite to form the spectacle that we pride ourselves on.

At MMSEZ we recognise partnerships and continuous stakeholderengagement as an integral part of our value system. Nevertheless, the success of the MMSEZ is dependent on its ability to attract and maintain sound and mutually beneficial relationships with investors. Both domestic and international investors are the mainstay of the MMSEZ to grow Limpopo’s economy.

Our landscape makes for beautiful tourism attractions with lush forests and amazing flora and fauna, where all of the Big Five can be seen roaming.

The task to which we are committed to is huge but achievable. With the men and women of substance that we have, our department declares that we are on the right track of addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality. ■

LEDET is moving forward on the actualisation of the FetakgomoTubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), which is at an advanced stage. We have finalised the business case for the designation of the FTSEZ and the Department has put its support behind the Mining Input Supplier Park, owned by Glencore. There is also a quadripartite agreement consisting of four strategic partners: LEDET, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). ■

Development, Tourism MEC

A unique guide to business and investment in Limpopo.

Credits

Publishing director:

Limpopo Business T

Chris Whales

Editor: John Young

Business development manager: Shiko Diala

Managing director: Clive During

Online editor: Christoff Scholtz

Designer: Tyra Martin

Production: Yonella Ngaba

Ad sales:

Gavin van der Merwe

Sam Oliver

Gabriel Venter

Vanessa Wallace

Tahlia Wyngaard

Graeme February

Administration & accounts:

Charlene Steynberg

Kathy Wootton

Sharon Angus-Leppan

Distribution and circulation manager: Edward MacDonald

Printing: FA Print

DISTRIBUTION

he 2023/24 edition of Limpopo Business is the 15th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Limpopo Province. In inviting investors to consider Limpopo, the Premier of Limpopo and the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism outline concrete steps that have been taken to add and improve infrastructure within the province and to tackle socioeconomic challenges.

The delicate balance between the need to utilise the bounty of the earth’s minerals for economic progress and the imperative to do so in a way that both boosts the local economy and does not degrade the environment is the subject of a special feature in the front section of the journal. Several mining companies have mitigation projects, employ local people and support local small businesses but Exxaro’s appointment of an all-female team of mounted game rangers stands out as a rather special initiative. News related to mining, agriculture, tourism, construction and property, water, education and development finance is carried in overviews of the main economic sectors.

To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com. Updated information on Limpopo is also available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.gan.co.za, in addition to our complementary businessto-business titles that cover all nine provinces, our flagship South African Business title and the newest addition to our list of publications, African Business, which was launched in 2020. ■

Chris Whales Publisher, Global Africa Network Media | Email: chris@gan.co.za

Limpopo Business is distributed internationally on outgoing and incoming trade missions, through trade and investment agencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s main trading partners around the world; at top national and international events; through the offices of foreign representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, airport lounges, provincial government departments, municipalities and companies.

Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations

COPYRIGHT | Limpopo Business is an independent publication published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to the publication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd.

PHOTO CREDITS | Airlink; Anglo American; Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality; Department of Water and Sanitation; Exxaro; Glencore; Implats; Fyre Mael on Flickr; MDS Architecture; Netcare Foundation;

PUBLISHED BY

Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd

Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07

Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales

Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700

Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701

Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943

Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za

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Northam Platinum; Olimoflo; PETCO; Premier Hotel Group; South African Presidency/Flickr; VKB; ZZ2.

DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in Limpopo Business is accurate and up-to-date, the publishers make no representations as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, or completeness of the information. Global Africa Network will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or any reliance placed on such information.

Providing safe transport services

Florence Radzilani, MEC for Transport and Community Safety, explains how increased air traffic could reduce the load on the province’s roads.

How does GAAL and the PIA fit into the department’s overall mandate?

Part of the mission of the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety is to provide safe, sustainable and integrated transport infrastructure and services for the promotion of socio-economic development. Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) is charged with managing and developing Limpopo airports to provide ease of access to Limpopo province for both tourism and investment opportunities. Aviation plays a vital role supporting the department’s mission of implementing integrated transportation.

Can PIA strengthen Limpopo’s position as a regional logistics hub?

Polokwane International Airport (PIA) is strategically located as a gateway into Limpopo and its proximity to SADC countries makes it a viable catchment for the establishment of the logistics hub.

How can this be achieved?

This can be achieved through engagements between major industries like agriculture and mining and the airlines and PIA. This collaboration will assist with the establishment of new cargo routes and new operators that will focus on cargo distribution.

Is there a marketing strategy to increase the use of PIA by tourists?

GAAL is finalising a Turnaround Strategy, which includes strategies on marketing with the big focus on education to the effect that air transport is public transport and it is available to everyone. In addition, the province is consolidating the concept of One-Destination Marketing with the Limpopo Tourism Agency.

BIOGRAPHY

Florence grew up in Masakona village, outside Elim. A BA degree from the University of Venda was followed by two education diplomas and an Honours in Public Administration. She is currently studying for a Master’s in Public Administration. She has experience as an assistant director in the Office of the Premier, Executive Mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality and as MEC for the Department of Community Safety before it amalgamated with the Department of Transport.

Is there a link in improving airport numbers to road safety in the province?

Aviation helps achieve the department’s mission to provide safe transport services. The increase in the number of people that fly will relieve the load of traffic on the road, especially in peak seasons. Statistics released by the International Air Transport Association confirm that flying is one of the safest ways to travel.

Is the department supporting the improvement of infrastructure at PIA?

Yes, the department has appointed a capable board to implement a turnaround strategy and to oversee governance. The department provides support and oversight over the entity to ensure that its strategic goals are met, including support at provincial structures to ensure that GAAL receives the financial support to improve the airport infrastructure to attract operators and airport users. ■

Florence Radzilani, MEC for Transport and Community Safety

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Shovels and cranes are being put to good use in Limpopo as new projects in mining, agriculture and tourism are matched by infrastructure investments by regional and national government in roads and a major new hospital.

By John Young

Ground was broken all over Limpopo in 2023 as new projects were launched. In Polokwane the first shovels of earth were moved towards the construction of the Limpopo Central Hospital.

National Treasury approved plans for the 488-bed hospital, which will become one of South Africa’s five academic hospitals, in 2022.

In the Sekhukhune District, contractors were handed their instructions at GaMalekane, Steelpoort, where a long-awaited multi-lane steel bridge will replace the old single-lane bridge. In the north of the province, a number of tourism projects have been

launched in the last 18 months, and several more are in the pipeline.

Several mining companies are breaking new ground, although in the case of De Beers at its Venetia Mine in the province’s far north, it is not so much new ground as old ground that is being mined in a different way. What used to be a surface mine is in the process of being transformed into an underground mine, a long and expensive project that began in 2012 and is now about 70% complete. A significant landmark was achieved in 2023 with the beginning of production at the facility that employs 4 300

Production began at De Beers’ Venetia Mine in 2023, a major milestone in a multi-year project that will create work for local communities, and for valuers.

PHOTO: De Beers Group

people and is expected to produce four-million carats of diamonds annually.

The bridge project at Steelpoort nicely illustrates the spirit of public-private partnership. No fewer than eight mining companies in the Eastern-Limb Cluster in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality have contributed to the construction of the new road bridge at the intersection of the D2219 and R555: Anglo American Platinum, Glencore Alloys, Booysendal (Northam Platinum), Two Rivers Platinum, Samanchor Chrome, Dwars River Chrome, Rhakhoma Mining and Tjate Platinum. Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) is managing the project, for which R127-million has been budgeted.

A total of 12 partnerships between the Limpopo Provincial Government and various mining houses have a value of R1.1-billion.

A public-private planning exercise, known as Impact Catalyst, is working on focus areas which include biofuels and intends to prepare the province to deal with the emergence of new sectors such as renewable energy. The Provincial Government is working with Impact Catalyst in several fields, including a coordination of enterprise development programme strategies.

In the Lephalale region, Exxaro is in partnership with government to operate a satellite office in support of small business. Another partnership related to supplier development programmes is in place with Black Umbrellas.

Among the other investments being made in the Limpopo mining sector is the expansion project at Northam Platinum’s Metallurgical Complex which has linked increased volumes with better efficiencies and a cleaner process from an environmental point of view. Less water and power are used by the newly installed machines and a high-tech two-stage chilling system has been introduced to control the reaction of leaching operations.

One the province’s biggest companies is using its recently constructed packing facilities to prepare tomatoes and avocados for export. The fact that ZZ2 is venturing into the avocado market is big news for the agricultural sector.

A series of renovations and upgrades have taken place at Polokwane International Airport (PIA) which have placed the airport in a better condition to position itself as a cargo hub for the province and

the region. Noting that the facility’s relative proximity to Johannesburg makes it less of a tourist destination as many of Limpopo’s destinations are within driving distance of the country’s biggest metro, PIA is investigating how it can leverage its central location to attract more cargo for further distribution throughout Limpopo and SADC.

An airport in the eastern part of Limpopo that does receive many tourists is one of the gateways to the Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit Airport. Provincial authorities are looking at ways that this airport can play an ever bigger role in accepting visitors than it already does with its connections to Botswana, Mozamibique and Zimbabwe.

Three major national parks – Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe in the north and Marakele in the Waterberg – are run by South African National Parks (SANParks) and attract large numbers of tourists every year. The province’s private game reserves and lodges enjoy a reputation for luxury and excellence of service that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors. The combined land area of Limpopo’s national, provincial and private game and nature reserves is 3.6-million hectares.

The provincial government has committed to enhancing the value of Limpopo’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Makapans Valley and Mapungubwe, where the superbly crafted little golden rhinoceros, a relic from medieval times, was found in 1932. This is also a priority programme in the National Tourism Sector Strategy. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO protected site.

Some Limpopo nature reserves are to be commercialised using private-public partnerships. Among the first reserves to be part of the programme are Masebe, Rust de Winter and Lekgalameetse. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is responsible for 53 provincial nature reserves.

Limpopo is doing its best to attract new investors to the province. A number of targeted conferences have been held in several key sectors and the teams leading the push to establish Special Economic Zones in Limpopo have been working hard to promote the Musina-Makhado SEZ and the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ.

Each of the SEZs has its own unique attributes but both of them seek to support the beneficiation

Dignitaries were on hand to turn the first sod when African Century Group and the Premier Hotel Group started work on a four-star, 120-room hotel in Thohoyandou in the Vhembe District Municipality.

of minerals that are plentiful in the region, encourage the growth of green energy hubs and green manufacturing, take advantage of their strategic location to welcome logistics companies and to use the SEZs as a means of uplifting local communities through training, jobs and contracts to supply goods and services to the SEZs themselves, and to companies that set up operations in the SEZs.

Limpopo’s assets include the largest diamond mine in South Africa (De Beers Venetia Mine), the biggest copper mine in South Africa (Palabora Mining Company), the biggest open-pit platinum mine in the country (Anglo America’s Mogalakwena) and the biggest vermiculite mine in the world. The province has 41% of South Africa’s PGMs, 90% of South Africa’s red-granite resources and approximately 50% of the country’s coal reserves. Antimony, a highly strategic mineral found in large quantities in China, is another of Limpopo’s major assets. In 2019, the mining sector in Limpopo employed 48 782 workers and paid out R39.7-billion in wages and salaries. The provincial government records that the province will be receiving a total investment from mining of R36.3billion in the period to 2025.

Geography

Limpopo covers about 10% of South Africa’s land mass and is home to about 10% of the country’s population. The 2011 census recorded 5.4-million residents. The main languages of the people of Limpopo are Sesotho, Xitsonga and Tshivenda but English is widely used in business and government.

The Limpopo Province’s 125 754km² covers a remarkably diverse geographical and cultural landscape that is also rich in minerals and agricultural products.

The N1 highway is a key reason for the province’s important role in the nation’s logistics sector. It passes through Limpopo from the south to the border town of Musina and on to Zimbabwe and its neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The busy N11 highway links the province to Botswana to the west and Mpumalanga Province to the east.

Most of South Africa’s logistics operators have a presence in the provincial capital city of Polokwane and logistics hubs have been established in that city and in Musina.

The province has a sophisticated rail network which Transnet Freight Rail aims to further expand, primarily to haul the province’s vast reserves of coal away to the coast at Richards Bay.

The province is home to two universities, the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo, and seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The Turfloop Graduate School of Business is in Polokwane.

The centrally situated city of Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo province. Located on the Great North Road and almost equidistant from the highdensity population of greater Johannesburg and the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Polokwane’s upgraded international airport plays an increasingly important regional role. ■

Mining companies are partnering with Roads Agency Limpopo to connect communities by building bridges and improving roads.

PHOTO: Implats

PHOTO: Premier Hotel Group |

Conservation and community

Balancing the needs of local communities with utilising resources for economic growth is a tough challenge. When the need to preserve and protect the natural environment is added to the mix, the task is harder still. But solutions must be found.

By John Young

Africa’s first all-female team of mounted rangers rode out for the first time as a group in February 2023.

Alice Maphafu, Angelina Nkgweng and Penny Maboyane and Mounted Head Ranger Elelwani Mulaodzi are the guardians of wildlife in the Manketti Game Reserve, the conservancy space that surrounds Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Mine in Lephalale in the Waterberg District.

The horseback quartet represent a neat solution to the challenges posed by the balancing act of mining, community interest and conservation. Training and employment has been offered in a field that actively protects the environment.

Further employment opportunities are created through the Manketti Lodge where visitors are accommodated. The reserve also derives income from game trading and hunting.

Within the 22 000ha Manketti Game Reserve, which acts as a mitigation of the impact of the nearby mining operations, there is an 800ha area from which large or dangerous game are excluded, giving guests a chance to hike, cycle or jog.

The reserve is named for the Manketti tree, which occurs nowhere else in South Africa. The area where these trees occur has recently been declared by Exxaro as a Protected Woodland and the trees are regularly monitored and research undertaken. Among the game species are sable antelope and tsessebe. The reserve has many cheetahs and more than 200 bird species have been spotted.

An Exxaro statement addresses the conundrum posed at the beginning of this article: “We believe that industry in combination with conservation is key for our country’s natural and environmental long-term sustainability.” The company referred

PHOTO: Exxaro

to the third part of the equation in expressing its pride in appointing the rangers as part of efforts to “empower historically marginalised people in order to foster equitable and sustainable socio-economic prosperity”.

Volunteer rangers

In the Mopani and Vhembe districts, 50 young volunteers have been trained as Honorary Rangers in a step to enhance skills among young people and to fight against environmental crimes.

This initiative is part of the drive by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) to integrate the Green Economy more fully into the lives of communities around the province.

Biodiversity Economic Nodes have been identified and business plans are being developed for 10 areas which have shown potential. Feasibility studies are tackling the question of how a local community can best extract economic benefit from the communal areas over which they have control, and how this can be done in a way that brings both material benefit and serves to protect or enhance the environment. The plan is to connect these core conservation areas to all other conserved spaces, including public and private game reserves.

A Wildlife Transformation Policy has been presented to the legislature by LEDET. Key features of the policy include the aim of bringing communities into the mainstream conservation and wildlife economy and supporting eco-tourism as a sector.

The many game and nature reserves owned by the Provincial Government represent an opportunity to provide commercial opportunities to local communities, especially through the hospitality function.

At Nylsvlei Nature Reserve, 20 new tourist chalets have been built and various improvements have been made at Wolkberg Nature Reserve, Makutsi Camp in the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve and Blouberg Nature Reserve.

Waste management

LEDET is also trying to get the province thinking green. A Greenest Municipality Competition covers waste management, water management, energy efficiency, conservation, tree planting, landscaping and beautification.

A joint programme with the Industr ial Symbiosis Programme and the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) aims to connect companies throwing stuff away with other companies that might be able to use that stuff. The NCPC is an implementing agency of the Department of Science and Innovation hosted by the CSIR.

If this circular approach is widely adopted, much less waste will go to landfill and small businesses will have new avenues and markets.

The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) training centre at Lephalale has joined the recycling movement. PETCO recently supplied the base with a container to receive separated waste. With up to 250 recruits on site at any one time, tons of waste that currently goes to landfill will thus be diverted.

PETCO is a Producer Responsibility Organisation representing the South African plastic industry’s effort to self-regulate post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. PETCO is involved in

PHOTO: PETCO

Colonel MR Mphashi thanks PETCO Regional Recycling Manager, Tlou Sebola, for the separation-at-source container.

every aspect of the PET value chain – from resin producers through to converters, bottlers, brand owners, retailers and consumers. Bins and cages have also been placed at the base’s kitchen and accommodation quarters. Once filled, these are taken to the container, where participants in the Working on Fire programme, an initiative of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, sort and store the recyclables. PETCO has also run recycling workshops to ensure that new recruits understand the different types of recyclables and how to sort and separate them.

Moving to conserve

Sometimes even really big spaces are not big enough. You might think that 32 000ha is a large area but when it comes to elephants and their habitat, thinking big is the order of the day. The Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in northern Limpopo is part of the De Beers Group Diamond Route and near to the underground mine that the company runs there.

The reserve is home to 400 species of birds and numerous flora and fauna but as the area could only properly cater to the movements and diets of 70 elephants, a new home was needed for 200 of the giants. In 2018, working in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation, De Beers embarked on one of the biggest translocations ever attempted.

The 1 700km journey to Zinave National Park in Mozambique presented many difficulties but the trip was worth it: with 400 000ha in their new home, there is lots of room for the elephants to roam.

The De Beers Diamond Route network covers 200 000 hectares on eight reserves in Southern Africa. For every hectare of land used for operations, six are set aside for conservation through the Diamond Route. A Live Cam has been installed at a waterhole at one of the reserves, which can be found on the De Beers website under Sustainability.

Since the Peace Parks F oundation and Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) signed an agreement to rehabilitate the Zinave National

Park, ravaged as it was by the country’s civil war, more than 2 400 animals from 15 different species have been reintroduced.

In 2022, seven critically endangered black rhino were safely translocated from Manketti Game Reserve to the park. A partnership between Exxaro Resources, Peace Parks Foundation and ANAC will see more than 40 rhinos relocated over a three-year period. White rhinos had previously been reintroduced to the park.

These white rhinos are helping to restore Zinave’s grasslands as they graze, whereas black rhinos browse on very specific plants and process them uniquely, acting as a natural fertiliser and allowing the nutrients from vegetation to be cycled back into the earth efficiently.

This is a case of nature providing the solution to the difficult problem of soil health. Nature might yet provide the solution to the triple challenge of balancing resource development, conservation and community. ■

PHOTO: Exxaro Resources

Mozambique’s Zinave National Park is now home to seven endangered black rhinos after a successful translocation from Manketti Game Reserve in Limpopo.

Brick by brick we will build this project for the current and future generations

art infrastructure and the provisioning of utilities (water, electricity, sewer, waste removal, roads, security, telecommunications, etc) to our investors. We are pleased that master planning and front-end engineering designs have been concluded and the construction phase has commenced in earnest.

The development of the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone takes shape at the time when global markets are in full swing to recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown. This recovery process anchors the MMSEZ as one among many initiatives to breathe life into the Limpopo economy by attracting new capital and creating jobs and training opportunities, especially among the youth. Because of its catalytic nature, the MMSEZ has already created a demand for the additional infrastructure development in the Musina-Makhado Corridor. The completion of the multimillion Musina bypass by SANRAL bears testimony to growing investment which can be expected in this development node.

The CEO of the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone, Lehlogonolo Masoga, reports on significant progress being made on one of the nation’s biggest catalytic projects.

The much-awaited development of the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) has finally commenced with the installation of the bulk services infrastructure.

The Limpopo Provincial Government has committed over R700-million over a medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period to support the jump-starting of this game-changing initiative. Special Economic Zones are by their nature designed to offer investors a boutique, readymade, industrial platform to practise their trade. Brick by brick we will build this project for the current and future generations. Our business approach is centred around the plug-and-play model supported by state-of-the-

We are currently collaborating with the Department of Water and Sanitation to explore sustainable and long-term solutions for security of water supply. This initiative will soon translate into water schemes that will make water shortages a thing of the past. We are pleased that our project is beginning to attract technology-driven industrialisation projects in various sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, renewable energy, automotive, agroprocessing, logistics and more. There is no doubt that the MMSEZ will soon become a smart zone driven by modern technology with a commitment to sustainable development.

During 2023, October Transport Month, we will launch a partnership with the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) to explore collaboration in various areas to ease freight movement in the corridor and the Beitbridge Boarder Post in particular. Our partnership will also look into areas of regional skills development, development of a state-ofthe-art truck-stop facility and a vehicle-pound facility to promote crossborder road traffic law enforcement. Hot on the heels of the Presidential launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in our backyard, we will collaborate with the BMA to support our logistics industry players to become the immediate beneficiaries of the envisaged One-Stop Border Post currently being conceptualised and implemented by the agency.

We will soon make a public announcement about our massive roll-out of a skills development programme in partnership with SETAs and the local Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) college. Our commitment to turn the tide against unemployment among the youth is unwavering. Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone is open for business, and we invite investors and industrialists to join us in partnership to exploit the game-changing opportunities available. ■

Lehlogonolo Masoga

The Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone is making progress

Ground is being broken on a variety of projects and northern Limpopo is gearing up for the expected boost that the zone will bring to all citizens.

The Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) is getting into gear and powering ahead. Infrastructure for the zone and surrounding towns is being installed.

Conceived as a major catalyst for economic growth, localisation and as a means of stimulating new economic sectors such as mineral beneficiation, the MMSEZ has already passed several hurdles in terms of legislation and approvals and is attracting attention from the investor community.

Major infrastructure investments have been made, and are continuing to be made, within the two sites of the zone and within local communities. The launch of a Renewable Energy Strategy for the zone, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, has been announced.

Energy is at the heart of the business case of the MMSEZ, but many attractive investment opportunities in a wide variety of sectors are available.

SOUTH SITE

ENERGY AND METALLURGY

Solar Plant

Steel Plant

Stainless Steel Plant

Coke Heat Recovery Plant

Pig Iron Plant

Ferrochrome Plant

Ferromanganese Plant

Vanadium Plant

Lime Plant

NORTH SITE

AGRO-PROCESSING

Food Processing Facility

Fresh Produce Handling

Canning Facility

Timber Processing

LOGISTICS

Logistics Services

Warehousing

Distribution

Container Yard

Vehicle Distribution

Cold Storage

Bonded Warehouses

MANUFACTURING

Electromechanical Operations

OE Manufacturing Plants

Automobile Centre

Component Manufacturing

Fertilisers

Agro-chemicals

Petro-chemicals

Mobile offices on the MMSEZ site

Breaking ground at the MMSEZ

MMSEZ BUSINESS CASE

COLOUR GUIDE

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Agro-processing and manufacturing

Name: Mr Tshilidza Mathobo

T.Mathobo@mmsez.co.za

Tel: +27 66 587 2061

Mineral Beneficiation

Name: Mr Zweni Masilela

Z.Masilela@mmsez.co.za

Tel: +27 66 173 6727

Executive Manager: Investment Promotion

Name: Mr R. Zitha

R.Zitha@mmsez.co.za

Tel: +27 791 391 8188

Ensuring success for local businesses in all spheres

By Kagiso Moncho, General Manager: Northern Region, MTN Business

face of persistent loadshedding. The MTN network is at the heart of all our ICT solutions, enabling organisations of all sizes and from all sectors to continue growing. Augmented by the ongoing rollout of our 5G network, our comprehensive solution stack helped public and private sector organisations enhance their operations over the past year, and 2023 has already seen local companies using technology to find new ways to do things to accommodate for the challenges they are facing in their industries.

Network improvements

The improvements we are making to our network – and through those, to all of our offerings – are the latest step towards achieving MTN’s Ambition 2025: To provide leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. As an important region that is part of the six that make up MTN South Africa’s focus areas, Limpopo is front and centre of how we are approaching the digital future.

When it comes to South Africa’s economic growth, most people don’t think of the Northern Region. However, Limpopo is home to some of the country’s most vital industries. From mining to manufacturing, agriculture and our power infrastructure, Limpopo helps keep the country running effectively while producing around 7.3% of our GDP.

Unfortunately, our region has its fair share of challenges, but MTN is proud to be able to say that we are actively investing in solutions that we hope will help overcome some of them. In addition to expanding our network, MTNSA is investing R1.5billion to ensure availability and resilience in the

As MTN’s 5G network and IoT ecosystem grow, this province will come to be a technology leader. Already, local mines and farms are looking at different ways that sensor-connected systems can help make them more efficient, and we are leveraging our capabilities and partnerships to help them create roadmaps to achieve their goals.

SMMEs, which are the bedrock of South Africa’s economic growth, are also turning to technology to stay competitive. We believe that SMMEs should have access to the same kind of support that large organisations do and MTN is proud to be assisting local SMMEs with their technology requirements, whether that is access to affordable connectivity solutions, cloud

services like Microsoft Teams and Office 365, or access to digital financial services.

MTN has been helping facilitate payments in Limpopo for many years, providing small businesses with an easy way to send and receive money. Mobile Money continues to grow, with millions of people in the region using it on a daily basis.

When the going gets tough, the tough get our support

MTN has long been the supplier of choice for the public sector in the Limpopo Province, and our focus will remain on helping government agencies improve their service delivery in 2023. We already have existing long-term relationships with the Department of Education and the Department of Health, along with many municipalities, and are looking forward to growing those partnerships in the future.

We have implemented plans to enable better access to connectivity in rural areas, further assisting service delivery mandates in the Limpopo Province – not to mention helping more people access the tools they need for modern connected life. To that end, we have ramped up investment into preventative measures to ensure the resilience of the network.

In addition to loadshedding, the MTN network has to contend with the threats of vandalism and copper theft. We have therefore taken a holistic approach to improving network availability.

This includes investment into, and deployment of, additional backup battery and generator capacity, as well as power contingencies such as 24x7x365 monitoring and response to ensure there is no downtime. MTN has also implemented software-defined power-saving features on base stations during higher stages of loadshedding to ensure 100% availability.

MTN is also embarking on strategic and tactical plans to reduce reliance on the Eskom power grid so that future bouts of loadshedding won’t impact service availability. These plans include the implementation of bespoke solutions that are less reliant on traditional network topologies, collaboration with strategic partners

to offer additional resilience and increased network capacity to cater for the increase in demand during loadshedding periods. We are also accelerating fibre distribution and optimising existing fibre routes.

As local businesses continue to deal with the impact of loadshedding, not to mention having to find solutions to help them stay ahead in a challenging economic environment, MTN is proud to be able to provide the support and relief they need to remain competitive. Limpopo will continue to be a strong focus area for us in the year ahead, and a long time to come.

This is why our local team, led by Norman Tshikovhele, is dedicated to enabling Limpopo’s business community in the face of ever-changing consumer and market trends.

Meet Norman Tshikovhele

With years of marketing and sales experience gained across local and multinational corporates, Norman Tshikovhele looks after a team that includes international mining houses, public sector organisations and SMMEs. His previous multinational client portfolio includes Anglo American PLC, RAM, DSV, Dimension Data, Exxaro and Ericsson.

With extensive experience in the development and implementation of account sales strategies, retentions and acquisitions, Norman is a seasoned leader. He studied Business Development Management at the Gordon Business School as well as Internet of Things (IoT) at NWU, CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Voice, CCNP and CCVP at Torque IT.

Norman has 19 years’ experience in the telecommunication industry. He started his career in 2007 at MTN as an account manager with a focus on international mining customers. He left MTN in 2016 and joined Telkom/BCX for a year before joining Vodafone. At Vodafone he was responsible for international public sector accounts such as the United Nations and its 22 agencies, providing first-level support and crossselling converged technologies. ■

Email: Norman.Tshikovhele@mtn.com

Committed to transforming the economy

The Regional Manager of the Industrial Development Corporation in Limpopo, Mashweu Matsiela, explains how products such as SME Connect help to get entrepreneurs on their feet in sectors such as tourism

Do you have offices outside Polokwane?

In more remote areas of Lephalale, the Vhembe district or Burgersfort, we work through our sister company, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).

What are the main sectors that you operate in? Agriculture, mining and tourism.

Are there limits to how big a project can be?

Overall, the IDC is not limited by the size of projects. However, as the Small Business Finance and Regions (SBF Limpopo), we have a threshold of R20-million. Accordingly, we mainly look at providing funding support for SMEs. When bigger deals come in, we work together with a sectorspecific unit at head office, for example, the Tourism Unit, which might support something like a hotel project in northern Limpopo.

Are you able to tell me more about that tourism project?

BIOGRAPHY

Mashweu completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at the University of Stirling in Scotland. He holds an MBA qualification from the University of Pretoria, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Company Direction (GIMT) and an Executive Development Programme (GIBS) which he obtained with distinction. Within the IDC he has been account manager for Metals SBU, Agro-Industries and Franchising SBU. He was also Senior Post Investment Associate (PIMD) and Manager: Equity Investments. He was Regional Manager (Mpumalanga) until 2019.

We are busy with the initial assessment of a hotel in Musina, a development node because of mining activities there. De Beers has started producing from their revamped mine, there is a coal mine there and it is the home of the Musina-Makhado SEZ. The project came through the Venetia Mine Enterprise Development Programme (EDP). The entrepreneur was previously managing a mine accommodation facility; now she wants to put up a boutique hotel.

Would this project fall under SME Connect?

Indeed. SME Connect is a collaborative initiative which is anchored on three levers. Marketing is the apex of a triangle, with the other legs being finance and business support.

A corporate will develop people who are providing services under its Supplier Development Programme (SDP) or they will help develop a business through the EDP. Through SME Connect, the IDC can plug in any leg of the triangle that needs support and the corporates can do the same. The main thing we ask from the corporates is for them to provide the market at the apex of the triangle.

Like an offtake agreement?

Exactly. On the back of that contract with the corporate we can be comfortable as a funder because the small business has a

Mashweu Matsiela, Regional Manager, IDC Limpopo

guaranteed market. It is tangible, it is not a gamble in the dark.

It is a collaborative model in that the IDC provides funding and business support and the corporate provides the market. However, because it is also interactive the corporates will sometimes have business support or funding available from their own ESD funds so we are able to exploit the synergies between us.

Does the IDC mainly do loans or does it take equity in ventures in which it invests?

The IDC mainly provides loans to businesses. The equity is an exception but since we are a development institution, we would from time to time assist the client in terms of cash flow. With a BEE, youth or women project we might give a loan for a portion of the amount and take another portion of the amount as equity. In the end, when the business is on its feet, then the IDC would be repaid the equity portion. That makes it more manageable in terms of the cash flow of the business.

The IDC takes equity in strategic projects, so for example in Sasol or Columbus Stainless, the steel company. In Limpopo we have board representation at Westfalia and a stake in Merensky Timber. These stakes in strategic projects ensure that the IDC remains sustainable. When these companies pay dividends, it goes back into the pot and then we can continue to fund new projects.

Is beneficiation of Limpopo’s resources a priority?

That’s our space. We want more value-add projects so we will fund any processing relating to agriculture. For instance, macadamia and avocado processing, de-husking, packaging and cold rooms – we will fund all of those things. There’s a mining project that we’re looking at up north which involves the mining of gold and it will be processed up to a level.

Which sector has recovered best after Covid? Tourism went from the extreme of being hit hard to

now having quite a big recovery. Mining is the other one. Coincidentally the accommodation space in Musina is driven mainly by the mining activities in the area because when people fly in, they want to stay somewhere. New products are coming to market as in the example I gave. When I had a meeting in Burgersfort recently, I struggled for accommodation. The closest I could find was in Mashishing so there is a need. The IDC has had an approach about a hotel investment in Burgersfort. We have also been approached by a mine through SME Connect relating to two lodges that want to expand.

In last year’s journal we had a story on the fourstar Premier Inn being built in Thohoyandou. Indeed. That project is well advanced. IDC teams are in that area now because of a glamping project for which we have approved funding. They want people to camp near the river; it is something for the adventurous tourist.

Please tell us about programmes that empower youth, women and black-owned businesses. That is really something that defines us. We are there for the transformation of the economy in terms of bringing on previously disadvantaged people, mainly youth, women and black industrialists in general and people with disabilities. Some of our products are earmarked for that purpose. We have the Youth Fund where the IDC has put aside R1-billion and loans are priced at prime minus three. That hotel in Musina is 100% women owned. We really pride ourselves on this sort of thing. ■

KEY SECTORS

The unveiling of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena PGM mine in Limpopo was an event of global significance. The 2MW truck is part of Anglo American’s drive to be carbon-neutral by 2040.

PHOTO: Anglo American

Agriculture

SECTOR INSIGHT

South Africa’s best-known tomato producer ZZ2 has entered the avocado category to further diversify its product range.

ZZ2 grows a large assortment of fruits including mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, almonds and blueberries. The company’s new R128-million processing facility for avocados and tomatoes is complete. With floor space of 11 200m² the facility is large, but then everything about ZZ2 tends to be on a big scale. There are ambitious plans to increase market share in avocados, a highly sought after and popular export product.

A joint venture between ZZ2, Mission Produce and Criterion Africa Partners will see more than 1 000ha of avocado orchards developed, but ZZ2 will continue to develop other orchards independently. So far, the Selokwe Agri JV has planted 250ha.

The EU market is seen as having the best potential, with average per capita consumption in that area currently less than half that of the US. South Africa has an edge over Peru in that the season begins before the South American’s peak period and the aim is to supply the popular Hass variety all year round. Core Fruit has been contracted to handle the logistics and transportation of product to Europe.

A collaboration between Glencore Ferroalloys and AgriSETA has seen 20 people from Steelpoort exposed to a new set of agricultural skills. The skills programmes were provided by Khuduthamaga

Consulting (Pty) Ltd which offers a variety of courses in animal, poultry and plant production, landscaping and mixed farming systems. At the March 2023 graduation ceremony, young people who had completed the course received a Certificate of Competence in Farming Production and Systems to help them realise their full potential and expand their opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Glencore Ferroalloys runs Enterprise Development Hubs where innovation is encouraged. Local farmers might aim to supply food by doing hydroponics farming, for example.

The National Empowerment Fund has agreed to support the Lebowakgomo Abattoir, a poultry project of the Provincial Government, in the amount of R32-million. The project is designed to assist small-scale farmers and broiler producers. There will be 150 jobs created at the abattoir and many more along the value chain. A revival plan for Zebediela Citrus Estate is being implemented. A partnership agreement between the Bjatladi Community Property Association and the

The southern hemisphere’s biggest tomato producer is planting avocados.

The National Empowerment Fund has put R32-million into an abattoir.

Everything ZZ2 does, it does in large measure. The company has now invested in avocados.

PHOTO: ZZ2

OVERVIEW

Humansdorp Cooperative has been signed to revive the orchards while the Impact Catalyst programme is providing help in drawing up a long-term plan for the sustainable development of the estate. The contribution of the Social Employment Fund, implemented by Impact Catalyst, created more than 600 jobs at the project.

Provincial government efforts to promote specific value chains in different areas are bearing fruit as various types of infrastructure are rolled out to support small-scale farmers.

Farmer Production Support Units provide a cluster of services which include livestock auction facilities, mechanisation services and a training centre for farmers. These areas have been targeted: Sekhukhune District: grain and cotton; Mopani District: vegetables; Waterberg District: red meat; Capricorn District: potatoes.

Since the Koba-Tlala Production Brigade Project was initiated in 2022/23, the South African National Defence Force procured over R1-million worth of fresh produce from the farmers involved. An additional 32 collection points have been established to allow small-scale farmers near military centres to sell their products.

Cotton growing is experiencing a renewal in the province. The Limpopo Provincial Government’s programme for revitalising irrigation schemes is helping. In Ephraim Mogale Municipality about 345 hectares of cotton has been planted which will benefit 74 small-scale farmers in the area.

Export contributions

The percentage contribution of Limpopo agriculture to national agriculture is 7.6% although its contribution to provincial GDP is just 2.3%. Agro-processing has enormous potential to expand in every subsector.

Limpopo’s fruits and vegetables form an important part of South Africa’s export basket and more than 45% of the annual turnover of the Joburg Market originates in the fertile province.

Companies like ZZ2 are major contributors to the country’s annual production of 120 000 tons of avocados. Of the current crop, about half is currently produced in two Limpopo regions, Letaba and Tzaneen.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Citrus Growers Association: www.cga.co.za

Cotton South Africa: www.cottonsa.org.za

Macadamias South Africa: www.samac.org.za

South African Subtropical Growers’ Association: www.subtrop.co.za

Exports are rising exponentially. In response to this demand, and the potential of the Chinese market, almost 1 000ha per year of new land is being planted with avocados in South Africa.

The same amount of new macadamia planting is underway every year, according to Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC), adding to the existing 19 000ha. The other big sellers are mangoes and tomatoes.

Limpopo grows thr eequarters of South Africa’s mangoes and two-thirds of its tomatoes. The Waterberg District produces large quantities of red meat while Capricorn has potatoes in abundance, and Vhembe in the north specialises in citrus and subtropical fruits. Mopani has those fruits too – and the Mopani worm. The Sekhukhune region in the south-east produces grain and the marula fruit that goes into Amarula Cream liqueur.

Westfalia is another huge enterprise, part of the Hans Merensky Group, and it is the world’s largest avocado grower.

It also produces significant quantities of mango, litchi, citrus and macadamia and has three agri-processing plants in the province. Greenway Farms supplies about 45% of the fresh-market carrots consumed in Southern Africa under the Rugani brand.

VKB Milling runs white maize mills in Mokopane, Lydenburg and Louis Trichardt and sells via the Magnifisan brand. VKB also has eight silos and 29 retail outlets in the Limpopo region. ■

VKB Group runs eight silos in Limpopo.

PHOTO: VKB

Mining

De Beers’ giant conversion project has started producing.

R1-billion to upgrade the resource.Limpopo’s 2022 Mining and Energy Conference covered a number of issues relevant to the mining sector and laid out the investment case for the province.

In July 2023, as scheduled, De Beers Group celebrated the beginning of production at its Venetia Mine.

The long-term, $2.3-billion conversion project of the diamond mine to an underground mine began in 2012 and will extend the life of the mine to 2045 or beyond. The mechanised underground operation will deliver up to seven-million tons of kimberlite ore per year to produce four-million carats of diamonds. Construction of the mine, which employs 4 300 local people, is now 70% complete.

Mantengu has made a R700-million investment commitment in a chrome and platinum group metal (PGM) mine near Thabazimbi. Mantengu was previously known as Mining Restoration Investment and operated as an environmental-services company which worked on the environmental impacts created by the mining industry.

The Langpan Mine, which reportedly has a chrome and PGM reserve statement of 2.17-million tons and a valuation of R851-million, also has a processing plant which forms chrome concentrate from the chrome ore. The by-product has a high concentration of PGMs.

The R1.2-billion Sefateng Chrome Mine under development in the Sekhukhune District has so far created 350 jobs during the construction phase and will provide a long-term employment for 600 people once production begins.

Corridor Mining Resources, a diversified mining resources company wholly owned by the Provincial Government through the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), is invested in a project where the equity partner, Sedibelo, is assembling

African Rainbow Minerals has purchased the Bokoni platinum group metals mine for R3.5-billion. Bokoni is located near ARM’s Modikwa and Two Rivers PGM mines and gives the ARM more palladium to mine.

Commodity prices buoyed the mining sector during the time of Covid-19. Rhodium, palladium, platinum and gold collectively rose in price by more than 50% in the course of 2021and these are all minerals that occur in Limpopo.

Increased demand for platinum group metals has been a trend for some years, but a huge drop in the global price of PGMs has occurred since rhodium attracted a price of $30 000 an ounce in 2020. In September 2023 it was trading at $3 500 (Financial Mail).

Glencore (with a 79.5% stake) and Merafe Resources jointly own chrome mines in Limpopo on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (Helena, Magareng

The Limpopo Economic Development Agency owns Corridor Mining Resources.

SECTOR INSIGHT

De Beers has started producing diamonds from its revamped Venetia Mine near Musina.

PHOTO: De Beers Group

and Thorncliffe), the Lion smelter complex near Steelpoort and the Lydenburg smelter.

Expansion projects

Rustenburg Platinum Mines (RPM), a subsidiary of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), has bought the prospecting rights for two blocks close to its existing Mogalakwena PGM mine, south-west of Polokwane near Mokopane. The blocks were purchased from Atlatsa and provide space to expand what is already the biggest and richest opencast PGM mine in the world.

A new mining right has been granted to PTM in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. The Waterberg project will be operated by PTM on behalf of Waterberg Joint Venture Resources which comprises Mnombo Wethu Consultants, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hanwa Company, PTM and Impala Platinum.

Implats intends expanding production at its Two Rivers PGM mine by 180 000oz. The project will take four years and cost R5.7-billion.

The soils of Limpopo are rich in platinum group metals, coal, copper, diamonds, gold, iron ore, nickel, rare earth minerals and tin.

Limpopo contributes 4% of coal mining in South Africa, according to the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, but it is likely that within the next three decades, the province will be supplying about half of South Africa’s coal. Limpopo’s Waterberg coal field is estimated to contain about 75-billion tons of coal.

Exxaro’s two coal mines in the Waterberg represent three-billion tons of Measured Coal Resources and 1.8-billion tons of Indicated Coal Resources.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: www.dmr.gov.za

Minerals Council South Africa: www.mineralscouncil.org.za

MTE: www.mteexpos.co.za

South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: www.saimm.co.za

This is where Exxaro operates its giant Grootegeluk Mine. Nine plants serve a 4kmlong and 120m-deep opencast mine on a 1 200ha site. Originally intended to supply the nearby power plants, Exxaro is now eyeing the export market with countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt and Pakistan potential markets.

Mineral beneficiation is a key component of the MusinaMakhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in the far north of Limpopo and coal is needed for the making of steel.

The planned FetakgomoTubatse SEZ will focus on the beneficiation of platinum group metals, magnetite, vanadium and chrome. The other strong mineral focus in the eastern part of the province is at Phalaborwa where Palabora Copper, a subsidiary of Palabora Mining Company, produces about 45 000 tons of copper annually, most of which is sold domestically. It runs a smelter and a refinery and also mines magnetite, vermiculite, sulphuric acid and nickel sulphate.

The popular annual Mining & Technical Exhibition (MTE) visits several Limpopo destinations every year. The MTE Lephalale event, due to be held in October 2023, will have a coal focus due to the huge reserves of coal that are in the area and the presence of Exxaro’s Grootgeluk mine. MTE, a division of IMD Conferences Exhibitions and Workshops, celebrates its 30th birthday in 2023. ■

Annual Mining & Technical Exhibitions are held in various parts of the province every year.

PHOTO: RS Components

Promoting employee home ownership and building social cohesion

Anew housing project, Lesedi Village, is being established by Northam Platinum Holdings Limited (Northam Platinum) and will soon change the lives of many employees and surrounding communities who aspire to own decent yet affordable housing.

Through the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and the many housing projects launched locally and in labour sending areas, Northam has proven to prioritise the wellbeing of its people. Affordable housing and decent living conditions is a critical component of the Mining Charter, and Northam Zondereinde has dedicated the next five years to home ownership in line with the mine’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP).

This is to assist employees of Northam who might be faced with challenges in entering the property market due to affordability or other reasons. The houses are sold at cost, and therefore

have a high return on investment value for employees. Northam Platinum’s housing scheme also aims to build social cohesion among families, another attempt to improve employee morale and to keep families together.

As Gerrie Geertsema, Northam Platinum Accommodation Strategy Consultant explains, “The company offers employees 30% interest-free loans to encourage home ownership and as part of its retention strategy. We also assist employees with bond applications and clearing of credit scores through an external party.”

The plan provides for a total of 240 housing units to be constructed in phases, and is located close to amenities such as schools, shops and public transport. Phase 1, consisting of 72 units, is currently being developed and made available to the market.

Of the 72 units, 32 are being built by a main contractor and four local Small, Medium and

Northam Platinum’s affordable housing scheme at Lesedi Village is changing lives.

Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are constructing five units each. To ensure that the project is executed within an agreed schedule, on budget and in terms of quality specifications, the mine has made available the services of a Clerk of Works, Johan Rossouw, as well as the main contractor to support the four SMMEs.

Each of the four local SMMEs has a contract in excess of R3-million, of which three are women-owned. These companies are Ayathoma Construction, Ditiro Tebogo and Masedi Construction. These women have shown tremendous diligence and have paced themselves, producing high-quality houses that Northam is proud to hand over to its employees. The fourth contractor is Setquip, which was supported in the construction of Lefika Village, Northam’s first home-ownership project.

The project seeks to achieve the following:

• Make home ownership accessible and affordable.

• Promote integrated family lifestyles for employees who would otherwise live in single units, with the rest of their families located in other provinces.

• Integrate mine employees into local communities.

• Drive investment in property that will sustain employees even after their employment on the mine.

• Contribute meaningfully to communities around which we operate.

The Northam Platinum Board of Directors visited the site to mark the first phase of the project completion with a tree-planting symbol.

ABOUT NORTHAM PLATINUM

Northam is an independent, empowered, integrated PGM producer. Our strategy is to grow production down the cost curve while reducing operational risk. Our aspirational target is to produce one million oz 4E pa. Northam’s activities are integrated, from underground mining through to Concentrating, Smelting and Base Metal Removal. Precious Metal Refining is outsourced. Since inception, Northam’s precious metals have been refined by Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co KG in terms of a toll refining agreement.

With the recent expansion of output, Northam has recently contracted Johnson Matthey’s precious metals services to diversify its refining capacity. Northam wholly owns and operates the following mines:

Zondereinde

Zondereinde has reliably produced PGMs for over 40 years in the Limpopo Province at this, the world’s deepest platinum mine. The group pioneered innovative technology at Zondereinde to mine successfully at these depths. Given recent expansion at 3#, Zondereinde employs more than 11 000 people, mainly from the local area.

Booysendal

The Booysendal property near Mashishing is underlain by a resource of >100 million PGM ounces and hosts the modern, mechanised North and South modular mining complexes on the property. This massive resource lends itself to brownfields exploration and renders this a long-life mining operation providing meaningful work and 8 000 valuable jobs in a remote area of the country.

Eland

The Eland mine near Brits is ramping up to steady state production of 180 000 oz pa. The total capex investment in this mine is estimated to reach R4.5-billion by 2028. ■

Emily Kgosi, chairperson of the social, ethics, human resources and transformation committee, with Temba Mvusi, Northam Platinum’s independent non-executive chairman.

Marula uplifts its communities

A new science laboratory is making a difference in Mashisi.

Business Development Centre (BDC) to support host community businesses with enterprise and supplier development. Local companies can access a range of free services, including access to finance funding information and information on request for quotations and tenders, support related to intellectual property and secretarial services, accounting, tax administration, human resources and sales and marketing advice.

Supporting a future generation of leaders

Marula is 73% owned by Implats and was one of the first mining operations developed on the relatively undercapitalised eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. Located in Limpopo, Marula comprises two decline shaft systems and a concentrator plant.

Marula is committed to delivering a lasting positive contribution to local communities and those affected by our activities. The mine contributes to its communities both directly and indirectly in terms of job creation, business opportunities and community infrastructure development.

Marula has invested more than R1.3billion on its social and labour plan (SLP) and beyond-compliance projects. Its local economic development and infrastructure projects focus on building, upgrading or supplying schools, water, electrification and roads. Marula opened a

Marula, together with the Mashisi Community Trust, using dividends generated by the Makgomo Chrome joint venture, built and equipped a new science laboratory at Makgamathu Secondary School. The Mashisi Community Trust built the laboratory and Marula provided the laboratory furniture, apparatus, learning materials and chemicals. Marula also supported the plumbing work and assisted with teacher orientation. More than 2 800 learners from six local secondary schools are benefitting from the beyond compliance project, which, together with the science teachers, will provide a solid foundation in mathematics and science.

Marula also rebuilt the Madikane Early Development Centre, with a strong foundation and structural design that ensures the school can fully serve its purpose. The new facility has two classrooms, each fitted with a nap/ rest area, two restrooms for the children, one restroom for the teachers, an office and a kitchen.

To enrich the education learners receive, Marula runs an annual Grade 12 programme to encourage and support learners during the final stretch before their matric exams. The initiative has resulted in encouraging improvements in the performance of the schools around Marula. ■

Alice Lourens, Group Head: Corporate Communication

Tel: 011 731 9033

Email: alice.lourens@implats.co.za

Access to quality education

Skills Development

Ensuring ef cient water re-use.

Bringing our values driven approach to everything we do.

Educational support projects

Investments with a vision into the future

Glencore Ferroalloys is investing in Limpopo and South Africa.

that affords various companies the opportunity to utilise this infrastructure to conduct their business in an area where comparable developments are scarce.

The aim of the establishment of the Mining Supply Park is to ensure that local companies that have access to the Mining Supplier Park can partner with local entrepreneurs or established larger corporations, to foster local economic activity in the area through sharing knowledge, skills and experience. To do so allows not only access to procurement and related opportunities at our adjacent operations, but also to those of other mining companies and industrial operations in the wider area. We are proud to highlight that through the robust business activity since its inception, the Mining Supply Park has been instrumental in driving economic investment in the province.

Glencore’s ferroalloys business is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chrome ore, ferrochrome and vanadium.

Our chromite assets are held through a majority stake in the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture and our vanadium assets through a majority stake in the Rhovan Pooling and Sharing Venture.

The larger Glencore group also markets the products we produce at our operations, most of which are located across the Bushveld Igneous Complex of the North West and Limpopo provinces.

The vision that sets us apart

Our role in South Africa as a responsible operator is to engage with our employees, local communities and stakeholders in order that our operations benefit those in the areas in which we operate. In 2010, we invested over R100-million to build and develop a Mining Supply Park in the Steelpoort area of Limpopo

In collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and the Limpopo Provincial Government, the Mining Supply Park is well positioned as the anchor point in the development of the 1 220-hectare FetakgomoTubatse Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which is currently under establishment in the province. Once established, the SEZ will be situated within the jurisdiction of the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality in the larger Sekhukhune District and is located on the boundary of Glencore Ferroalloys’ Lion Ferrochrome smelter along the R555 national road.

In addition, Glencore Ferroalloys, in collaboration with other mining peers operating in Sekhukhune, has commenced with a R127-million project for the refurbishment of the existing steel bridge while a new double-lane concrete bridge in Ga-Malekane is being constructed. We envisage that this vital infrastructure development in the area will further serve as an enabler for economic development.

The Thuthuzela Care Centre at Dilokong, erected by Glencore in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority.

A refreshed outlook on Enterprise and Supplier Development

Glencore Ferroalloys is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs across various sectors to bring about sustainable impact. We are optimistic that our ESD programme equips these entrepreneurs to enable economic activity of other community members through a ripple-effect, thereby transforming the livelihoods of members of the wider community.

Our three ESD business incubation hubs have been instrumental in building the capacity of local entrepreneurs with some attending classes at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to hone their business acumen, capacity and experience in understanding the business landscape, including risks.

Furthermore, we focus on localising the economy by bringing our procurement closer to our operations so that we remain competitive by reducing logistics, costs, lead times and more. Among others, we recently supported a youth-owned business with a front-end loader and an established transport business with busses to fulfil their business objectives, thereby creating further job opportunities, particularly for unemployed youth.

Future-focused skills and development

Once the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ is established we are confident it will drive industrialisation and reposition Limpopo Province to propel economic growth and development in the area and we are accordingly re-focusing our skills and development programmes to include broader skills (not just mining-related) so that community members may become economically active in alternative spheres of the local economy either through self-employment or formal employment.

In 2022 we rolled out 16 portable-skills programmes. With an 83% completion rate, 645 community learners received certificates and 60% of the participants were female. The skills programmes included several engineering courses and business management, computer skills, carpentry, welding, plastering, tiling and painting, plumbing, road maintenance, brick manufacturing and vegetable farming, among others. We have also partnered with the AgriSETA to offer a programme that

aims to create and promote opportunities for social, economic and employment growth in agrienterprises in both the primary and secondary agricultural sectors. Through this collaboration, 58 beneficiaries have graduated with skills that can be deployed in the agricultural sector and in the long term, this will bring benefit to their communities.

Other projects

In response to President Ramaphosa’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender Based Violence (GBV), we were one of the first to respond and joined forces with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the construction of the very first free-standing Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) built with brick and mortar in Limpopo Province, which offers victims of abuse all the required services and assistance they need in one fully-fledged facility. Due to the high rates of GBV, the importance of such a facility cannot be overstated in an area where there simply are no other facilities to ensure that victims of these horrific offences experience no secondary trauma through the examination processes, and that a proper casefile is built for successful prosecution. The Dilokong TCC is set to be the blueprint for future TCCs in South Africa, as it will cater to a victim’s every need, in one central place.

Our legacy

Aligned to our value of entrepreneurialism, our vision for the Mining Supply Park which will be instrumental in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ, as well as our other projects in Limpopo Province, supports the legacy we want to leave behind. Glencore Ferroalloys aims to set the benchmark in developing our community members, their families and their broader communities not only while we are working in these areas, but long after resources in the area are depleted and our work has come to an end. ■

Conroy van der Westhuizen, Chief Community and Social Responsibility Officer.

Energy

Samancor will supplement its grid with solar power.

Aline in the draft 2023/24 Integrated Development Plan of the Waterberg District Municipality indicates a new trend in the energy landscape of Limpopo. The document includes a reference to the Nalane Green Solar Energy Project, which has started implementing its R5-billion investment plan.

A province that has huge reserves of coal is starting to pay serious attention to renewable energy.

The Premier of Limpopo, Chupu Mathabatha, announced in the State of the Province Address in February 2023 that a “province-specific and comprehensive energy plan to ensure that we build a new electricity generation capacity in our province” is to be developed.

Provincial and municipal bodies will be encouraged to promote energy-production projects. This might include solar panels being retrofitted on official buildings. In the same speech, the launch of a Renewable Energy Strategy by Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, was announced. The strategy will act as a blueprint to guide investments in the SEZ’s energy cluster while simultaneously promoting sustainable development.

Samancor intends building a 60MW solar photov oltaic (PV) plant to help power its Tubatse ferrochrome smelter complex in the Sekhukhune District Municipality. A battery energy storage system will also form part of the energy installation.

GM miner Ivanhoe Mines wants to procure some of the power it needs for its Platreef mine from green sources. The mining company is building its own 5MW solar plant and has also signed an offtake agreement with Renergen to have access to the electricity generated by that company’s gas and solar power plant in the Free State province. Renergen is powering ahead with a project to produce

SECTOR INSIGHT

helium and liquified natural gas at its Virginia Gas Project.

Both Special Economic Zones in Limpopo are making a play for the green hydrogen market.

The Musina-Makhado SEZ has also signed an agreement with a Chinese company for the first phase of a project that will supply 1 000MW of solar power to support the SEZ’s metallurgical complex. The two local municipalities in the area have been allocated R147-million by provincial government for infrastructure upgrades, including electricity.

The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ also has intentions of attracting green power. One of the region’s biggest mineralsprocessing companies, Samancor Chrome, intends building a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that will deliver up

A high school in Modimolle is a trend-setter.

Smelters use huge amounts of energy.

PHOTO: Northam Platinum

to 60MWp-capacity ( Mining Weekly). The current will be converted and sent to the Samancor grid in support of the Tubatse ferrochrome smelter. The company has appointed consultants to carry out a heritage impact assessment on the farm Goudmyn in the Fetakgomo Local Municipality.

A new public-private planning exercise, known as Impact Catalyst, is working on focus areas which include biofuels and intends to prepare the province to deal with the emergence of new sectors such as renewable energy.

Two of the province’s other big mining companies have also announced plans to generate their own power. Exxaro’s huge coal mine at Grootgeluk (which supplies Eskom power plants) will be the site of an 84MW solar project and Northam Platinum is building a 10MW solar plant at its Zondereinde smelter. The company expects to recoup its investment within four years. At Northam’s Eland Mine a PV Solar Project serves the dual purpose of keeping cars cool in the car park while also producing energy from the solar panels. The solar farm will generate approximately 1 800MWh of electricity annually or 4% of annual electricity demand and help to reduce emissions.

The concentrator of the Mogalakwena Mine run by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) relies on constant and reliable electricity supply. With energy comprising a significant portion of costs and Eskom experiencing difficulties in terms of its debt and

ONLINE RESOURCES

National Energy Regulator: www.nersa.org.za

South African Independent Power Producers Association: www.saippa.org.za

South African National Energy Development Institute: www.sanedi.org.za

South African Photovoltaic Industry Association: www.sapvia.co.za

its ability to supply reliable power, the mining company is investigating the installation of a large solar PV project.

Implats is already using natural gas to supply its refinery in Springs. In Phase one of the project 20 Doosan fuel cells are generating 8MW of power. The long-term goal is to generate 22-30MW.

A high school in Modimolle has signed up with energy-as-aservice company Solarise Africa for solar panels and a water heating system. The Hoërskool Nylstroom plant, with a total capacity of 49.05kWp and an estimated annual production of 83MWh, will reduce the school’s carbon emissions by 3 333 tons of CO2 emissions during the contract period.

The company says that the integration of heat pump solutions sets the project apart, enabling as it does the school to save an impressive 60MWh through the water heating system alone. The combined energy saved from the water heating system and solar PV system amounts to143MWh annually.

The financing model allows the school to benefit from the system without having to lay out a huge upfront payment. Headmaster Anton du Plessis commented on the educational benefits of the installation. He said, “By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing our carbon emissions but also creating a learning environment that empowers our youth to actively contribute to a greener future.” ■

PHOTO: Solarise Africa

Hoërskool Nylstroom is powering ahead.

Water

Major infrastructure projects are underway.

SECTOR INSIGHT

The National Department of Water and Sanitation has undertaken to take on a number of large infrastructure projects in Limpopo, including the raising of the Tzaneen Dam wall, Olifants River Water Resources Development, bulkwater supply for the Musina-Makhado SEZ and the the Nandoni Water Treatment Works.

The provincial premier has also made a commitment in the State of the Province Address that the people of the Giyani region “must drink water before the end of the financial year”. Various projects to improve water supply in the area have stalled over the years.

Mopani District Municipality, under which Giyani falls, has appointed contractors to lay infrastructure for reticulation so as to be ready for the pipelines when they are laid.

Supplying water for the newly-designated Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is a critical issue in an area where that resource is not plentiful. Talks are underway with Zimbabwe and other SADC member states.

Limpopo has markedly different rainfall patterns in its three main geographical regions: the escarpment (sub-humid with annual rainfall of more than 700mm); semi-arid middle veld and Highveld; and the arid and semi-arid Lowveld.

The province’s rivers are under threat from the damaging effects of the mining industry, power stations, chemicals used in agriculture and from sewage treatment in catchment areas. Opportunities exist in this sector for innovative solutions. Concern about drought conditions and water quality under pressure from mines and industry has led to the calling of a Provincial Water and Sanitation Summit.

The Water and Sanitation Services branch of Polokwane Municipality operates five water-purification plants and three sewage-purification plants.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Innovation Hub: www.theinnovationhub.com

National Department of Water and Sanitation: www.dws.gov.za

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority: www.tcta.co.za

As part of its Regional Water Scheme programme, Polokwane provides water to the residents of the rural areas of Mothapo, Mothiba and Makotopong. The Capricorn District Municipality funds a water-testing laboratory on the campus of the University of Limpopo.

Phase 2B of the multi-year Olifants River Water Resources Development Project is under discussion by project manager, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which is looking at funding options together with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The project will entail the building of a 70km pipeline from Flag Boshielo Dam to Pruisen near Mokopane. This would improve water supplies for mines and domestic users.

Phase 2A of the MokoloCrocodile Water Augmentation Project has stalled. Another TCTA project, the MWCAP, is designed to transfer water from the Crocodile River to the Lephalale and Steenbokspan areas. Lephalale is the site of coal mining and Eskom’s huge new power station, Medupi. A joint venture comprising Bigen Africa Services, Nyeleti Consulting and Gibb has been contracted to design, construct and supervise the project. ■

The Tzaneen Dam wall is to be raised.

Tzaneen Dam. Credit: DWAS

Construction and property

A subsidy programme is boosting home ownership.

The Provincial Government of Limpopo’s housing finance agency, Risima, together with the Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) has made about R11-million available in subsidies to 147 people to enable them to become homeowners.

The Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme, for those earning between R3 501 and R15 000 per month, caters to the so-called gap market. Grants are distributed to cover a deposit or to make up the shortfall between an asking price and what the applicant can afford. The South African Affordable Residential Developers Association (SAARDA) caters to the gap market.

A non-mortgaged financial produc t assists government employees to get a foot on the property ladder. Risima is also exploring cooperation with mining houses such as Exxaro, Amplats and Northam at Thabazimbi.

Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha handed over the site for a new hospital to be built in Polokwane in June 2023. Funded to the tune of R4-billion by the National Department of Health, Limpopo Central Academic Hospital, the 25ha campus on Webster Street is next to the site of what will become the School of Medicine of the University of Limpopo.

The provincial government has appointed 41 engineering consultants to design roads in all five districts of the province, which will mean work for construction companies and contractors. Clinics are also being built, providing more work opportunities in the construction sector.

A four-star Premier Hotels property under construction in Thohoyandou is being built by Nakiseni Business Enterprise and should provide about 480 jobs in the first phase. This includes labourers, artisans and project managers.

The Enterprise Development and Finance Division of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) offers loans to businesses in the construction and property sector and runs specialised training in vocational skills such as bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and welding.

Thavhani Mall, pictured, is operating in Thohoyandou in a bigger development called Thavhani City. The 27ha site will

ONLINE RESOURCES

Black Business Council in Built Environment: www.bbcbe.org

Construction Industry Development Board: www.cidb.org.za

South African Property Owners Association: www.sapoa.org.za

SECTOR INSIGHT

eventually include an office park, automotive-related businesses, private healthcare, a library, an information centre and a sports stadium. Its anchor retail tenants include Woolworths, Edgars, Pick n Pay and SuperSpar. The partners in the R1-billion project are Thavhani Property Investments, Vukile Property Fund and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development.

Five libraries are under construction in the province and four new libraries are planned for Tshaulu, Makhuduthamaga, Vleifontein and Botshabelo in the Mopani District. The Schoemansdal Museum is to be upgraded. ■

Construction of the Limpopo Academic Hospital is due to start in 2023.

Credit: MDS Architecture

ICT

5G is being deployed at a Limpopo mine.

SECTOR INSIGHT

Donations are creating opportunities for school pupils.

including the development of investment models and strategies for sustainability.

MTN and Huawei are working together with Minetec Smart Mining to create a 5G-enabled smart mine at Garatau in the Fetakgomo Tubase Local Municipality. Nkwe Platinum and Zijin Platinum intend the pilot project to improve monitoring and performance in all spheres.

Ebenezer High School in Mahwelereng, Mokopane, now has its own computer laboratory, pictured, courtesy of Netcare Foundation through non-profit social enterprise One on One Community Based Programmes.

Mamaolo Primary School in Chuenespoort, Polokwane, received a similar donation of second-hand computers which are helping to expose pupils to a wider range of subject choices and skills that will help them when they enter the job market.

The Provincial Government of Limpopo has previously provided teachers with laptops and scholars with tablets at selected schools in the 1-3 quintiles.

Digital Hubs are to be created at Seshego in Polokwane and Nkowankowa in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality of the Mopani District Municipality. The hubs will offer training, provide access to ICT facilities and enable incubation for young entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.

Limpopo Connexion has been appointed as the operator of the Seshego hub and the provincial government has budgeted R23-million for the project.

Good progress has been made in rolling out digital infrastructure in the province, with a Data Centre, a Network Operating Control Centre and a Contact Centre complete. A total of 52 sites have been connected to the network, using both fibre and satellite technologies. Phase One of the Broadband project is complete,

ONLINE RESOURCES

State Information Technology Agency: www.sita.co.za

Support Programme for Industrial Innovation: www.spii.co.za Technology Innovation Agency: www.tia.org.za

Serial property developer Mike Nkuna has announced that his Masingita Group will develop a R5.4-billion project in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality in the far northeast of the province. To be called Nkuna Smart City, Construction Review reports that 119 hectares at Nkuzana hamlet, near the town of Elim, has been allocated for the project.

The National Department of Communications is responsible for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the regulator of communications, broadcasting and postal services, the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and three other agencies.

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) is a programme of the National Research Foundation and supports an average of 235 projects per year. THRIP supports initiatives that use science to bring benefits to wider society. This can relate to boosting distant rural computer literacy or for scientists working at the University of Venda who have received THRIP funding for soil research. ■

Tourism

Hoedspruit Airport’s potential is to be developed.

SECTOR INSIGHT

The IDC offers incentives for tourism operators to go green.

Of the 78 000 passengers that landed at Hoedspruit Airport in 2022, 61 000 of them were European tourists. With CemAir offering flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town and Airlink connecting to destinations such as the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Maun in Botswana and Vilanculo in Mozambique, the strategically located airport, sometimes called Eastgate Airport, has enormous potential to further increase tourist traffic to the eastern part of the province.

The airport is conveniently sited for access to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve and several others. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety is working on a strategy to develop the airport in such a way as to boost the tourism sector.

The Industrial Development Corporation is active in the tourism sector in Limpopo. Among its products is the Green Tourism Incentive Programme which incentivises privately owned tourism companies to move towards using renewable energy and efficient water utilisation. It also supports local economic development, such as initiatives in the north of the province to develop new hotels in the Musina area.

The northern parts of the province are experiencing a boom in business tourism due to the uptick in mining operations and the preparations being made for the development of a major economic development in the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone.

In another part of the Vhembe District Municipality, the African Century Group is building a four-star Premier Hotel at Thohoyandou and the team behind the venture expects to fill its 120 rooms. The Vhembe District has a host of attractions and is connected to the

ONLINE RESOURCES

Limpopo Tourism Agency: www.golimpopo.com

Marula Festival: www.limpopomarulafest.co.za

South African National Parks: www.sanparks.org

northern section of the Kruger National Park via the Punda Maria gate. Elsewhere in the district are sacred lakes, the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and many baobab trees of legend.

In the Waterberg area, Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge has made an initial investment of R60-million in a luxury ecotourism which offers walks with cheetahs among its many attractions.

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is responsible for 53 provincial nature reserves. Some Limpopo nature reserves are to be commercialised using privatepublic partnerships. Among the first reserves to be part of the programme are Masebe, Rust de Winter and Lekgalameetse.

Three major national parks – Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe in the north and Marakele in the Waterberg – are run by South African National Parks (SANParks) and attract large numbers of tourists every year. The province’s private game reserves and lodges enjoy a reputation for luxury and excellence of service that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors.

The combined land area of Limpopo’s national, provincial and private game and nature reserves is 3.6-million hectares. ■

PHOTO: Airlink

Limpopo awaits with more to enjoy

Tourism in Limpopo is progressing well despite having been under stress over the past three years due to Covid-19. It is heartwarming to see the tremendous progress that the sector displayed shortly after the difficult times of the pandemic. We are grateful for the resilience shown by the tourism industry and we wish to thank government for the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan that was developed for the tourism sector. The province is currently ranked within the top three in the country on a domestic tourism front. We are looking forward to the new statistics by Stats SA come the end of the festive season.

The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) has since taken a strong stance in collaborating with key stakeholders as that is central to tourism development and growth. It is against this background that we partner with major events as these not only drive people to our province but also because these events help to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which are the ills continuing to torment the people of our province. Some of the mega events in the province come with tangible deliverables to rid the people of the burden of poverty.

Our province is the northmost in the country with several competitive advantages including sharing borders with three countries in the SADC region, that is, Botswana in the west, Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique in the east. To optimise this opportunity, the province became innovative by introducing two transfrontier parks, namely, Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park involving Limpopo, Botswana and Zimbabwe and Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park involving Limpopo, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

With the Limpopo Provincial Investment Conference coming our way in October 2023, we are confident that most investors will choose Limpopo for tourism investment as there are many opportunities. We say this because tourism has multiplier effects with a myriad of opportunities and trade beneficiation.

Limpopo is ready for the increase in visitors through air access, given the good relations with Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit that can get four airlines per day and Polokwane International Airport which is also on a growth trajectory with three airlines per day. We can’t wait to see the speed train between Gauteng and Limpopo, which is the brainchild of our Premier, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, and the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi. This will bring some relief to our roads which are congested during long weekends and holidays. Upcoming events include the Summer Campaign that will be launched in and around this October. This will come with packages for the citizens in the province and beyond to enjoy. Some of the activities include but are not limited to the annual Sapa Yopa Rally, Women in Sports Awards, National Celebration of Reconciliation Day and Mapungubwe Arts Festival.

Limpopo awaits you with more to enjoy.

#GoLimpopo

#MoreToEnjoypartnership

Limpopo Tourism Agency Chief Executive Officer, Moses Ngobeni, is confident that investors will find much to inspire them in Limpopo.

Moses Ngobeni, LTA CEO

A leader in tourism

The Limpopo Tourism Agency is working hard to position the province’s natural and cultural marvels to attract increasing numbers of tourists.

Limpopo Province continues to be one of the major recipients of tourism arrivals from South Africa’s core international markets given its broad tourism product offerings and appeal.

Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Limpopo Province was the leading destination in terms of arrivals and spend in the domestic tourism space.

The most recent statistical release by Statistics South Africa shows that in 2020 the Eastern Cape received 18.2% and became the mostvisited destination for overnight trips followed by Limpopo with 18.0%.

In 2021, the most-visited province was Limpopo with 20.3% followed by Gauteng at 15.1%. The report also states that Limpopo continued to be the leading province in the first 10 months of the year in which the report was compiled, 2022.

This speedy recovery can be attributed to the partnership efforts that the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) embarked on with the private sector. This initiative continues to provide visitors to destination Limpopo with the memorable experiences that they will treasure for a long time.

This was perfectly in line with the Agency’s vision of becoming a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa.

Tourism mandate

The LTA’s mandate is to carry out destination marketing with an emphasis on domestic tourism and inbound tourism marketing until things have completely returned to normality.

The LTA falls under the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and aims to position Limpopo as a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa. The Agency’s strategic outcomes are:

• effective and efficient administrative support in the organisation

PHOTO: Fyre Mael on Flickr

• to provide efficient and effective human resources support services

• to provide efficient and effective finance and support services

• to initiate product development, tourism investment, strategic partnerships and provide quality hospitality services

• to position Limpopo as a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa

The Limpopo Marula Festival has proved a great success over the years, not only drawing international audiences but promoting local culture and small businesses.

Clusters

Planning that has been done within the LTA is aligned to the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), the Limpopo Tourism Growth Strategy (LTGS) and the Limpopo Development Plan. For the purposes of achieving its vision of making Limpopo a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa, LTA reviewed its clusters, bearing in mind the unique wildlife offerings in the megaconservation areas of the province. The tourism clusters are as follows:

• Culture and Heritage Cluster

• Family and Recreation Cluster

• Sport and Wildlife Cluster

• Safari and Hunting Cluster

• Business and Events Cluster

• Special Interest Cluster

LTA has identified events in the province as key to driving people from one place to another.

Key flagship events in the province include the following:

• Limpopo Golf Championship in April 2023. Linked to this was the Youth Golf Championship that took place on 29 June 2023 at Koro Creek, Modimolle.

• Partnerships with all existing events in the province such as Limpopo Marula Festival that took place in April 2023 in Phalaborwa.

• The Agency participated in trade shows such as World Travel Market (WTM) Africa in April 2023, Cape Town, followed by Africa’s Travel Indaba in May 2023 in Durban.

• LTA hosted Limpopo Tourism Youth Summit in Burgersfort on 22-23 June 2023.

• LTA participated in the national launch of Tourism Month on 1 August 2023 in North West Province. The provincial launch of World Tourism Day took place on 16 August 2023 in the Waterberg District.

• Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival in Vhembe District.

• Mapungubwe Cultural Festival in to be held in Polokwane in December 2023.

• Summer Campaign launch and concomitant activations.

• Holiday Fair on 24-26 August 2023.

• Other events in various districts of the province.

Tel: +27 15 293 3600

Email: info@golimpopo.com

Website: www.golimpopo.com

Southern Gateway Ext 4, N1 Main Road, Polokwane 0700

PHOTO: Shaun Roy/Sunshine Tour LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2023/24

Transport and logistics

A new interchange will ease congestion for Easter pilgrims.

SECTOR INSIGHT

A Limpopo Road Safety Plan has been launched.

Mining companies regularly contribute to new roads and bridges, not only so that product can be taken out but also in places where villages are somewhat cut off.

The R71 is a major east-west provincial route that connects the provincial capital of Polokwane with the Kruger National Park and passes through the towns of Tzaneen and Phalaborwa.

It is also the road that carries tens of thousands of members of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) who visit the village of Moria in the Easter period and again for a festival in September.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to cooperate on the construction of a new interchange on the R71 national road where it meets the D4020, the road that leads to Moria. The R71 falls under SANRAL while the D4020, the minor road which will also be made a dual carriageway as part of this project, is maintained by RAL.

Speaking during the signing of the MoA, the Chairperson of the SANRAL Board, Themba Mhambi, said, “RAL is one of the best provincial agencies in South Africa. SANRAL has had the good fortune of working with RAL over the years, and together we have overseen a few projects of major importance to the economy of South Africa. It is a pleasure for us to work with RAL once again as our sister agency in the service of this province and the country through the R71 national interchange.”

Both SANRAL and RAL have busy programmes of work in the province. Some of the focus has been on ensuring that road infrastructure is up to speed in support of the applications for the province’s two Special Economic Zones, but other major works such as the new ring road round around Polokwane have also been noteworthy.

Logistics is a vital feature of the Limpopo economy for two reasons – the province has huge volumes of minerals and horticultural products to be transported to markets elsewhere and the province is strategically positioned.

In addition to the N1 highway, the N11 is a primary road corridor and there are nine provincial road corridors. Freight volumes on the N11 (to Botswana and Mpumalanga) have increased enormously in recent years, whereas the R33 carries less traffic.

Another contribution t o road safety was launched in May 2023. At the “Get There Safely” conference in Polokwane the Limpopo Road Safety Plan was introduced to the public by the Impact Catalyst on behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government. The initiative covers 13 projects and is funded by the Anglo American Foundation and Anglo American business units. The focus will be on schools, postcrash responses and building skills in road-safety management.

Vast numbers of people travel to the village of Moria in central Limpopo every year. A roads upgrade will make their travels easier.

PHOTO: South African Presidency/Flickr

The bus rapid transport system, Leeto La Polokwane, is increasingly becoming a part of the daily routine of residents of the provincial capital.

Logistics

The Musina Intermodal Terminal near the Beitbridge Border Post is further confirmation of Limpopo’s status as a leader in transport and logistics. Located in the town of Musina on the N1 highway leading to Zimbabwe, the terminal is used to move cargo from road to rail. Warehousing facilities make for loading efficiencies in the main cargoes such as chrome, fertiliser, coal, fuel and citrus. Bulk and containerised cargo are handled, with an annual capacity of threemillion tons per annum.

Outside of Polokwane, the t owns of Tzaneen, Lephalale, Burgersfort and Musina (a border post with Zimbabwe) are all important in the field of logistics.

Great North Transport falls under the Limpopo Economic Development Agency. The company has more than 500 buses, covers about 36-million kilometres every year on 279 routes, employs more than 1 200 people and transports 37.6-million passengers.

South Africa’s major logistics companies have facilities in Polokwane, and some have warehouses and forwarding facilities in other parts of the province. RTT has offices in Makhado. Limpopo’s biggest exports (minerals and fruit and vegetables) require dramatically different levels of handling. Minerals are poured in great volumes into the freight trucks of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR)

ONLINE RESOURCES

Gateway Airports Authority Limited: www.gaal.co.za

Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: www.dpw.limpopo.gov.za

Limpopo Department of Transport: www.ldot.gov.za Roads Agency Limpopo: www.ral.co.za

and taken onward to Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

Companies such as Freezerlines, Fast ‘n Fresh and Cold Chain have developed specialist techniques in getting delicate fruits to market and to port undamaged. Grindrod has a Perishable Cargo division which specialises in transporting cargo by air.

The large national logistics company, Value Group, has only four major regional depots outside of Gauteng: in Cape Town, Durban, Nelspruit –and Polokwane. IMPERIAL Logistics Southern Africa has 70 companies in its group structure, including Kobus Minnaar Transport, a firm that began in Tzaneen transporting fruit and vegetables. Other active companies in Limpopo include Dawn Wing Logistics, Kargo, F&R Logistics and Aramex SA.

The Polokwane International Airport (PIA) is wholly owned by the provincial government and run by the Gateway Airports Authority Ltd (GAAL), an agency of the Department of Transport. It has the potential to be an important regional cargo airport.

Many game reserves have airstrips and regional airports in the eastern part of the province which provide easy access to the Kruger National Park. Eastgate Airport at Hoedspruit is close to the Orpen Gate. Phalaborwa’s airport is notable for its African-themed terminal which includes a zebrapatterned floor. Musina, near the border with Zimbabwe in the north, hosts the province’s other regional airport. ■

PHOTO: SANRAL

Chairperson of the SANRAL Board, Themba Mhambi.

A catalyst for future investment

Mokgadi Matli, GAAL Acting CEO, reports on plans to turn Polokwane International Airport into a logistics and cargo hub for Limpopo and SADC.

How have your previous tasks prepared you for this role?

The various roles I occupied in manufacturing prepared me for the quick turnaround that is required for service delivery, the general principle of Total Quality Management (TQM) and the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure high standards and compliance. I grew within the ranks from being an Officer to Executive HR Manager and this management experience prepared me to serve as an interim CEO for GAAL.

What is your number-one priority as CEO?

The number-one priority is to establish new revenue streams in order to ensure that GAAL is financially sustainable and to increase efficiencies within the entity.

Mokgadi Matli, GAAL Acting CEO

BIOGRAPHY

I grew up in the village of Rosenkrantz, Ga-Matlala. I am a self-driven HR professional and have worked in the Human Resources management field for more than 20 years, of which 14 have been at managerial level. I have served my years in both private and public sector, with most of my experience acquired in the manufacturing and gaming industries. I have a BCom Honours in HR Management obtained from MANCOSA and National Diploma in Operations Management.

Are all key management positions filled?

We still have a couple of management positions that are vacant, particularly in the Business Development and Marketing division.

Does PIA/GAAL have the full confidence of the regulatory authorities such as SACAA?

Yes, absolutely. In a recent conversation that I had with officials from the SACAA I told them that we view them as friends of the airport in that the relationship that we have built over the years has shifted from us viewing them as the policeman that is out to catch us for non-compliance to them being a key stakeholder. They are ensuring that they develop us from “compliance only” to the concept of safety and security as a lifestyle.

How far along the path of infrastructure upgrades are you?

PIA has successfully completed the big project of lighting up the runways. All Airfield Ground Lighting (runway, approach, end and edge lights) are 100% fixed. We are now working on the water reticulation project and it is currently on 70%.

How will you drive additional traffic to the airport?

In our evaluation of current and future traffic for the airport, we have realised that PIA will not survive on passenger movement alone due to the short distance between Polokwane and Johannesburg, which gives travellers an option to drive. However, there is huge potential for cargo movement from PIA to domestic, regional and international airports. PIA is strategically placed as a logistics hub at the helm of both the N1 and a railway, which makes it the best-suited airport for an integrated transportation system. ■

An air hub for cargo from the SADC region

Gateway Airports Authority Limited has ambitious plans for Limpopo’s biggest airport.

by 1km to complete and join it with the taxiway and threshold that has already been built in anticipation of this extension. This will allow the airport to handle heavy cargo operations, which is the ultimate business objective set for 2024-2029.

Polokwane International Airport is equipped with two runways sufficient to accommodate large aircraft of the size of Boeing 747 and Airbus A346.

A major goal of Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL), which manages all non-private airports and runways in Limpopo, is to develop Polokwane International Airport (PIA) as the hub of the SADC region and the international market. In pursuit of that aim, cargo operations are to be introduced in the course of 2023. New senior management are in place and have filled critical key positions to enable maintenance of infrastructure and improving compliance with SACAA and ICAO requirements at PIA. The airport is now on its way to becoming a true destination of choice for both passenger and cargo traffic.

Short-term interventions which are in progress include:

• promoting the airport as a diversion airport for major domestic and international operators

• promoting the air service between Polokwane International and OR Tambo International Airports to improve passenger numbers

• introducing an additional route between Polokwane and Cape Town

Infrastructure upgrades

In the medium term, GAAL is planning to refurbish both runways 05/23 and 01/19 to improve friction and strength. Runway 01/19 will also be extended

The airport has an apron facility of 74 000 square metres of parking space and is able to accommodate nine B747-type aircraft and 13 B737/A321-type aircraft. Furthermore, the airport has 16 hangers of 540m² and one 6 450m² hangar, with the immediate potential of setting up multi-functional cargo facility. Runway 05/23 is equipped with a runway-lighting system and it will soon be converted from halogen to LED lights, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability and availability.

Availability of aviation fuel is critical for airport operations. The provision o f JETA1 and AVGAS fuel has been outsourced and GAAL is in the process of refurbishing the one-million-litre JetA1 Fuel Farm, with an associated 30 000-litre AVGAS facility at the airport.

Polokwane International Airport has:

• two runways big enough for Boeing 747 and Airbus A346

• 17 hangars

• Category 7 licence

• 400 parking bays

• Conference facilities

• Clinic and emergency centre

• Shops

GAAL mission

GAAL has oversight responsibilities for all of the airports and airstrips in Limpopo. Among GAAL’s objectives are to create and develop hub-andspoke flight operations network in Limpopo to feed PIA and to collaborate with our key stakeholders to stimulate economic and social development for the people of Limpopo. ■

Development finance and SMME support

Enterprise supplier development boosts local economies.

Moeding Transport has been supplying services to Glencore Ferroalloys’ Lion Smelter for some time. Over the years, the company has been able to expand its services and in 2023 it received an additional boost with the donation by Glencore of two 65-seater busses as part of its Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programme.

The transport company, which is based in Ngwaabe Village in Steelpoort, has been running transport services for Lion Smelter employees for more than a decade.

Large companies in Limpopo support new business ventures by allocating service functions to local businesses and through training and mentoring. All of the province’s big mining companies have significant budgets set aside for procurement from small businesses and work such as cleaning and transport is routinely allocated to SMMEs.

In addition, incubation and training programmes are available. De Beers Venetia Mine and the Small Enterprise Development Agency run an Enterprise Coaching Programme, a 10-month line-up of coaching and mentorship. A recent course offered to 30 entrepreneurs resulted in an overall increase in turnover of R5.7-million for businesses in the programme and the creation of 100 new jobs.

The Provincial Government of Limpopo supports SMMEs. In 2022/23, a total of R4.4-million in loans were allocated to small enterprises and co-operatives. Government is working with a joint initiative of several mining houses, the Impact Catalyst, on a coordinated approach to enterprise development.

Other provincial government partnerships designed to support small business include the location of a satellite office, with the support of Exxaro, in the Lephalale area where the mining company runs a large coal mine. In addition, SMME incubator Black Umbrellas is another collaborator.

The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), a joint effort of the Provincial Government of Limpopo, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), assists small companies with compliance, business development services, access to markets and finance.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za

Shanduka Black Umbrellas: www.shandukablackumbrellas.org

Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za

SECTOR INSIGHT

Among the target markets for TREP are bakeries, autobody repairs and mechanics and fruit and vegetable shops. In partnership with Seda, the provincial government has established a construction incubation centre at Steelpoort in Sekhukhune to train emerging contractors. A jewellery incubation centre in Polokwane trains young jewellery makers.

Seda also runs the Seda Technology Programme (STP) which helps businesses scale up to the point where their products pass muster in the commercial world. A jam manufacturer may need assistance in getting the necessary health certificates before being able to sell to a big retailer, for example. The National Youth Development Agency has allocated R10-million to support established and intended youth entrepreneurs in the province. ■

Impact Catalyst is coordinating its work.

Education and training

150 new classrooms are to be built.

Afour-day Career Exhibition for Grade 12 learners in the Sekhukhune East District generated a lot of excitement among school pupils. Jointly presented by a number of Eastern Limb mining houses and the Department of Education, the exhibition attracted more than 4 000 pupils. A popular stand offered the chance to virtually experience what it would be like to work underground via Eastern Chrome Mines’ Immersive Learning Solution.

Another highlight was the Eastern Limb Training Centre stand, which displayed equipment and components that form part of the training programme that Glencore offers. They also showcased what goes into boilermaking, electrical, fitting and other skills that one can acquire while working on a mine.

The construction of two primary schools was completed in the 2021/22 financial year and 25 school-related projects will be tackled in 2022/23, with 10 scheduled for completion in 2024. One of the projects is to build 150 new classrooms as a matter of urgency.

There are seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in Limpopo: Capricorn College, Lephalale College, Mopani East College, Mopani South College, Sekhukhune College, Vhembe College and Waterberg College.

Venetia Diamond Mine in the far north of Limpopo is training employees and contractors in the skills required for underground mining as the mine transitions from surface to underground mining.

Six simulators have been installed at a new training centre for the mine, covering aspects such as drills and bolters while virtual reality will be deployed for a virtual blast wall. More than 300 training modules are available. De Beers Group has partnered with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) under its SA Skills for Life (S4L) programme which focuses on strengthening teaching and learning in the public TVET college system in the Capricorn and Vhembe Districts. Programmes included Entrepreneurship, Job Skills, Financial and Critical Thinking Skills.

The University of Limpopo has a loan of R480-million loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for the construction of a 3 500-bed student residence. Other contributions will come from the National Department of Higher Education and Training and the National Treasury Budget Facility for Infrastructure. This is the first phase of a longer-term project to provide 15 000 beds over the next 15 years.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Limpopo Department of Education: www.edu.limpopo.gov.za

National Education Collaboration Trust: www.nect.org.za

Turfloof Graduate School of Leadership: www.ul.ac.za

University of Limpopo: www.ul.ac.za

SECTOR INSIGHT

The University of Limpopo is building residences.

Students had a chance to experience sophisticated machinery and join a shift of miners underground through VR technology when a Careers Exhibition was held in the Sekhukhune District.

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly part of Limpopo University) is an independent university in Gauteng Province. University of South Africa (Unisa) has a regional support centre in Polokwane and agencies at Makhado and Giyani.

The private company that the University of Venda runs to create extra revenue streams is confident of earning significant amounts from its WiFi projects. Univen Innovative Growth Company (UIGC) expects to bring in nearly R700-million from its subsidiary, UIGC Connect, in the first five years of providing connectivity to students and the broader community. The offices of UIGC Connect in Thohoyandou will make it possible for the Local Municipality of Thulamela to become a smart city. The programme began by supplying accredited university accommodation sites, which includes buildings that are not official residences, with connectivity and spread out from there. ■

PHOTO: Glencore

A University of Limpopo journey: from the site of struggle to a respected seat of higher learning

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, reflects on a long and fruitful relationship with the institution which nurtured him and which he, in turn, has taken to new heights as its leader.

Yours has been a long journey with the University of Limpopo. What stands out in your memory from your years at the institution?

There are several highlights, but my very first year at the University stands out. That was 1972, the year in which the late Onkgopotse Abram Tiro made the iconic speech at the graduation ceremony, what became known as the Turfloop Testimony. This was the speech that got him expelled and which led to him going into exile in Botswana where he was killed by a parcel bomb in 1974. The 1970s in general were memorable because of the resurgence of black consciousness, following the lull in political activity as a result of the banning of antiapartheid organisations and the sentencing of people like Nelson Mandela to life imprisonment in 1964.

As the place where the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) held its inaugural conference in 1969 – when I was still working towards my matric at Hwiti High School – the University of the North (Turfloop) was the hive of activism. It captured the mood and temperature of the country and the world. I recall when students held a Viva Frelimo Rally on 25 September 1974. This rally had been banned by the Justice Minister at the time, Jimmy Kruger, but the Black Consciousness Movement had done the spadework to ensure that the event went ahead anyway, with Turfloop attracting one of the largest crowds. There was a lot at stake. Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, who is the current Chairperson of the University Council, was one of the leaders who were subsequently charged under the Terrorism Act for their role in organising the rally. Of course, 1976 was not only the year of the 16 June uprising nationally but was also the occasion of my graduation.

Obtaining my BSc, majoring in Zoology and Botany, was certainly a major milestone. It set me on a path of scholarship which resulted in my PhD in 1996, then my ascent to management and leadership roles that got me to the present position. Watching the growth and evolution of the University and the country, first as a young observer, Professor

Mahlo Mokgalong

student, junior academic, up to the position of Vice-Chancellor, allowed me to witness various watershed moments and to participate in processes that shaped the future of the institution under trying circumstances, from teaching on a campus occupied by the South African Defence Force to being put under administration, the merger and demerger with Medunsa, through the #FeesMustFall phase and now the NSFAS era.

What were the most challenging aspects of the task you faced?

Allowing the University’s programme to run smoothly, motivating a large contingent of academic and nonacademic staff to perform consistently, attracting the right mix of talent and expertise to an institution in a rural province, juggling the interests of many stakeholders, addressing the pressing financial needs of the students and the University, while growing the institution’s offering.

What will be the biggest challenge for the University in the near future?

Our University caters for learners who come from

quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools. This places funding at the core of the challenges facing higher education. It is disturbing to watch the goings-on at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), because over 15 000 of our 23 000 students depend on its grants. So, although there are other challenges such as keeping our academic qualifications relevant and responsive to the needs of society, generating research that addresses Africa’s bread-and-butter issues in the 21st century and beyond, unless funding for students is adequately dealt with, our University and others like it will struggle to keep up with the high demand for higher education.

What are you most proud of during your tenure?

Guiding the University from the financial doldrums to where it ranks today among the country’s 10-richest higher-education institutions, while growing the student population from around 8 000 to 23 000 is one. Coming out of the merger with Medunsa to establish the first MBChB programme at a South African university in the post-1994 dispensation was another proud moment for me, as was ensuring that our Accountancy training

PHOTO: SAMRC

gained accreditation with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and seeing our pass rate exceed the national average.

UL has had some remarkable alumni. Please reflect on your cohort – who among that group has gone on to become well-known or make a significant contribution to society?

There are too many to count, but among the most remarkable are people like the former ViceChancellor of the University of the North West, Prof Recias Melato Malope, who graduated in 1972.

Beyond my generation there have been others such as Risenga Maluleke (Statistician General of South Africa), Chupu Stanley Mathabatha (the current Premier of Limpopo), Dunstan Mlambo (Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa) and Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the current President of the Republic of South Africa.

Please comment on some of the notable academic alumni of UL. Political leaders are often highlighted but you were not the only academic high achiever, not so?

Professor Phuti Ngoepe, world-renowned Senior

Physics Professor and currently Director of our Materials Modelling Centre, should count among the very best. A native of Limpopo, even after studying at the University and achieving global acclaim, he still returned to his alma mater to make unparalleled contributions to make STEM accessible to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To what extent were you able to retain a link with teaching and research during your period as Vice-Chancellor?

Fortunately, a Vice-Chancellor is the accounting officer of an academic institution. This essentially means that the core mandate of a Vice-Chancellor is to ensure that the institution fulfils its cardinal mandate of teaching and learning, research and community research. It is practically impossible for any Vice-Chancellor to lose touch with the core mandate of the institution they lead. Granted, my role is at executive level. However, my daily commitments involve chairing structures like Senate and the Executive Committee of Senate, both comprised of the academic leadership of the University across all four faculties. My leadership style includes a feet-on-the-ground approach. I take a lot of pride in walking the corridors of our University, interacting with students, academic and non-academic staff and visitors. This has made it easier for me to perform my executive duties while maintaining a link with the core business of the University.

Where to next for UL?

It is up to the future leadership of the University to determine that. However, given the foundation that has been laid by the institution in its first 65 years of its existence and its ability to adapt, the motto “Finding solutions for Africa” should chart the course for the institution.

Where

to next for Professor Mokgalong?

Retirement is long overdue; and just as I have allowed the universe to lead me here, I will follow the soundings of the spheres to know what to do. It has been an honour to serve. ■

PHOTO: ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

UL’s well-regarded Materials Modelling Centre uses a wide variety of computational modelling techniques to study metal alloys, energy storage materials and minerals. In dealing with matters relevant to the mining industry, the Centre lives up to Professor Mokgalong’s injunction to keep academic qualifications relevant and for research that addresses Africa’s bread-and-butter issues.

Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership

Serving the needs of government, business and civil society.

Community (SADC) region and across the entire African continent.

Our vision is firmly anchored in a core mission centred on building capacity to empower societies, the public sector and the business community through the dissemination of business education, development and public administration skills.

The TGSL offers three distinct qualifications in the fields of management and administration:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Public Administration and Management (MPAM)

• Master of Development in Planning and Management (MDEV)

The Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership (TGSL) at the University of Limpopo (UL) is strategically situated at the Edupark Campus, conveniently positioned in close proximity to the N1 highway to the north, providing convenient access to the campus.

The site of the facility provides wonderful vistas of the City of Polokwane, and the New Peter Mokaba Stadium are among the many amenities that can be viewed.

Established in 1996, TGSL has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in management and education. Our foundational vision is to emerge as a premier provider of postgraduate qualifications in the fields of business management, development planning, and public administration and management. To realise this objective, the School is dedicated to delivering high-quality programmes, conducting cutting-edge research and actively engaging with communities not only in South Africa but also within the Southern African Development

The TGSL takes pride in offering three Master’s programmes that have received full accreditation from the Council on Higher Education. Additionally, we are honoured to be affiliated with esteemed organisations such as the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA) and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS).

Our Master’s programmes are meticulously tailored to cater to middle and senior managers across various sectors, including the public service, civil society and corporate domains. These programmes are delivered using a hybrid methodology, combining face-to-face and online learning components. This blended approach promotes student accountability while affording them the flexibility to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

Moreover, face-to-face interactions create a dynamic learning environment, enabling students to engage meaningfully with their peers and experienced lecturers.

Staff excellence

At TGSL, we take pride in our accomplished academic staff, who possess both academic expertise and hands-on experience gained from diverse business and public sector

Professor Sipho Mokoena, Director: Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership

backgrounds. This wealth of knowledge enriches our programmes and ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education.

We are pleased to note that our graduates consistently excel as managers and leaders across various industry sectors, showcasing their exceptional skills and leadership capabilities in real-world professional settings.

Furthermore, TGSL offers executive management programmes that are designed to address the specific needs of both corporate and public sector administration and management. These programmes serve as valuable resources for entrepreneurs and owner-managers of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), equipping them with the essential skills necessary for effectively overseeing the growth and development of their businesses.

In addition to our comprehensive postgraduate degree programmes, TGSL also offers a range of short learning programmes (SLPs):

• Management Development Programme

• Senior Management Programme

• Executive Management Programme

Turfloop

PO Box 756, Fauna Park 0787

Tel: +27 15 268 3735/4180 |

Website: www.ul.ac.za

Email: TGSL@ul.ac.za

When required to do so, the TGSL is able to develop customised training programmes to meet customers’ special and specific needs.

TGSL remains committed to making a meaningful contribution to the local society in which it is situated. The school actively facilitates dialogues that foster engagement between students, academics and the broader community with prominent figures in both industry and public discourse.

In recent times, TGSL has provided valuable opportunities for the community to interact with distinguished industry leaders, including:

• Dr Nthabi Leoka, an accomplished economist

• Mr Risenga Maluleke, the Statistician-General

• Ms Tsakani Maluleke, the Auditor-General of South Africa

• Mr Lesetja Kganyago, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank

The TGSL Leadership Conversations play a pivotal role in shaping thought leadership and ensuring that our programmes remain aligned with current industry trends and insights. ■

Graduate School of Leadership

PHOTO: Christina Morillo on Unsplash LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2023/24

Limpopo United Business Forum

LIMPOPO UNITED BUSINESS FORUM

Events and activities

Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising 10 business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

Members

NAFCOC, Black Management Forum (BMF), Businesswomen’s Association (BWA), Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), Seshego Business Quorum, Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE), Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU), Limpopo ICT Forum and the African Farmers’ Association of SA.

Objective

To collaborate and partner with public and private organisations in promoting and advancing the interests of members. LUBF further forms part of the social compact comprising business, government and civil society in order to grow the economy of Limpopo, contribute to the creation of jobs, reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.

months engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

Survival and opportunity

• Businesses are struggling due to the stagnant economy, a situation that has now been exacerbated by the unprecedented pandemic. Limpopo has lower than average household income and low ICT connectivity. Small businesses have to continue creating jobs to save the economy.

• LUBF has intensified its programme of action and has recently engaged many relevant stakeholders. The objective is to assist SMMEs to gain access to Covid-19 relief programmes and access business opportunities.

The Limpopo United Business Forum ( LUBF) has been very active in the 2022/23 period. Several engagements were held with members of the executive committee of the Limpopo Provincial Government and other stakeholders at various levels.

Programme of action

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment. In responding to the challenges that are currently facing SMMEs, LUBF has in the past two

The Limpopo Economy Development Agency (LEDA) has undertaken to partner with LUBF with respect to businesses faced with funding challenges and the agency will host workshops to expose business owners to various development funding institutions (DFIs). The forum has encouraged members to be aware of, and submit proposals regarding, the Manufacturing Fund launched by LEDA.

The LUBF also actively engages with the major companies. Anglo American has offered to run monthly markets where member organisations will have an opportunity to showcase and sell their products. The first such market is planned for the Capricorn District.

Event: Strategic plan

The LUBF Management Executive Committee held a strategic planning session which was open to all members of the Executive Committee. Old Mutual kindly provided a venue for the meeting where the main topic of discussion was the constitution and the possible updating thereof.

Event: LEDA 100 days

A breakfast session was held to coincide with

• Intervention is vital for the survival of businesses but it is also true that the new economy presents opportunities for small businesses to create new jobs and maintain current ones.

• LUBF’s role is therefore to ensure access to available programmes and assist entrepreneurs to take their space in the new normal of digitisation, innovation and manufacturing.

• The leadership remain committed to uniting the voice of business. ■

the 100 days in office of the MEC responsible for LEDA, Rodgers Monama. He is MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The MEC reiterated his commitment to support small business and encouraged members to apply to LEDA where appropriate and to report if they experienced any challenges in the process.

Contact details

Old Mutual was on hand on this occasion to explain the workings of its Masisizane product.

Address: 1st Flr, Terminal Bldg, Polokwane Airport, Gateway Drive, Polokwane Tel: +27 15 296 0654

Administrator: Abram Luruli Cell: 084 451 9923

Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Event: Treasury

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

The MEC responsible for the Limpopo Treasury, Seaparo Sekoati, briefed LUBF members on provincial procurement plans. He provided business owners with advice on how to do business with government and stressed the importance of compliance.

Event: PostNet

PostNet Group CEO Mboya Simango shared with LUBF members her business experience and noted the challenges and successes that had come her way in the course of her career. The event, which was heavily oversubscribed, was a great success.

Further events

During 2023 further engagements will be held with the MECs for Agriculture, Health, Transport and Community Safety, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.

Business Breakfasts are monthly and LUBF is open to partnerships with SOEs and corporates. ■

The Forum provides local bodies with a single voice to talk to government.

Limpopo United Business Forum

Limpopo United Business Forum

The Forum provides local bodies with a single voice to talk to government.

Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising 10 business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) is an overarching organisation comprising several business and professional organisations in Limpopo. LUBF represents a united voice that advocates and lobbies for the interests and aspirations of businesspeople in Limpopo.

Members

months engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

Objective

NAFCOC, Black Management Forum (BMF), Businesswomen’s Association (BWA), Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), Seshego Business Quorum, Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE), Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU), Limpopo ICT Forum and the African Farmers’ Association of SA.

To collaborate and partner with public and private organisations in promoting and advancing the interests of members. LUBF further forms part of the social compact comprising business, government and civil society in order to grow the economy of Limpopo, contribute to the creation of jobs, reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.

Objective

Programme of action

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills

To collaborate and partner with public and private organisations in promoting and advancing the interests of members. LUBF further forms part of the social compact comprising business, government and civil society in order to grow the economy of Limpopo, contribute to the creation of jobs, reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.

Members

African Farmers’ Association of SA (AFASA)

Programme of action

Black Lawyers Association (BLA)

Black Management Forum (BMF)

Businesswomen’s Association (BWA)

Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs (FOLE)

Limpopo ICT Forum

InvestCan Women Association (IWA)

Limpopo Women In Business (LIWIB)

National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC Limpopo)

Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF)

Seshego Business Quorum

Small Business Enterprise Unity (SBEU)

Address challenges that affect small businesses. These include access to information, access to finance, access to markets and access to skills development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment.

South African Women In Construction & Built Environment (SAWIC & BE)

Thohoyandou Business Forum (TBF)

In responding to the challenges that are currently facing SMMEs, LUBF has in the past two

Limpopo Women in Tourism (LimWiT)

Youth Business Forum (YBF)

25

Survival and opportunity

• Businesses are struggling due to the stagnant economy, a situation that has now been exacerbated by the unprecedented pandemic. Limpopo has lower than average household income and low ICT connectivity. Small businesses have to continue creating jobs to save the economy.

development and training. Late payments by government departments are a threat to the survival of small businesses. LUBF is lobbying the Provincial Treasury and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (LEDET) to deal decisively with departments that continuously disadvantage small businesses. LUBF is looking forward to the Public Procurement Bill which will create a better legislative framework for local empowerment. In responding to the challenges that are facing SMMEs, LUBF has engaged with the Minister of Small Business Development, Honorable Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, MEC for LEDET, Honorable Thabo Mokoni, CEO for Musina-Makhado SEZ, Lehlogonolo Masoga, and the MEC for Public Works, Honorable Dickson Masemola in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Transformation Unit of the ANC in Limpopo.

• LUBF has intensified its programme of action and has recently engaged many relevant stakeholders. The objective is to assist SMMEs to gain access to Covid-19 relief programmes and access business opportunities.

Executive committee

• Intervention is vital for the survival of businesses but it is also true that the new economy presents opportunities for small businesses to create new jobs and maintain current ones.

President: Tshepo Mathabatha (BWASA Limpopo)

Deputy President: Timothy Marobane (NAFCOC Limpopo)

Secretary General: Lesego Tshivhula (SAWIC)

• LUBF’s role is therefore to ensure access to available programmes and assist entrepreneurs to take their space in the new normal of digitisation, innovation and manufacturing.

Deputy Secretary General: Lerato Sekgobela (LIMWIT)

• The leadership remain committed to uniting the voice of business. ■

Treasurer General: Joseph Mathebula (PPF)

Contact details

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: 1st Flr, Terminal Bldg, Polokwane Airport, Gateway Drive, Polokwane Tel: +27 15 296 0654

Administrator: Abram Luruli Cell: 084 451 9923

Address: 32 Juno Avenue, Sterkpark, Polokwane 0700

Tel: +27 15 296 0654

Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Administrator: Abram Luruli

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

Cell: 084 451 9923

Email: Lubfreception@gmail.com

Facebook: Limpopo United Business Forum-LUBF

LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2020/21

The Forum provides local bodies with a single voice to talk to government.