Limpopo Business 2019-20 edition

LIMPOPO
BUSINESS
2019/20 EDITION
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE
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Introduction
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Limpopo Business 2019/20 Edition
Foreword4
A unique guide to business and investment in Limpopo.
Infrastructure is a key driver in job-creation and
development6
A message from the Premier of Limpopo, the Honourable
Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
Creating a conducive climate for investment 8
A message from the Interim CEO of the Limpopo Economic
Development Agency, Dr Matata Mokoela.
Special features
Regional overview of Limpopo 10
New mining projects, investments in Special Economic Zones
and superb tourism assets are expected to underpin economic
growth in Limpopo.
Boosting economic growth 14
Sector-specific industrial zones are set to transform Limpopo’s
economy.
Marula Industrial Hub 22
Plans are in place to boost the use of a super fruit.
Destination Limpopo 24
Biodiversity holds great potential for growth in the tourism
industry.
Economic sectors
Agriculture40
Five Agricultural Development Zones have been declared.
Mining44
Eight new investments are bringing jobs to Limpopo.
Construction and property 58
Infrastructure and state housing are potential markets for
builders.
1
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

CONTENTS
Energy59
Large energy users are going off-grid.
Transport and logistics 60
The new Musina Intermodal Terminal is operating.
Banking and financial services 70
Banking choices are expanding very quickly.
Development finance and SMME support 74
Big companies are using their supply chains to support
small business.
Education and training 86
Training is a key provincial priority.
References
Key sector contents 38
Overviews of the main economic sectors of Limpopo.
Index88
Maps
Limpopo locator map
13
ABOUT THE COVER:
Credit: Des Jacobs for Implats. Marula Mine, which is 73% owned
by Implats, comprises two decline shafts and a concentrator
plant. In FY2018 the operation produced 85 100 ounces of
platinum in concentrate.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
2

Terms and Conditions apply. Handles/usernames are illustrative only. Any similarity to any other handle/username on any platform,
or otherwise, is coincidental.

FOREWORD
Limpopo Business
A unique guide to business and investment in Limpopo.
The 2019/20 edition of Limpopo Business is the 11th 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.
Limpopo has several investment and business opportunities. In addition
to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors
of the province, there are special features on various Special Economic Zones
(SEZs) which aim to drive industrialisation in the province and the initiatives
which are further enhancing the tourism offering in Limpopo.
News related to mining, agriculture, transport and logistics, education
and development finance is carried in overviews of the main economic
sectors in the province.
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 the Limpopo is also
available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to
online, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that
cover all nine provinces as well as our flagship South African Business.
Chris Whales
Publisher, Global Africa Network Media
Email: chris@gan.co.za
CREDITS
Publisher: Chris Whales
Publishing director:
Robert Arendse
Editor: John Young
Online editor: Christoff Scholtz
Art director: Brent Meder
Design: Tyra Martin
Production: Lizel Olivier
Business development manager:
Shiko Diala
Ad sales: Gavin van der Merwe,
Sandile Koni, Sam Oliver, Gabriel
Venter, Vanessa Wallace, Jeremy
Petersen.
Managing director: Clive During
Administration & accounts:
Charlene Steynberg and
Natalie Koopman
Distribution & circulation
manager: Edward MacDonald
Printing: FA Print
DISTRIBUTION
Limpopo Business is distributed internationally on outgoing
and incoming trade missions; to foreign offices in South
Africa’s main trading partners; 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, trade and investment agencies,
provincial government departments, municipalities, airport
lounges and companies.
Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations
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
ISSN 1993-0119
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 | Des Jacobs for Implats, Amplats, De Beers Group,
flickr/SA Tourism, iStock, Palabora Mining Company, Photoflurry
Productions Photography, Roads Agency Limpopo, Thaba Moshate
Casino, Hotel and Conference Centre, Thavani Mall, University of
Limpopo, SAB Foundation.
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.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
4

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MESSAGE
Infrastructure is a key
driver in job creation and
development
Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha outlines his administration’s
priorities in welcoming potential investors to the varied economy that is
already receiving interest from China and elsewhere.
We are fresh into
the 6th Provincial
Administration
after our most
successful national and provincial
general election. This was an
election which was fought on the
Chupu Stanley Mathabatha,
Premier of Limpopo
promise of growth and development of the economy for jobs and
a decent quality of life. This is a promise which we intend to keep,
working in partnership with all our social partners and stakeholders.
Our collective focus is on the creation of jobs, the need to end
poverty and the urgency of building a better life for all. This requires
greater focus and determination, and our set targets and objectives
can only be realised through working together as government,
business, organised labour and other groups and organisations.
As we prepare to implement the manifesto priorities of the
ruling party, we move from a premise that over the past 25 years
the lives of the people of South Africa have changed for the better.
Millions of people have houses, electricity and access to clean
drinking water. Children from poor communities have access to
free education. In the past five years the number of HIV-positive
people on antiretroviral treatment has doubled while the overall
rate of new infections is decreasing. Over 17.5-million of our most
vulnerable citizens receive social grants. We advanced the cause and
rights of workers to organise, collectively bargain, refuse dangerous
work, and to strike.
Our work is guided by the conviction that without ignoring our
collective achievements, so much more can and must still be done.
Infrastructure
One of the key drivers of employment creation in the province is the
government’s deliberate investment in infrastructure projects. By the
end of the 2018/19 financial year, provincial infrastructure expenditure
stood at above R5.5-billion. We look forward to spending more of
the province’s infrastructure grants on capital infrastructure projects
which will help to stimulate the economy and create jobs for the
people of Limpopo.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
6

MESSAGE
Several new mining projects are in the pipeline that will boost the Limpopo economy, Image: Des Jacobs
Significant progress has been recorded with regard to the delivery
of certain key projects in this province, which we can be proud of.
The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme is
beginning to take shape. This SEZ initiative is expected to revitalise
Limpopo’s industrial economy by utilising our local mineral resources
and integrating the industrial chains of both the upstream and
downstream activities. Several plants will be constructed under this
SEZ project. These include a coal washery, a coal-fired power plant,
a coking plant, a stainless-steel plant, a high-carbon ferrochrome
plant and a silico-manganese facility. Supporting administrative
services such as houses, hotels, shopping malls, healthcare facilities
and schools will also be constructed.
This project is expected to create no fewer than 20 000
jobs for the people of this province. The recent mission which
I led to the People’s Republic of China has given even more
impetus to our Musina-Makhado SEZ programme. Through this
mission, Limpopo Province was able to attract a total investment
commitment of R100-billion, which will go a long way to
creating much-needed jobs and other economic opportunities,
especially for the youth.
Mining and tourism are dynamic sectors
Mining is the biggest contributor towards the Provincial Gross
Domestic Product (PGDP) at 24.5%. Jobs in this sector increased from
71 000 in 2013 to 103 000 in 2017/18. With new mining projects in the
pipeline, these figures are expected to increase by a further 3 000.
Mining in Limpopo yields significant quantities of coal, copper,
diamonds, gold, iron ore, nickel, platinum group metals, rare earth
minerals and tin to South Africa’s mineral industry. Limpopo has 147
mining projects that are currently operational, and we envisage a
further eight new projects in the
Capricorn and Sekhukhune Districts.
These projects are expected to
attract investments worth R2.5-
billion and create around 3 000 jobs.
We are also excited about the
new investments in the Ivanhoe
Mine in Mokopane. The current
investment in this mine is at R4.5-
billion. We are looking forward to
the mine going into full operation
by 2024. This mine is expected to
create well over 25 000 jobs.
The other job driver in the
province is the tourism sector. The
good news is that our domestic
tourism sector has also been doing
well over a sustained period of time.
According to the latest available
figures from StatsSA, Limpopo has
since 2014 received over 27. 5-million
domestic travellers. During the
same period, our province was able
to attract 7.8-million international
tourists. We intend to build on these
figures as we position our tourism
sector to become a major job
creator in the province.
Together, let’s grow Limpopo
and bring to life the dream of a
better life for all.
7 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

MESSAGE
Creating a conducive climate
for investment
The Interim CEO of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, Dr Matata
Mokoele, explains how LEDA is building infrastructure and supporting
initiatives to attract investors.
Dr Matata Mokoele, CEO
The Limpopo Province
investment climate is
characterised by highvalue
sectors that drive
world economies in many ways.
Agriculture, tourism and mining
continue to define the future
economic growth trajectory for the
province. Traditionally, these sectors
boosted gross domestic product
through their primary activities. As
the world evolves and new opportunities emerge in the industrial value
chains, these sectors are increasingly becoming key to economic growth
through the transformation and industrialisation of the province.
Limpopo Province, whose employment is largely driven by the
government sector, adopted the Limpopo Development Plan five
years ago as a socio-economic transformation blueprint. It outlined
how the government in collaboration with civil society institutions
could unlock economic growth through appropriate policy. For
instance, mining and agriculture were identified as the linchpin for
industrialisation through the beneficiation of these resources.
The province continues to see steady growth in hunting which can
be a springboard in the tourism sector for growth and transformation.
The province continues to lead the country in terms of arrivals from
the African continent and the tourism sector’s contribution to job
creation is significant.
These developments and future economic growth are driven
through institutions such as the Limpopo Economic Development
Agency (LEDA) which develops and promotes SMMEs and cooperatives,
investment promotion, business funding and caters for
the provision of industrial parks. These industrial parks, situated across
the five districts of the province, stimulate manufacturing in line with
the Limpopo Development Plan and National Development Plan.
LEDA is collaborating with National Department of Trade and Industry
(dti) in refurbishing industrial parks in Seshego and Nkowankowa. The
goal is to revitalise rural and township economies.
The Limpopo Development Plan, which is due for revision for the
next five years, has laid a very good foundation for the MTF period.
Local and international investors have many avenues for exploring
collaboration with local emerging enterprises.
SMMES and co-operatives
Support for SMMEs and co-operatives in the province is well
documented. LEDA has created and implemented a business incubation
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
8

MESSAGE
strategy for emerging and existing enterprises which
focuses on registrations and formalisation, training,
business planning, access to funding and finance,
and access to markets. The programme has registered
success for most participating businesses. In the 2018
financial year, 294 enterprises were assisted in various
programmes and were able to sustain 1 343 jobs.
LEDA entered into an MoU with the Companies
Improving and Intellectual the lives Property of the Commission citizens of Limpopo (CIPC) where is
all the business overarching registration aim of services the Limpopo will be Development
offices Plan. The at lower economic cost. To levers date, 26 that 399 can enterprises bring
delivered at
LEDA
were that improvement assisted with services about present ranging investment from registrations, opportunities,
amendments particularly and annual in the returns. sectors The that turnaround have been on
identified business registrations as key drivers is of less growth: than mining, five working tourism days,
and improvement agriculture. that ensures that entrepreneurs are
able The to Limpopo access business Development opportunities Plan (LDP) at is the targeting
time three possible. broad areas for improvement and develop-
earliest
ment: socio-economic, infrastructural and institutional.
Every department of the Limpopo Provincial
Industrial parks
Government has targets within the LDP which
are LEDA’s translated industrial into parks actionable are host programmes to enterprises to in be the
implemented manufacturing within and time-frames.
services sectors across the five
districts Development of the province. is defined In line as with broad-based promoting improvements
investment in these standard industrial and parks, quality the of agency life for is
more
the collaborating people living with throughout the dti the on province, a programme to which to
all increase institutions lettable (including space for government, rentals. This strategy business, aims
labour to increase and citizens) manufacturing contribute. across Increased the value job creation,
and higher make connections incomes, better between access industrial to good public players,
chain
services emerging and enterprises sound environmental and the management Black Industrialists are
the Programme. measures of Phase the development 1 of the revitalisation plan. in both
Seshego The plan, and Nkowankowa currently in is its complete. implementation This included
phase, security is features further supported to the entire by area a spatial and investment
afoot to framework commence in with public phase and 2. private The plans sector
have
plans are
industrial parks in Vhembe are also well underway.
Limpopo Development Plan
Improving lives, and creating a conducive environment for investment.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2017/18
20
Broadband
The province is rolling out broadband in the province
to support the socio-economic development
imperatives set out by the National Development Plan
and Limpopo Development Plan. The stimulation of
economic development is embedded in cost-effective
communication technologies that are available,
accessible, reliable and affordable. The Broadband Act
calls for connectivity to society at large to ensure that
costs of doing business are reduced and the country is
transformed towards a knowledge economy that can
infrastructure, transact with an integrated the world public with ease. transport To date policy the Data
and Centre, land policies. which is the nerve centre of the network, the
This Call Centre article focusses and the on Network the economic Operating aspects Centre are
and completed. the potential Forty-four of the (44) LDP sites for private have been investors connected
to participate. to the network, offering free Wifi services to students
Key at Library elements Gardens of the and Limpopo to the Development broader community Plan at
the Polokwane Civic Centre.
are: industrialisation (beneficiation of mining and
agricultural products and produce); mining (local
suppliers, improved training and access to sector
Community services
for entrepreneurs); infrastructure development;
agri-processing; Through its subsidiary SMME promotion; Great North and ICT Transport, and the LEDA
knowledge provides economy essential services (establish in a transporting WAN footprint). commuters
Mining and passengers is currently to various the most destinations important on part a daily of basis.
the Transport provincial is economy, the backbone contributing of the economy nearly 30% and through to
GDPR. this Many subsidised platinum service, mining it developments provides households on the with
eastern discounted limb of fares, the Bushveld enabling Complex commuters have to spurred get to work
growth and to in go that about region. their One business. of the goals of the LDP
is to see Risima more Housing beneficiation Corporation from the Finance mining sector, breaks new
which ground will annually support through the goal various of further housing industrialising
schemes the province’s to residents economy. throughout Related the to province. this is an Risima is
development
emphasis equally on active the in manufacturing providing products sector. and services in the
In housing response, sector the in rural two areas, Special townships Economic and Zones cities. In the
(SEZs) year at ahead, Musina Risima and Tubatse will endeavour promote to increase manufacturing.
of Specific products manufacturing and services as value-chains a contribution are to transforming
identi-
its portfolio
fied Limpopo for each area, Province, based traditionally the base a rural mineral province, being to an
industrial powerhouse in terms of mining, agriculture
and tourism.
We invite all investors to join us in our journey
towards a prosperous future.
Website: www.lieda.co.za
9
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE
LIMPOPO
PROVINCE

New mining projects, investments in Special Economic Zones and superb
tourism assets are expected to underpin economic growth in Limpopo.
By John Young
With R150-billion in committed
investments so far, Limpopo’s
newest major project, the
Musina-Makhado Special
Economic Zone (SEZ), has every chance of being
a real game-changer.
The SEZ takes advantage of one of Limpopo’s
greatest strategic advantages, namely its location.
With a stated aim of benefitting the economies
of the region, including neighbours Botswana,
Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the SEZ is expected
to create more than 20 000 jobs in a range of
sectors. The largest projects will be in minerals,
mineral beneficiation, energy and logistics.
Another SEZ at Tubatse in eastern Limpopo,
together with an industrial park designed to
promote and enhance opportunities along
the value chain that the marula fruit can bring,
and the revitalisation of industrial parks at
Seshego and Nkowankowa point to the fact
that parks are a central plank of provincial
economic planning.
Mining continues to be biggest contributor
to provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
at 24.5%. The number of jobs in this sector
reached more than 100 000 in 2018, up from
just over 70 000 in 2013. With several big new
projects underway, a significant number of
new jobs will be created in the short term.
Tourism is seen as one of the biggest potential
earners (and employers) with almost limitless
potential. The sector within tourism that is
receiving the most attention from authorities at
the moment is biodiversity but there are equally
unrivalled opportunities in adventure tourism,
culture and heritage, birding, golf and the list goes
on. Nearly eight million international tourists have
visited the province since 2014 and more than
27-million South Africans have visited some part
of Limpopo in the same period. The combined
land area of Limpopo’s national, provincial and
private game and nature reserves is 3.6-million
hectares. According to the Premier’s office, the
tourism sector employs about 22 400 people.
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 (“Great North Road”) 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 freight logistics hubs have been
established in that city and in Musina.
Transport within the city of Polokwane is
being transformed by the introduction of a bus
rapid transport system, Leeto la Polokwane. In
the province as a whole, 22.6% of households in
Limpopo use bus transport and 45.8% use taxis.
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.
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 Limpopo Department
of Transport. It has the potential to be an

SPECIAL FEATURE
important regional cargo airport. SA Airlink offers
21 flights to Johannesburg six days a week. The
airline also provides links between Phalaborwa
and Johannesburg, and between Hoedspruit and
Johannesburg and Cape Town.
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.
Growth plans
The Provincial Government of Limpopo has
committed itself to the Limpopo Economic Growth
and Development Plan (LEGDP), which aims to build
a stronger, more industrialised economy and to create
jobs and reduce social inequality.
Existing manufacturing in the province is centred
on mining areas (smelters and refineries), agricultural
estates (juices and concentrates) and Polokwane
(food and beverages). Agri-processing is strong,
with Pioneer Foods, McCain, Granor Passi, Kanhym,
Westfalia and Enterprise Foods prominent, but this
sector still has potential to grow.
When it comes to exports Limpopo punches
above its weight because of the abundance of
mineral wealth under the ground, and the superb
fruit and vegetables that the province’s farmers
cultivate. Potatoes are grown, together with 75%
South Africa’s mangoes and tomatoes; papayas
(65%); tea (36%); citrus, bananas and litchis (25%)
and 60% of the country’s avocadoes. ZZ2 is one of
the country’s largest agricultural enterprises. ZZ2
is most famous for the large quantity of tomatoes
and avocadoes produced but its product range is
also large: mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples,
pears, stone fruit, almonds and blueberries.
The best-performing subsector of South African
exports in recent years has been fruit and nuts. Limpopo
has been a major contributor to the country’s excellent
export record: fruit and nuts from the province’s eastern
regions are hugely popular in international markets and
Limpopo’s commercial farmers are extremely efficient.
The province has huge reserves of coal, platinum,
chromium, uranium clay, nickel, cobalt, vanadium,
limestone and tin. Demand will always fluctuate, and
the commodities cycle has recently been very volatile,
but the world will always need minerals.
Limpopo assets include the largest diamond mine in
South Africa, the biggest copper mine in South Africa,
the biggest open-pit platinum mine in the country and
the biggest vermiculite mine in the world. The province
has 41% of South Africa’s platinum group metals
(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.
The Provincial Government of Limpopo has
committed to allocating 20% of state procurement to
enterprises owned by both women and young people.
This is line with placing “young people at the centre of
our economic development programme”, in the words
of Premier Mathabatha.
Limpopo’s regions and major cities
Limpopo’s dry, cattle-rearing, western areas contrast
with the subtropical regions of the east where forestry
thrives and the central regions where vast plantations
produce 60% of the country’s tomatoes. The area
north of the Soutpansberg Mountains is semi-arid. The
Waterberg mountains stretch over 5 000km². There are
five district municipalities in Limpopo and the capital
city is Polokwane (population 629 000).
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
12

SPECIAL FEATURE
Polokwane
The centrally situated city of Polokwane is the capital of
Limpopo Province. Located on the Great North Road
(N1 highway) 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.
Polokwane is the province’s main centre for industry,
commerce, education and medical services. The city is
close to big concentrations of mineral deposits and to
fertile agricultural lands. Its industries reflect this diversity.
Large industrial concerns such as Silicon Smelters (one
of the biggest of its kind in the world) and a big brewery
run alongside at least 600 industrial enterprises of a
smaller scale. The range is broad: soft drink and fruit
juice manufacture, confectionery, bricks, clothing, meatprocessing,
packaging and jewellery.
Polokwane has excellent hotel and conferencing
facilities. It is a good starting point for tourism trips into
the province and beyond. Unusually, the city has its own
game reserve on 3 200 hectares of semi-bushveld land.
Several annual festivals are held in Polokwane, including
the Mapungubwe Arts Festival. Nearby Moria attracts up
to a million people every year, when the Zion Christian
Church celebrates Easter.
www.polokwane.gov.za
Tzaneen
while one of the major road links between Gauteng
and the Kruger National Park also passes through the
area, providing excellent logistical links for tourism
and business.
www.greatertzaneen.gov.za
Phalaborwa
Known as the Gateway to the Kruger National Park,
Phalaborwa is situated in such a moderate climatic
belt that it is also sometimes known as the town of
Two Summers, so similar are the summer and winter
temperatures.
Phalaborwa has a good airport and the town’s
proximity to the Kruger National Park makes it a
tourism hub. The town has several attractions of its
own. Cruises on the Olifants River are popular and
the highly regarded Hans Merensky Country Club golf
course hosts national tournaments. The prospect of
meeting wildlife on the fairway adds spice to the golf
experience. Palaborwa Mining Company (PMC) is the
major economic driving force in the area. Copper has
been mined in the region for many centuries, with
evidence from as far back as 400AD having been found.
The popular Marula Festival is held in Phalaborwa
in February every year. This not only promotes the
iconic fruit (and its associated foods and beverages)
but is a celebration of local arts and crafts and music.
Sports events such as golf and soccer tournaments and
half-marathons are held to coincide with the festival.
www.phalaborwa.org.za
A subtropical climate and fertile soils combine to make
greater Tzaneen one of South Africa’s most productive
areas in fruit and vegetables. Steep valleys and gently
sloping mountains provide ample opportunities for
tourism of all sorts.
The Letaba Valley produces a large proportion of
South Africa’s mangoes, avocadoes and tomatoes.
Citrus fruits also thrive, as do macadamia nuts, litchis,
paw-paws and bananas. Forty sawmills operate in the
area, drawing on the heavily forested hills around the
city. Tzaneen is the economic hub of the region, with
a population of 80 000.
The Phalaborwa Spatial Development Initiative
passes through the Greater Tzaneen Municipal Area,
13 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

SPECIAL FEATURE
Boosting economic growth
Sector-specific industrial zones are set
to transform Limpopo’s economy.
Mineral beneficiation is a vital part of Limpopo’s economy. Photo: Impala Platinum.
In July 2016 the national cabinet approved the
Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Located in the far north of Limpopo in the
Vhembe region, Musina-Makhado is strategically
located near the border of Zimbabwe and on the
Great North Road which links South Africa to the
broader Southern African region.
The location of the Musina-Makhado SEZ, with
links to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique,
promotes the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development
Initiative. Logistics will be one of the key focus areas
of the SEZ. Soon after the announcement of the
designation of the SEZ, the National Department
of Trade and Industry (dti) said that a consortium
of Chinese investors, Sino, has agreed to put R40-
billion into the Musina-Makhado SEZ where they
will operate the mineral beneficiation operations.
The initiative has already attracted investors in
the form of the Eco-Industrial Solutions (EIS), the
private sector investor behind the Limpopo Eco-
Industrial Park (LEIP). LEIP aims to be an integrated
industrial development comprising five major
industrial components that sets new standards
in sustainability. Set on 6 400ha of land, the LEIP
will include a nature reserve, two residential
estates and schools. The Limpopo Economic
Development Agency (LEDA) is working with EIS
to establish a petrochemical cluster within the
Musina-Makhado SEZ.
LEDA is the key driver of the provincial
government’s drive to boost the economy
through investment. LEDA is an agency of the
Limpopo Department of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism (LEDET). LEDA’s brief
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
14

SPECIAL FEATURE
is to contribute to accelerated industrialisation
in Limpopo by stimulating and diversifying the
industrial base of the regional economy. The focus
is on high-impact projects that will spark growth
in a variety of sectors and create employment
opportunities.
Two key areas of focus relate to Special
Economic Zones and Corridor Development and
to land, property and infrastructure development
(including business parks and industrial parks).
As these targeted areas grow, the infrastructure
and associated industries will act as a magnet for
other businesses and industries in the same sector,
together with service industries.
A Musina-Makhado Skills Development Plan has
been approved by the provincial government.
A second application for an SEZ at Tubatse is
pending. Tubatse is in the Sekhukhune District
Municipality and hosts a number of mining
operations.
The SEZ in Tubatse will focus on the beneficiation
of platinum group metals (PGM) and mining-related
manufacturing. The province of Bashkortostan in
Russia has also expressed an interest in the SEZs
of Limpopo.
Phase one of the SEZ project would see a 280ha
site developed to accommodate a mining suppliers
park, light manufacturing, heavy manufacturing,
logistics, a solar energy cluster and a PGM
beneficiation cluster.
sector infrastructure, an integrated public transport
policy and policies on land development.
Key elements of the Limpopo Development
Plan are: industrialisation (beneficiation of mining
and agricultural products and produce); mining
(local suppliers, improved training and access to
sector value chains for entrepreneurs); infrastructure
development; agri-processing; SMME promotion
and ICT and the knowledge economy (establish a
WAN footprint).
Mining is currently the most important part of
the provincial economy. Recent platinum mining
developments on the eastern limb of the Bushveld
Complex have increased this effect but global
commodity prices have been uncertain in recent
years. One of the goals of the LDP is to see more
beneficiation from the mining sector, which will
support the goal of further industrialising the
province’s economy. Related to this is an emphasis
on the manufacturing that needs to grow, and this
is where the SEZs’ role becomes critical.
While the Limpopo Development Plan is aligned
with the broader National Development Plan, there
are also several national Strategic Infrastructure
Projects (SIPs) which affect Limpopo.
Three in particular are expected to make a big
impact, namely SIP 1 (Unlocking the Northern
Mineral Belt with Waterberg as the Catalyst), SIP 6
(Integrated Municipal Infrastructure Project) and
SIP 7 (Integrated Urban Space and Public Transport
Programme).
SPECIAL FEATURE
Other national SIPs of relevance relate to green
Limpopo Development Plan
energy, agri-logistics and rural infrastructure,
The Great North Road
regional integration and water and sanitation
The SEZ and industrial
passes through
parks being
Limpopo
promoted in infrastructure.
from the south to the border
town of Musina and on
the province fall within a broader framework. The
Limpopo Development
to Zimbabwe
Plan
and
(LDP)
its neighbours
improvement in the Southern and African development:
targets three
broad areas for
socio-economic, Development infrastructural Community. and institutional.
Every department The busy of the N11 Limpopo highway links Provincial
Government has the targets province within to Botswana the LDP to which
are translated into the actionable west and Mpumalanga
programmes to be
implemented within
Province
time-frames.
to the east.
Most of South Africa's logistics
operators have a pres-
The plan is supported by strategies relating to a
spatial investment
ence
framework
in the provincial
in public
capital
and private
city of Polokwane and freight
logistics hubs have been
established at that city and
at Musina.
15 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
Limpopo covers about 10% of South Africa's The province also has a sophisticated rail net-

INTERVIEW
Promoting a
symbiotic relationship
between people,
planet and profit
Webster Mfebe, Chair of the
Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park
Board Chair Webster Mfebe outlines the steps to be taken
by Eco-Industrial Solutions to create the ground-breaking
Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park.
BIOGRAPHY
Webster Mfebe, Chair of the
Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park,
has won several awards in
construction and leadership. He
is the CEO of the South African
Forum of Civil Engineering
Contractors (SAFCEC) and has
accumulated a wealth of senior
leadership and management
expertise during nearly 40 years
in the mining, construction
and engineering industries,
broadcasting and politics.
Webster has addressed
international conferences
on political and economic
issues and has contributed to
business intelligence articles in
some publications.
What does your company do?
Eco-Industrial Solutions (Pty) Ltd (EIS) is committed to integrated and
sustainable industrial property development. Its slogan is “Industry
Nurturing Nature”. EIS is developing the Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park
(LEIP) project, powered by renewable energy and municipal waste
syngas, to be the world’s first zero solid-waste, carbon neutral heavy
and light-industrial park integrated with a 2 200-hectare nature park.
This development recognises and promotes a symbiotic relationship
between people, planet and profit.
The LEIP is a multi-billion-rand project that will significantly
contribute to growing an inclusive economy and creating new
jobs, particularly in the Limpopo Province. The LEIP project provides
a fully serviced and secure platform for heavy and light industrial
tenants as well as incubating and supporting Small, Medium
and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The LEIP Master Plan is based on
principles derived from the field of industrial ecology to create a
closed loop or circular economy, which benefits local communities
whilst integrating and preserving the environment. No flaring of
emissions will be necessary, as all waste gases and solid waste will
be gasified at extremely high temperatures without interrupting or
requiring process changes to tenants’ business models.
How was the company formed?
EIS was formed by founding members who share the vision and
passion to create job opportunities through environmentally friendly
industrialisation and shared benefits to local communities.
In response to some of the major challenges facing humanity
today such as ecological collapse followed by social uprising,
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
16

INTERVIEW
due to rapidly increasing climate change and
environmental degradation of the life support
systems, EIS was specifically formed in 2011 to
address these problems by implementing technoeconomically
viable and sustainable industrial
development projects.
What is the ownership structure of the
company?
The project development company, EIS, is 89%
black-owned and 57% black women-owned,
while the LEIP project is 65% black-owned with
90% board control. Local Limpopo Vhembe
District citizens have been allocated 10% of
the ownership of the LEIP with Musina Local
Municipality as the proxy shareholder. Funds
and dividends are to be used for developmental
activities identified by the communities
themselves, including bursaries and other
communal co-operative activities such as
farming and agro-processing.
Why have you chosen northern Limpopo
as the location for the park?
EIS recognised the future growth potential of
the Musina Municipality, considering its location
adjacent to the Beitbridge border post as a
gateway for doing business in Southern Africa.
After a rigorous site-selection process, the
site in Musina was deemed ideal based on its
accessibility as well as its strategic location. The
national N1 highway and Transnet’s north-south
rail line traverses the site, providing major links
to the rest of South Africa and superior access to
neighbouring countries to the north.
Please explain what is unique about the
LEIP. Why is it a game-changer?
The LEIP demonstrates that ongoing industrial
pollution can be stopped through the
application of existing, technically proven
and commercially available technologies,
for example, plasma waste gasification and
the combination of viable renewable energy
options. The LEIP’s design incorporates these
essential technologies through creative
application and funding. Worldwide, people
are panicking about the state of the environment
and the fate of future generations. With increased
awareness and more developed consciousness
coupled with technological advancements, the
LEIP pioneers the transition required in terms of
altering humanity’s development pathway to a
sustainable one.
As a mega-industrial and residential growth
point and an infrastructure CAPEX in excess
of R10.7 billion, the LEIP will be a catalyst for
transforming Musina into a mega-city. Musina
will become South Africa’s most sustainable and
desirable fully integrated industrial-residential
growth point, facilitating socio-economic
transformation and inter-regional trade, to the
lasting benefit and well-being of all South Africans
and SADC.
Musina’s growth into a mega-city will be
underpinned by beneficiation of local and
regional resources, manufacturing of industrial
chemicals and information technology
components, as well as agro-processing and
superior logistics services that enable improved
inter-regional trade.
The layout of the park was dictated by
consulting ecologists and heritage specialists who
used sensitivity maps to indicate areas suitable for
development and areas that should be preserved
as part of a nature reserve. Typically, ecologists
and heritage specialists are involved during the
environmental authorisation process, which is too
far down the line in terms of the broader project
development process, at which point impacts are
mitigated rather than avoided by protecting the
environment from the outset.
The LEIP is committed to transformation
and to replicating its transformation blueprint,
where applicable, in all its future eco-industrial
developmental initiatives. All contractors and
services providers will be made aware to comply
with the contractually obligated transformation
requirements.
How many people will be employed at
the park?
Total LEIP: Direct jobs: 58 967. Total including indirect
and induced jobs: 289 251.
17 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

PROFILE
Eco-Industrial Solutions
The Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park will set new standards in
ecologically sound industrial development.
Eco-Industrial Solutions (Pty) Ltd (EIS)
was established to create an innovative
industrial park combined with a nature
park in the northern area of Limpopo.
The Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park (LEIP) will be
Africa’s first zero solid-waste eco-industrial park.
Municipal waste and renewable energy will be
utilised to provide syngas and power for industrial
enterprises within the park. Waste from the park
will be contained and disposed of within the park
through the application of plasma gasification
technology and a closed-loop water management
system.
Background
In South Africa air pollution kills an estimated
20 000 people per year, 780 000 people in Africa
and worldwide nine-million people per year.
Coupled with the plight of unemployment in Africa
and more specifically in South Africa, the expertise
of the founding members covers heavy industrial
development in various countries globally,
experience in implementing environmental
protection as well as the realisation of institutional
mega-projects.The Musina, Vhembe, region is
blessed with an abundance of natural resources,
accessible labour and existing major infrastructure.
The LEIP concept has been successfully integrated
into the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and
Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the
Musina Local Municipality.
Furthermore, the LEIP concept is in tune with
the spirit encapsulated in South African President
Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of a “New Dawn”,
predicated on the twin pillars of “Renewal and
Rebuilding”.
Vision
To find techno-economically viable solutions
to the challenges facing humanity. To promote
industrialisation in a way that is beneficial to local
communities as well as the environment.
Motto
Industry nurturing nature.
The concept
The world’s first zero solid-waste eco-industrial and
integrated nature park. The Limpopo Eco-Industrial
Park will illustrate the symbiotic relationship between
people, planet and profit by demonstrating their
mutually beneficial co-existence, thereby preserving
Mother Earth for future generations.
Location
Musina, northern Limpopo. Near Beitbridge border
post and part of the Musina-Makhado Special
Economic Zone.
LEIP components
1. 450MW PV Solar Power for agro-processing,
buildings and water heating and supply excess
to the Eskom grid.
2. Two approved off-channel dams with
20 million cubic metres water storage capacity.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
18

PROFILE
STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE RISK AND
PROMOTE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
• Ensure that all toxic materials, other
waste and gases are disposed of within
the LEIP.
• Reduce food waste and recycle key
nutrients (N, P) through their recovery
from food waste and waste water.
• Generate power through solar PV and
municipal waste syngas and export
excess power to the grid. Use Eskom
power for construction only.
• Capture heat and gas emissions to
supplement electricity supply.
• Protect and integrate sensitive areas
throughout the LEIP.
• Responsibly manage the value chain
of waste materials such as metals,
plastics and wood.
• Waste concrete and bricks will be
crushed and mixed with local hard rock
into a uniform and usable construction
material.
3. Blue Drop status drinking water and
environmentally friendly waste-water
treatment facilities.
4. A Nature Reserve comprising 2 286 hectares of
environmentally sensitive tourism area.
5. 80 chalets in the integrated nature reserve.
6. Two residential eco-estates: Musina Eco-
Housing Estate (3 797 units) and Singelele
Equestrian Estate (903 units).
7. Waste gasification plants for residential and
industrial waste.
Game-changer
Plasma waste gasifiers will be used extensively. This
technology has been used elsewhere to transform
waste to energy, but the LEIP aims to take this a step
further by ensuring that no waste leaves the site. The
target is for the industrial park to be a self-contained
unit with a zero-waste impact on the surrounding
countryside and communities.
Timeline
2019/20: Bankable project studies to be finalised.
Infrastructure construction proceeds (including LEIP
East basic infrastructure, Transnet Intermodal Terminal
Facility and bulk water and sewage treatment facilities).
Musina Eco-Housing Estate construction begins.
2021: Construct truck stop and warehousing, agroprocessing
facility, PV solar farm 1 000ha, plasma
gasification facilities, ITC development centre.
2022: Establish a balanced renewable energy system
that is integrated with waste gasification and syngas
generated power. Construct copper processing plant.
Establish nature park, including 80 chalets. Establish
Industrial Ecology Research Centre.
2023: LEIP East Operations commence with
commissioning of utilities, infrastructure and
financial management systems. Commission SEZ
operations. Construct LEIP West basic infrastructure,
to accommodate a chemical plant complex including
ammonia-urea, methanol and resin, by utilising carbon
engineering technology to generate the required
feedstock hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO),
the basic building blocks for these plants.
Impact
• GDP impact 2019: R744 million
• GDP impact 2025: R17.2 billion
• GDP impact (direct and induced) from 2019 to
2025: R61.3 billion.
CONTACT DETAILS
Head Office
Eco-Industrial Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Modimolle
0510, Limpopo, South Africa
Phone: +27 87 702 6065
Email: ceo@eco-industrialsolutions.org
Website: www.limpopoecoindustrialpark.com
19 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Building skills and creating
jobs through partnerships
The Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park is set
to make a huge economic impact.
The Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park (LEIP) is
an integrated and sustainable industrial
development that is aligned with and in
support of South African government
goals articulated in the National Development Plan
and the Industrial Policy Action Plans.
The LEIP is a private-sector initiative driven by
Eco-Industrial Solutions (EIS), but the development
incorporates significant partnerships at local,
provincial and national level illustrating the inclusive
philosophy of the developers.
The park, through its various industrial
components, will create tens of thousands of direct
and indirect jobs over the first five years, provide
about 4 900 permanent housing opportunities in
the town of Musina and add more than R15-billion
to the revenue of the provincial government. It will
also provide a boost to the national tax base.
Among the projects to which the LEIP initiative
will contribute via partnerships are the National
Development Plan, the Green Economy Plan, and
the achievement of South Africa’s Transformation
and Sustainable Development Goals.
In January 2019, South African President Cyril
Ramaphosa attended a Business Economic
Indaba organised by Business Unity South
Africa (BUSA), on the sidelines of which the
Public Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) made a
presentation on 18 projects from 19 economic
sectors, representative of opportunities for
South Africa’s private and public sectors to work
together to combat unemployment and stimulate
the economy. The LEIP is project number 17 on
the list of 18 PPGI projects which were promised
full government support, while engagements
within the PPGI platform will take place with the
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
20

FOCUS
Presidency over the next five to 10 years, with a view
to implementing sectoral plans.
Partnerships
Several key partnerships with EIS involve NECSA,
SAFCEC, Lepelle Northern Water, Transnet Freight Rail,
Musina Local Municipality and LEDA.
SAFCEC will be responsible for quality monitoring
of their construction members.
The Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa
has signed an agreement with EIS and LEIP to jointly
develop and implement plasma gasification of
municipal and gaseous waste on a localised scale,
thereby minimising the adverse impacts of longerdistance
logistics.
The Lepelle water utility has signed up to be
the LEIP’s water service provider. Plans for a Special
Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Musina area have been
aligned with Transnet’s requirements.
Transnet Freight Rail intends to operate its new
intermodal terminal facility within the LEIP as a dry port
extension of a seaport. It is expected to have an initial
storage capacity of 50 000 units. A train ferry is intended
that will be able to carry roughly 1 000 vehicles per day
across the Beitbridge-Zimbabwe border.
The Musina Local Municipality has approved the
land development application for the LEIP and will at
financial close become an equity partner in the project,
holding a 10% share on behalf of the local communities.
LEIP is the first part of a broader initiative, the Musina to
Africa Strategic Hub Initiative (MUTASHI), of which the
Musina-Makhado SEZ is the other major component.
The Limpopo Economic Development Agency
(LEDA) has signed an agreement to work with EIS to
establish the LEIP as the Musina SEZ Operator within
the Musina-Makhado SEZ.
Economic and social benefits
The LEIP has been designed to ensure that local women,
youth and disabled people benefit from the project.
The housing developments are designed as integrated
communities with the natural environment and with
amenities such as five schools, a children’s hospital
as well as local churches, shopping and community
centres. The following innovations are aimed at
benefitting local communities:
• Establish a Research and Development
Industrial Ecology Faculty within the LEIP
in collaboration with local universities
(University of Venda and University of
Limpopo). The LEIP aims to support
innovation, research and development,
community engagement and literacy and
numeracy.
• A Skills Development Centre and Trade Test
Centre is to be built and fully equipped in
consultation with the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET), which will
invite the participation of the various Sector
Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
The goal is for the skills centre to also be
available for use by learners from the SADC
region.
Transformation
The transformation imperatives of the LEIP project
as a private development are mainly aimed at
contributing towards the empowerment of the
following targeted groups of South African citizens:
• Youth (in support of the Youth Empowerment
Service YES programme)
• Women
• People with disabilities
• Military veterans
• Rural and township communities.
• Only construction companies rated no less
than Level 2 BEE status will be contracted
to do work at the LEIP, and such companies
will be vetted to assess their state of
competence and readiness to undertake
quality construction services. In special cases,
for technical reasons, contractors and service
providers with less than Level 2 BEE status will
be allowed if they form SMME partnerships
with locals, who will jointly carry out the work
on site.
21 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

SPECIAL FEATURE
Marula
Industrial Hub
Plans are in place to boost the use of
a super fruit.
The Marula Festival has become a popular
annual event. When the 15th annual
Marula Festival comes around in 2020,
there will be additional reasons to celebrate
as that is the anticipated launch date of the
Marula Industrial Hub.
The Marula Festival attracts more than 30 000
people over two weekends in February and serves
to highlight the marula fruit and its uses. At the
moment, these are mostly confined to making
traditional beer and supplying the raw product for
the manufacture of the famous Amarula Cream
Liqueur. Outgrowers, mostly small-scale women
farmers, supply Distell with the fruit.
The theme for the festival for the next few
years will be “Discover the Wealth of Marula”,
in line with the idea of expanding the fruit’s
usefulness. But the festival itself is not just about
beer – although there is a lot of beer! The 2018
festival programme included a marathon, a
career expo, a dance challenge, performances
of gospel and jazz bands, a golf day and a trade
exhibition. The economic benefit to the local
economies of Ba-Phalaborwa and the Mopani
District economies is about R45-million annually.
The Marula Industrial Hub will provide a platform
to further exploit the tasty marula fruit, which has a
high vitamin C content and is much loved by elephants.
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development
and Tourism (LEDET) wants to see the University of
Limpopo doing more research on the possible uses for
the fruit, including jams and cosmetics.
Facilities at the hub will include a centre for research
and processing facilities to create more value from the
raw product. Advisors will be available to help small-scale
farmers and SMMEs enter the formal economy.
The marula tree is a protected species that is
protected by environmental laws. The tree and its fruit
are also part of the cultural heritage of the region. The
Festival of The First Fruit, “Ku LumaNguva/Go Loma
Morula”, is a ceremony performed by traditional leaders
at the marula season’s beginning. Only at the conclusion
of the ceremony can drinking begin.
The Marula initiative is consistent with the
broader agricultural sector plans for Limpopo. The
provincial government has identified five Agricultural
Development Zones (ADZs) across the province,
including the Mopani District within which the
Marula Industrial Hub is located. Programmes to
increase productivity have been presented to smallscale
farmers. In the year 2017/18 more than 50 000
small-scale producers received support in the form of
irrigation infrastructure, livestock infrastructure and
other production inputs.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
22

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FROM
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DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
AMARULA.COM
MADE FROM MARULA FRUIT

Destination Limpopo
Biodiversity holds great potential for
growth in the tourism industry
Transforming the wildlife sector and creating
opportunities for communities
and small businesses in tourism sector
are priorities for national and provincial
authorities.
Supporting local businessmen and women
to enter the formal tourism market is part of the
Industrial Development Corporation’s brief. The IDC
backed local entrepreneur Mofasi Lekota in his hotel
venture in the provincial capital, Park Inn by Radisson
Polokwane. The development finance institution is
also getting behind projects in Magoebaskloof and
Thohoyandou.
Almost 70% of South Africa’s number one tourist
attraction, the Kruger National Park, falls in Limpopo,
and yet relatively few local communities benefit
materially from the park, beyond wage earning.
In 2018 the celebration of the International
Day of Tourist Guides was hosted by the Limpopo
Department of Economic Development and
Tourism (LEDET) at the Mopani rest camp in the
Kruger National Park. At this gathering, the National
Department of Tourism announced a new approach
to supporting small, micro and medium enterprises
(SMMEs). Incentives and market support are to be
offered in order to compete in the global market.
Tour guiding is seen as an area with strong growth
potential. The National Registrar of Tourist Guides
works within the department.
Wildlife farming and hunting generates enormous
amounts of money but South Africans who were
previously excluded by law still have very little access
to this sector. According to calculations done by a
Professor in Tourism at the University of the North
West, Peet van der Merwe, trophy and biltong hunters
contributed a combined R13.6-billion to the South
African economy in the 2016/17 season. The number
of direct jobs created in this period in Limpopo was
17 806 (The Conversation). In 2018, the formal wildlife
auction turnover for the whole of South Africa was
R750-million, as reported by Yolande Groenewald
in the Mail & Guardian. A buffalo bull was sold in
2016 for R178-million. LEDET aims to create wider
opportunities within these sectors via its Wildlife
Transformation Policy.
When President Ramaphosa visited Limpopo
in 2017, it was to launch the National Biodiversity
Economy Programme. Planners believe that the
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
24

SPECIAL FEATURE
Tour guiding can boost local employment.
biodiversity economy can achieve an average
annualised GDP growth rate of 10%. Limpopo is rich
in natural resources and heritage.
Between 2014 and 2018, Limpopo received more
than 27. 5-million domestic travellers and 8-million
international tourists. As more infrastructure is
rolled out and partnerships created between the
public and private sectors, more investment and job
opportunities will result.
According to the Limpopo Premier’s office, the
tourism sector employs about 22 414 people.
The 5-in-5 strategy aims to increase visitor
numbers to five-million in five years.
A new event on Limpopo’s calendar caused
great excitement in 2018 with the first riding of the
Tour de Limpopo, a four-day UCI Africa Tour 2.2
stage race which started and finished in Polokwane,
with a stopover in Tzaneen. A range of sponsors
enthusiastically endorsed the race, promoted by the
Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA). Hotel@Tzaneen and
Europcar South Africa were sponsors and race officials
were provided with cars by Audi Centre Polokwane.
Regular events are holding their own as well:
the annual Limpopo Marula Festival in Phalaborwa
attracts more than 30 000 participants and is
estimated to inject upwards of R45-million into the
provincial economy. Several neighbouring countries
are well represented in the attendees and 13 cooperatives
operating under the Mukumbi Industries
brand normally brew about 12 000 litres of marula
beverages for the thirsty crowds. Other marula
products are also sold such as nuts, body lotions,
jam, cooking oil and soap.
The LTA also backs the Mapungubwe Festival,
which is growing in stature every year. In addition to
the popular musical performances, crafters have an
opportunity to display their crafts and generate good
income during the festivities.
The tourist authority has six focus areas:
• Golf and game
• Hunting and safari
• Family and recreation
• Special interest
• Mega-conservation
• Meetings Incentives Conference and Events
(MICE).
Varied assets
Limpopo Province has varied tourism assets that include
the bare bushveld of the north, misty mountains
in the central highlands, hot springs, a unique cycad
forest, excellent golf courses, the Kruger National Park
and numerous luxury private game reserves.
Kruger, Mapungubwe and Marakele are all national
parks and they are run by South African National Parks
(SANParks). There are a further 53 provincial nature
reserves managed by the Limpopo Department of
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(LEDET). Many of these reserves are communally
owned but jointly managed by the province and
communities. 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.
A new drive to promote home-stays is underway
in the northern part of the province. Getting tourists
to eat mopani worms and learn about local traditions
and cultural practices would help to generate
income for villages and hamlets otherwise outside
the mainstream economy.
25
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

SPECIAL FEATURE
In support of the arts and culture sector, a potential
area of growth for tourism in Limpopo, a performance
theatre is to be built in Polokwane.
The South African Golf Tourism Association says that
up to 10% of visitors to the country are attracted by its
golf courses, and Limpopo’s offering has been extended
and improved in recent years. At the high-end of the
luxury offering are the Zebula Golf Estate and Spa (west
of Bela Bela) and the Legend Golf and Safari Resort.
Adventurous visitors can choose from off-road
biking, hunting, elephant rides and tough 4x4 trails.
A vast array of different cultures can be experienced,
from the Rain Queen and her people in the central
districts, to the myth-inspired art of the Venda in the
north, to the bright geometric house designs of the
Ndabele people in the Sekhukhune District.
Hotels and casinos
The 160-room Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane has
opened in the provincial capital. Located near the
golf course and the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the hotel
also has conference and event facilities.
Tsogo Sun runs the Garden Court Polokwane,
which has 180 rooms ranging from executive suites
to family rooms.
The Protea Hotel group has two hotels in the
province. The Protea Hotel Landmark in Polokwane
has 80 rooms and six conference venues. Just outside
the city is the Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort
where guests can walk with lions. The hotel is on a
1 000-hectare nature conservancy and specialises in
catering for weddings.
In Mokopane near the Waterberg mountains, the
family-run The Park Hotel Mokopane has 125 rooms
and can cater for up to 400 conference delegates. The
three-star hotel recently added 25 self-catering units.
The Fusion Boutique Hotel in the provincial
capital offers five-star quality in 30 en-suite rooms
and two exclusive suites. Sun International runs
the Meropa Casino and Entertainment World near
Polokwane. In the province’s northern regions at
Thohoyandou, there is the Khoroni Hotel, Casino and
Convention Resort. This is a Peermont venture and
there is a three-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel in the
complex. The Limpopo Gambling Board regulates
the industry and grants licences. The Mopani District
was recently granted two new bingo licences.
The most recent casino licence was awarded
to Peermont Global Resorts for the official launch
and operation of the Thaba Moshate Casino, Hotel
and Conference Centre in the Greater Tubatse Local
Municipality. There are 237 limited pay-out gambling
machines in the province, and licences of one sort
or another generate more than R50-million for the
provincial government.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Limpopo Department of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism: www.ledet.gov.za
Limpopo Tourism Authority:
www.golimpopo.com
Marula Festival: www.limpopomarulafest.co.za
South African Golf Tourism Association:
www.sagta.co.za
South African National Parks:
www.sanparks.co.za
26

Limpopo will soothe
your soul
MESSAGE
Nomasonto Ndlovu, CEO of the Limpopo Tourism
Agency, extends a warm welcome to visitors.
We welcome everybody to our
peaceful Province of Limpopo
which offers an opportunity to
see Africa’s Big Five, while the
adventurous can go abseiling, bungee jumping,
rock climbing, walking on trails, caving, horse
riding or kloofing. For those who enjoy more
relaxed and conventional sport, the province
offers some magnificent golf courses. We
guarantee everybody the enjoyable and breathtaking
tranquillity of nature’s fauna and flora.
It is heart-warming to note that visitors to our
province can expect to receive a warm welcome
in our people’s homes. The Limpopo Tourism
Agency and Traditional African Homestays –
South Africa (TAH-SA) has found a solution to
the concept of homestays in South Africa. We are
proud that this award-winning organisation is in
Limpopo and continues to make an impact in the
lives of the poor women in the Makhado Municipal
area. Makushu village is an international tourist
attraction visited by tourists from England, USA,
Holland, Australia and Germany. The village now
has 25 homestays and TAH-SA hopes to expand
to other areas.
A wonderful surprise is in store for visitors to
the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, boasting some of
the oldest and largest cycad specimens on earth.
The natural forest can be viewed in its prehistoric
state thanks to its strict protection by succeeding
generations of Modjadji (“rain queens”), the
hereditary rulers in the area.
Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting
landscape with hidden gems, exquisite flora and
fauna, expansive national parks and nature reserves,
mountain passes, rivers and productive fruit farms.
Less than 100km north-east of the capital of Limpopo
Province, Polokwane, lies the Magoebaskloof
mountain range. This area is known as “The Land of
the Silver Mist” and offers incredible views, mountainbike
trails and canopy tours along zip lines. Then there
is the Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
“Cradle of Humankind”, and archaeological sites such
as Sterkfontein and Makapans Caves.
Some of the flagship events that visitors can
look forward to include: the Tour de Limpopo
cycle race, the Limpopo Golf Championship, the
Limpopo Marula Festival and the Mapungubwe
Cultural Festival.
We look forward to welcoming you in Limpopo.
27
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

LTA 2pp interview, pp 28-29
INTERVIEW
BIOGRAPHY
Nomasonto Ndlovu has wide experience in brand marketing, communication
and events in the private and public sector. She worked as Strategic Executiv
Director for the City of Tshwane before taking senior marketing positions in
South Africa’s most
visited province pulls
South African Tourism.
ahead
fields as varied as banking (Standard Bank) and fast-moving consumer good
(Unilever in South Africa and Kenya). In 2005 she joined KwaZulu-Natal’s
tourism board and then worked as the global manager of business tourism at
South Africa’s most visited province pulls ahead
The CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Nomasonto Ndlovu explains how
The CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Nomasonto
locals can become valued tourists.
Ndlovu, explains how locals can become valued tourists.
Nomasonto Ndlovu
BIOGRAPHY
Nomasonto Ndlovu has wide
experience in brand marketing,
communications and events in
the private and public sector. She
worked as Strategic Executive
Director for the City of Tshwane
before taking senior marketing
positions in fields as varied as
banking (Standard Bank) and
fast-moving consumer goods
(Unilever in South Africa and
Kenya). In 2005 she joined
KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism board
and then worked as the global
manager of business tourism at
South African Tourism.
How How many visitors has has Limpopo Limpopo had had in in recent recent years? years?
Destination Limpopo enjoyed a lead a lead as the as the most most visited visited province province in the coun
the since country 2016 from to 2018 2016 despite to 2018 despite fluctuating fluctuating figures. figures. Limpopo’s Limpopo’s performance can b
performance depicted over can the be past depicted three over years the as past follows: three years as follows:
Year
Domestic
Trips
International
Arrivals
2016 8.3-million 1.5-million
2017 5.1-million 1.8-million
2018 3.3-million 2.1-million
Do
Do
you
you
have
have
a strategy
strategy to
to
increase
increase
these
these
numbers?
numbers?
LTA has a marketing strategy which gets reviewed annually for
purposes LTA has of a maintaining marketing relevance. strategy which It is aligned gets to reviewed the National annually Tourism for purposes of
Sector maintaining Strategy relevance. (NTSS), Limpopo It is aligned Tourism to Growth the National Strategy Tourism (LTGS) and Sector Strategy
the (NTSS), Limpopo Limpopo Development Tourism Plan. Growth The Agency Strategy has developed (LTGS) and another
Limpopo
strategy Development that would Plan. address The Agency the visiting has developed friends and another relatives strategy (VFR) that would
segment address to the be visiting transformed friends into and holiday-makers. relatives (VFR) This segment makes to be transformed in
up holiday a big number makers. of This our segment domestic makes tourists up but a big with number less spending, of our domestic touris
as but they with often less do spending, not view as themselves they often as do holiday-makers. not view themselves This plan as holiday make
seeks This to plan increase seeks the to increase domestic the tourists domestic that tourists visit the that province visit the for province for
holidays, against those that are VFR, thus improving spend, length of
stay and geographic spread. LTA will develop consumer insights that
will assist in developing well-targeted campaigns and interventions.
We will also develop a targeted all-year-round campaign that focuses
on the VFR market in order for them to explore extending their stay
to enjoy the tourism attractions in the province, thereby positively
contributing to tourism and economic growth.
What sectors are you focussing on?
The Agency focuses on several clusters to achieve its vision of being
a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa. LTA reviewed its
clusters and has finalised a new structure. The clusters are as follows:
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
28

INTERVIEW
Culture and Heritage, Family and Recreation, Sport
and Wildlife Safari, Safari and Hunting, Business and
Events and Special Interest.
Our campaigns are all-encompassing with
specific events supporting other respective clusters
such as adventure events like 4x4 off-road challenges
and cycling events. The Agency also sometimes
invites media and influencers to the province to
familiarise them with some products and attractions
in the province. These trips often provide positive
feedback which lead to more visits to the province.
What role do festivals play in the tourism
offering of the province?
Events play a key role in driving people from one
place to the other. LTA partners with several festivals
as they draw people to the province. The role of LTA
in these events is to assist by bringing the marketing
element to make sure they are successful. Provincial
flagship events like the Limpopo Marula Festival
and the Mapungubwe Cultural Festival are the two
government-organised events that LTA annually
partners with and assists in marketing for their
success. The Agency has identified several other
events and festivals that have the potential to grow
to the level of the two provincial festivals. Other
festivals that also draw more people are organised
in various districts and local municipalities such as
the Phala Phala Royal Festival in Vhembe District,
Collins Chabane Cultural Festival, Thobela FM Gospel
Festival and Sekhukhune Gospel Festival. Festivals
contribute immensely to the provincial economy.
Please comment on the first Tour de
Limpopo cycle race in 2018.
Limpopo Tourism Agency Board and the MEC for
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(LEDET) officially welcomed the organisers and the
teams that participated in the inaugural Tour de
Limpopo road race, at Park Inn Hotel in Polokwane
on 22 April 2018. This was the first international
road cycling stage race to be hosted in Limpopo
Province and South Africa. The fully-catered
stage race is a UCI Africa Tour 2.2 stage race for
professional teams. The Tour de Limpopo aimed
to set a new precedent in stage racing, one that
would develop and leave a legacy of continued
and sustained cycling development and investment
into community SMMEs as service providers to
the event. This was an opportunity to showcase
Limpopo Province as a premier Adventure Tourism
destination with so much to enjoy. This was a
perfect platform to showcase via livestreaming
the beauty of attractions such as Magoesbaskloof,
Moria Zion City, Modjadjiskloof, the Sunland Baobab
and Debengeni Falls.
What is the mandate of LTA?
Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), established in
respect of Limpopo Tourism Act No 2 of 2009, has
witnessed a metamorphosis since its inception 14
years ago. Limpopo Tourism and Parks (LTP) at the
time was also responsible for conservation including
management of provincial nature reserves, but in
2007, the Limpopo Executive Council resolved to
transfer the conservation function to Limpopo
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(LEDET). It was against this background that the
legislation for the establishment of the LTP Board,
Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board Act No 8 of had
to be repealed to give way to the new one. From
then on the entity remained with the management
of state-owned resorts (Limpopo Wildlife Resorts)
in provincial nature reserves. In August 2015,
the Board underwent a strategic workshop to
internalise the new piece of legislation governing
it, Limpopo Tourism Act No 2 of 2009. The entity
was commissioned to review its marketing strategy
in line with the new Act. The Executive Council
also issued Resolution No 7 of 2015/16, which
further directed that Limpopo Wildlife Resorts be
transferred to LEDET. This left LTA with only one
focus or mandate, of marketing Limpopo Province
as a leading tourist destination in Southern Africa.
Limpopo Wildlife Resorts (LWR) would be promoted
like all other tourism products in the province.
29
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Business tourism on a
growth trajectory
Limpopo’s venues range from game lodges to conference centres.
Limpopo is undoubtedly on a growth trajectory
in respect of business tourism.
Evidence of this trend comes in the form
of the International Fellowship Evangelical
Students (IFES) World Assembly which was held in
July 2019 in Bela Bela at ATKV Klein Kariba.
The conference attracted an estimated 1 200
delegates from some 160 countries, who spent
about two weeks in the region. The idea to bring the
conference to Limpopo was born out of engagements
by Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) at Meetings Africa
2018, confirming the importance of this marketing
platform. The agency will also host International
Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration
(IASIA) at ATKV Klein Kariba from 19-25 July 2020.
Limpopo offers unique conference, meetings,
incentives and other venues with relevant resources
and superb settings. In recent years, the meetings
and incentive industry within Limpopo has grown
significantly. Limpopo’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences, Exhibitions) products are conveniently
situated within one-and-a-half to three-hour’s drive
from Johannesburg. Access to most of the venues is
made easy, as the province is served by three airports
with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Limpopo offers a wealth of conferencing and
exhibition facilities, including custom-built centres
designed to the highest international specifications,
facilities at hotels, educational institutions and
theatres. Conference venues in the province range
from country lodges to large conference and
exhibition centres in the cities. While in Limpopo on
a business mission, conference goers will be spoilt
for choice with a plethora of offerings from wildlife
to adventure activities.
Three South African cities are currently excelling in
the business tourism sector, namely, Johannesburg,
Durban and Cape Town. Limpopo does not have the
same sort of large infrastructure that these centres
can call on such as convention centres, but the LTA is
now focussing on creating awareness about what the
province has to offer in the business tourism space.
While Limpopo is still striving towards its goals
in taking full advantage of the opportunities in
tourism, the MICE sector undoubtedly presents an
opening for the province as a destination to focus
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
30

FOCUS
on providing big entities or corporate organisations
with opportunities to host a variety of activities. This
includes incentive trips and team-building sessions
which would be ideally suited to what the province
has to offer.
LTA already has a Business Tourism Strategy in
place that guides it on what needs to be done in the
marketing space and on the supply infrastructure
and tourism demand side. The entity is ready to
establish a dedicated conventions bureau unit to
begin searching for and bidding for events from
associations in the country and beyond, for example,
mining chambers, the Mango Association and Grain
Association. LTA intends to secure the calendars of
these organisations to lobby for their events to be
held in Limpopo Province.
It must be emphasised that there are excellent
facilities throughout the province although
transformation is critical given a low number of
previously disadvantaged enterprises working in this
space. The Agency will work closely with Limpopo
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(LEDET) to address this challenge.
Limpopo Province continues to be one of the
major recipients of tourism arrivals in South Africa
given its broad tourism product offering and appeal.
Limpopo Tourism Agency will continue to build and
strengthen partnerships with the industry, local
government and other key stakeholders in order to
deliver on its mandate. The Agency will capitalise on
this advantage to support and nurture its business
tourism profile.
The Agency will continue to maximise its
competitive advantage of being bordered by three
countries in the SADC region, namely, Botswana,
Zimbabwe and Mozambique. These countries
are seen as a low-hanging fruit as the distance
to Limpopo for business events and conferences
is shorter than anywhere else in the country.
Destination Limpopo’s prospects in business
tourism are enormous with the upcoming Makhado
and Tubatse Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that will
inject R44-billion in investments to the province’s
economy thereby creating 22 800 direct jobs. This
will also contribute to business tourism growth in
the province.
31 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Destination Limpopo
More to Enjoy
Limpopo offers a mosaic of exceptional scenic
landscape, a fascinating cultural heritage, an
abundance of wildlife species and many nature-based
tourism opportunities. Limpopo
is the land of myths, legends, beautiful scenery and
landscapes as well as majestic baobab trees.
The province consists of living cultures, ancient
places, nature reserves and national parks, trees,
things to do and things to experience but all of them
will leave the visitor with a greater insight into what
makes Limpopo the Great North.
Limpopo borders Botswana, Zimbabwe and
Mozambique. It is a prime wildlife destination with
a host of game and nature reserves. The climate in
the Limpopo Province is quite hot since the area
is bisected by the Tropic of Capricorn. Visitors will
find that they can enjoy long sunny days and dry
weather on most days.
There is spectacular game viewing and birding
in the province, as well as a mix of African cultures,
intriguing folklore and legend and prehistoric treasures.
It is home to the Mapungubwe World Heritage
Site, as well as Modjadji, the fabled Rain Queen, and
the age-old relics of the Makapansgat Valley. It is
here that the Venda artists live and thrive, and where
places like Lake Fundudzi and the Vondo Forest are
considered to be sacred.
The birding at Nylsvley RAMSAR Wetland is a
magnet for nature-lovers and many golf enthusiasts
have the extreme 19th hole at Legend Golf and
Safari Resort on their bucket list. The province
is endowed with bountiful natural resources,
including 54 provincial reserves and many private
game reserves.
The city of Polokwane is at the heart of the province
– a growing urban hub with its sights set on
the future, yet with a heart and soul steeped in
traditional values. Limpopo is a fascinating province
and conference delegates or visitors will enjoy the
wild beauty of the area combined with incredible
cultural insights and numerous adventure attractions
that will keep them coming back for more.
Limpopo Tourism Agency is charged with the
responsibility of marketing the province as the
leading tourism destination in Southern Africa with
“More to Enjoy”.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
32

ADVERTORIAL
Making it easier to do business with Nedbank
Whole-view Business Banking
Loderick Lubisi, Nedbank Provincial General Manager for Retail and
Business Banking for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, explains how
Nedbank can help business owners in the region.
on what’s most important to you – running your
business,’ says Lubisi.
In line with our new brand proposition encouraging
clients to see money differently, our Mpumalanga
and Limpopo agriteams are committed to providing
key support, as well as advisory and business services
to all roleplayers involved in the agrispace in both
provinces. We will share our financial expertise
and play a role in advancing profitable, sustainable
practices throughout the agricultural production and
consumption value chain.
There is good news for Mpumalanga
and Limpopo business owners and
entrepreneurs seeking a unique banking
experience: Nedbank Business Banking
has business managers, located across
both provinces, specialising in commercial
industries as well as the agricultural sector.
Lubisi says his team is ready to assist clients with
professional advice, industry-specific solutions
and a comprehensive range of financial products
and services.
‘At Nedbank Business Banking we believe that you
need a financial partner who not only understands
your circumstances and aspirations, but also provides
you with relevant solutions and a banking experience
that is hassle-free. This allows you to concentrate
We recognise that farmers today face many
challenges and that to remain competitive they
continually have to improve and adopt best practices
and new technologies.
‘We encourage you to see money differently with
Whole-view Business Banking’, says Lubisi.
‘We are also involved in a number of initiatives with
the public sector, ensuring that such partnerships
support provincial government goals in respect of job
creation and growing the economy,’ Lubisi concludes.
Should you be interested in taking your business to the
next level, please call Loderick Lubisi on
+27 (0)13 759 4910, send an email to
loderickl@nedbank.co.za or
visit www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
Nedbank Business Bundle is a game changer
with savings and personalised services for
small enterprises
The new Business Bundle from Nedbank is a game changer for small
enterprises in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, offering the best value for
money when compared to rival offerings.
With the country’s challenging economic
environment, the Business Bundle not only
offers you personalised banking services,
but also critical tools to save – with up to
40% savings on monthly banking fees –
contributing directly to the bottomline at a
time when every cent counts.
In line with Nedbank’s new brand proposition to see
money differently, the Business Bundle resonates with
the bank’s commitment to do good by promoting
small enterprises.
‘As a bank for small businesses we are committed
to partnering with entrepreneurs to help grow their
businesses. As such, Nedbank is always looking at
ways in which we can help unlock the value of our
clients’ businesses. We support their business growth
journeys by providing practical tools to help them
run their businesses,’ says Loderick Lubisi, Nedbank
Provincial General Manager, Retail and Business
Banking for Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
‘Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy.
Nedbank has, over the years, instituted various
interventions aimed at giving support to the smallbusiness
sector.’
Trust us to protect your business against
everyday risk
Stella Tedeschi, Regional Manager of Broker
Channels for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, says
Nedbank Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all
business.
Nedbank Insurance has evolved into a business
that provides integrated insurance to individual
and business clients. Our offering comprises
comprehensive short-term insurance solutions,
life insurance solutions and investments.
Nedbank Insurance provides a comprehensive
offering of short-term products on behalf of
blue-chip insurers. Should you be interested in
expert advice on the type of cover that is exactly
right for your business needs, look no further.
Nedbank has a team of specialists ready to provide you with
information necessary to allow you to make an informed
decision. For more information call Stella Tedeschi on
+27 (0)12 436 7659, send an email to
stellat@nedbankinsurance.co.za,
or visit www.nedbank.co.za.
To see how Nedbank can help your small business reach its
goals call Loderick Lubisi on +27 (0)13 759 4910, send an
email to loderickl@nedbank.co.za or
visit www.nedbank.co.za/business.
Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Nedbank Ltd Reg Authorised No 1951/000009/06 financial
Authorised financial services services and registered and registered credit credit provider provider (NCRCP16).

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KEY SECTORS
Overviews of the main economic sectors of
Limpopo
Agriculture 40
Mining 44
Construction and property 58
Energy 59
Transport and logistics 60
Banking and financial services 70
Development finance and SMME
support 74
Education and training 86

OVERVIEW
Agriculture
Five Agricultural Development Zones have been declared.
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 Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market originates
in the fertile province.
The percentage contribution of Limpopo agriculture to national
agriculture is 7.6% although its contribution to provincial GDP is just
2.3%. Agri-processing has enormous potential to expand in every
subsector. The establishment of agri-parks and co-operatives and
support for youth in farming are key provincial government initiatives.
Cotton growing is experiencing a renewal in the province.
Companies like ZZ2 are major contributors to the country’s annual
production of 120 000 tons of avocadoes. Of the current crop, about
half is produced in two Limpopo regions, Letaba and Tzaneen. 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 avocadoes in South Africa.
The same amount of new macadamia planting is underway every
year, according to the Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC), adding to
the existing 19 000ha.
The other big sellers are mangoes and tomatoes. Limpopo grows
three-quarters of South Africa’s mangoes and two-thirds of its tomatoes.
The Waterberg District produces large quantities of red meat, Capricorn
has potatoes in abundance, 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.
SECTOR INSIGHTS
The IDC’s support of a
blueberry operation created
62 new jobs.
The Limpopo Department
of Agriculture and Rural
Development has identified
five Agricultural Development
Zones (ADZs) where support will
be given to farmers to promote
production in the sector. More
than 1 000 small-scale farmers
are being trained annually to
improve their skills and to improve
production. Irrigation schemes
have been revived in eight
districts to assist farmers.
The Provincial Government
of Limpopo’s nine-point
economic plan includes
RAAVC (the revitalisation of the
agriculture and agri-processing
value chain).
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
40

OVERVIEW
National government’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP)
acknowledges agri-processing as one of the best sectors for
labour-intensive growth. In that context, the decision by Dursots-
All Joy to relaunch and upgrade the tomato processing plant in
Modjadjiskloof, Tzaneen, is important for the larger economy. At
least 15 commercial farmers now have a ready market for one of
Limpopo’s chief products and there is potential for the factory to
employ as many as 300 people. There is a shortage of tomato paste
in South Africa.
More support for farmers comes in the allocation of R32-million
by the provincial government of the construction of the Molemole
Agricultural Office in the Capricorn District Municipality. In addition to
tackling drought, the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development has had to put a strategy in place to fight Fall Army Worm.
All of South Africa’s major retailers have enterprise development
programmes which connect farmers to suppliers. In Limpopo
Woolworths supports independent farmers by buying their produce
and Spar channels produce from smallholders through its Fresh
Assembly Point in Mopani.
Massmart’s five-year programme, which tailed off as the company
focussed more on the manufacturing sector which is relevant to their
main business, trained more than 700 farmers in logistics, food safety
and financial management. At its peak, the programme was supporting
164 smallholder farmers.
Another example of an initiative to link farmers to markets was
a Market Linkage Information Day, organised by the Limpopo
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in 2018
at Soekmekaar.
The Limpopo regional office of the Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) has helped expand the province’s agricultural
sector by supporting the creation of two blueberry operations near
Tzaneen. Tzaneen Blueberries used its own money to establish 17.5ha
of blueberry plantations but approached the IDC to fund later stages
of development. The IDC’s R13.5-million assisted in the building of a
packhouse. The expansion created 62 jobs.
In terms of the Provincial Red Meat Cluster Development as
ONLINE RESOURCES
Agro-Food Technology Station, Limpopo University: www.ul.ac.za
Citrus Growers Association: www.cga.co.za
Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust: www.dfpt.co.za
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:
www.lda.gov.za
Macadamias South Africa: www.samac.org.za
South African Subtropical Growers’ Association:
www.subtrop.net
a catalyst towards sustainable
rural livelihoods development
through livestock farming, the
Nguni cattle loan project saw a
total of 350 livestock breeding
animals distributed in 2017/18
to 16 farms. The scheme, a
partnership between LDARD,
the Industrial Development
Corporation and the University
of Limpopo, aims to improve the
quality of breeding stock. It also
forms part of the development
of a provincial Red Meat Cluster.
Companies
ZZ2 is the major brand of Bertie
van Zyl (Pty) Ltd, which produces
160 000 tons of tomatoes per
year. 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 freshmarket
carrots consumed in
Southern Africa under the Rugani
brand.
The two most active
agricultural companies in
Limpopo are NTKLA (with its
headquarters in Modimolle)
and Afgri, South Africa’s biggest
agricultural company, which has
its headquarters in Centurion
(Gauteng).
NTKLA is a shareholder in
Venda Roller Mills in Thohoyandou
and operates 10 grain silos, 23
retail outlets, 28 flour depots and
one cold storage facility.
41 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

PROFILE
Mahlolane
Agricultural Projects
Creating sustainable employment.
Vision
To create sustainable employment opportunities
for young people and encourage them to look no
further than farming.
How do we realise that goal?
Seek partnerships with provincial government and
agricultural schools to provide internships and create
export markets.
Mahlolane Agricultural Projects is an
agricultural production company currently
operating at remotely located
Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality.
The company was formed in 2014. Production
capability is based on 30 hectares of land that is
prepared for crops, which include tomatoes, green
peppers, cabbage and spinach. There are 15 employees,
with scope for at least 30 more people to
be employed.
Underpinning the project is the idea that hard
work promotes peace and happiness. This is captured
in the Latin saying “Labor pacemque felicium”.
Mission statement
To demonstrate crop farming as a sustainable commercial
venture for young and seasoned farmers.
Company objectives
• The company’s short- to medium-term ambitions
are to attract tourism through crop- and
stock-farming activities.
• Our company to be used as an agricultural
school for primary and secondary schools to
visit and learn first-hand about farming.
• To provide local crèches and primary schools
with crops and vegetables at affordable prices.
• To encourage retail stores and supermarkets at
shopping malls to buy local, freshly produced
products.
• To serve and aid strong and aggressive
protection of food security in our province.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Mahlakoleng Village, Ga–Mphahlele 0736
Limpopo Province
General Manager, Pontsho Gloria Mooa
Tel: 076 296 8544
Non-executive Director, Richard Mooa
Tel: 082 467 3049
Email: richardm@globeflight.com
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
42

Making farming a
success story
FOCUS
Ambitious plans to grow Mahlolane Agricultural
Projects into a sustainable model.
Non-executive Director,
Richard Mooa
Richard Mooa is a man on
a mission. As a man who
has achieved success in
more than one field, he
set out in 2014 to plough back to
the community and environment
where he grew up. As he puts it, it
was his way of saying, “Thank you
for raising me, I now want to do
something for you.”
The vehicle was Mahlolane
Agricultural Projects (Pty) Ltd,
which has continued to grow
over the five years of its existence,
and now stands ready to further
expand, if sufficient support can be
found and beneficial partnerships
can be created.
Tackling problems
The project was designed as a
sizeable, affordable and wellmanaged
project to relieve the
pain of hunger among povertystricken
people, especially families
without breadwinners, from
nearby villages in the Lepelle
Nkumpi Municipality area in the
Capricorn District Municipality.
The other major goal was to address the question of jobless youth wandering
the streets aimlessly and hopelessly. These are the youth without any formal
education or any form of training that could help them to support themselves.
Farming was chosen as the solution, the way to bring hope and selfconfidence
to these two target groups. The project faced many challenges,
not least from people who did not believe that it could work.
But Mooa was driven. Remembering that time, he says, “Just because I did
not know where I was at that time, did not mean that I did not know where I
wanted to be.” He wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives.
Partnerships
Of the project’s current status Mooa is upbeat, “I am so delighted at the progress
so far,” but he wants the project to achieve much more. He is looking for
partnerships and the support of agricultural institutions and departments at
local, provincial and national levels.
There are many reasons to support MAP, both social and economic. These
include:
• the creation of employment for local people
• encouragement of youngsters to work and get to love farming as a
career
• the use of animal manure as a means of soil fertilisation
• local pride in a special project of its own
• employees being given a chance to be leaders in their own right.
Huge potential
The challenges faced by the project are real, not least the dryness and the
heat of the area and the fact that movable assets require constant repairs and
maintenance. Access to capital would make it possible to expand production,
sink boreholes, install a pivot irrigation system, fence off areas and buy seed
and equipment. A marketing strategy and a website would help the project
achieve its full potential.
Potential partners – private and public – could provide the assistance to
take this project a long way.
“We are blessed in that we work with young and highly ambitious people,
determined to be role models in their own rights,” says Richard Mooa. “We
believe we have a viable and highly profitable commodity here,” he says.
Moving to the next level will depend on the quality and quantity of resources
that are made available.
43
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

OVERVIEW
Mining
Eight new investments are bringing
jobs to Limpopo.
Mining companies are increasingly concerning themselves
with environmental issues. A R1.5-billion project to improve
air quality at Anglo-Platinum’s Polokwane smelter will be
finalised in 2020. The Sulphur Dioxide Abatement project
will reduce carbon emissions by 96%, create 500 construction jobs and
provide contract work for about a dozen Limpopo companies. The
smelter is shown in the main picture on this page.
Anglo Platinum’s (Amplats) Mogalakwena mine produced a record
1 170 000 PGM ounces in 2018, an improvement of 7%. The company
recorded a number of improvements in efficiencies (operating time
of concentrators rose to over 94%) and the company is investigating
possible expansion of the mine complex.
The sale in late 2018 of Glencore’s stake in the Mototolo PGM mine and
chrome plant marked the end of that company’s foray into platinum. The
purchase of Glencore’s 39% stake takes Amplats’ share in the complex
SECTOR INSIGHTS
Amplats’ Polokwane smelter
has installed sophisticated
air-quality equipment.
up to 89%, giving Amplats access
to a further 130 000oz of platinum
and improving the prospects
of working on the adjacent Der
Brochen. The deal was worth
about R1.5-billion.
Eland mine, after being put on
care and maintenance, was sold in
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
44

OVERVIEW
expansion projet at its Zondereinde mine just south
of Thabazimbi. By building a second furnace at the
facility, Northam is making provision for reaching
a goal of processing one-million ounces of PGMs.
The cost of the expansion, which was partly born
by Heraeus, is R900-million.
Heraeus South Africa has offices in Gauteng
and runs a precious metal chemical compounds
production and refinery site in Port Elizabeth.
Limpopo contributes 4% of coal mining in South
Africa, according to the National Department of
Mineral Resources, 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.
This is where Exxaro operates its Grootegeluk
mine. Nine plants serve a 4km long 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. By
2023 Exxaro hopes to be producing 60-million tons
of coal from its sites in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Its current annual production is 47-million tons.
New projects
2017 by Glencore to Northam for R175-million. In
2019 plans were being put in place to re-open the
mine because of higher prices for rhodium. The
company intends spending R300-million at Eland
and R1.5-billion at Booysendal.
Impala Platinum (Implats) has an interest in two
big operations on the eastern limb of the Bushveld
Igneous Complex. Marula (in which Implats is a 73%
shareholder) is in Limpopo, about 50km north of
Burgersfort. South of the same town, in Mpumalanga,
Implats (49%) is in a joint venture with African Rainbow
Minerals (ARM) at the Two Rivers mine.
Northam bought the Tumela block from
Amplats and invested heavily in a smelter
Eight new mining projects in the Capricorn and
Sekhukhune districts are expected to attract
investments worth R2.5-billion and create about
3 000 new jobs. There are currently 147 active
mining projects in the province and the sector
contributes 24.5% to the Provincial Gross Domestic
Product (PGDP).
According to the Office of the Premier, the number
of jobs in the sector increased from 71 000 in 2013 to
103 000 in 2017/18. The soils of Limpopo are rich in
platinum group metals, coal, copper, diamonds, gold,
iron ore, nickel, rare earth minerals and tin.
Other major investments in Limpopo include an
ongoing project by De Beers to convert its Venetia
45
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

OVERVIEW
NEW WIMSA CHAIRPERSON RAISES THE BAR
Selected as one of the “Top 100 Global Inspirational Women
in Mining” by Women in Mining UK in 2018, Thabile Makgala
was recently appointed to the position of Chairperson of
Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA).
Thabile holds the position of Executive: Mining at Impala
Platinum but getting to the top was no easy journey.
Thabile recalls “numerous obstacles while navigating my
mining career path”. Her qualifications include a master’s
degree in business administration from the University of
Stellenbosch Business School and a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mining Engineering (Cum laude), from the
University of the Witwatersrand. But as the first female
mining engineer graduate at Goldfields Kloof and Driefontein
division (now Sibanye Gold), it soon became clear that, as she
recalls, “the industry had not adequately prepared itself to
accept women in mining”.
“The response to women’s needs (infrastructure, personal
protective clothing, and policies) was slow and very little was
in place to address women’s issues.”
Her extensive experience has given Thabile insight into what
is needed. “Women and men should hold equal representation
in the workplace,” she says, “and mining companies should
prioritise and advocate for diversity, inclusion, parity and
for greater recognition of female leadership within their
organisations.”
Thabile is encouraged by progress made by women in mining
but wants to see “more deliberate and proactive action”.
Her hope is that in 10 years, “the fundamental elements
such as empowering, caring, showing respect, connecting
and growing our female talent, would have been achieved”.
mine from an open-pit mine to a verticalshaft
mine, and a multi-billion new
platinum mine project led by a Canadian
firm. Venetia mine is by far the most
important part of De Beers’ South African
operation, accounting for 3.1-million of
the 5.4-million carats recovered by the
company from its six operations.
Ivanplats, the subsidiary of the
Canadian company, has started sinking
shafts at its new mine near Mokopane
south-west of Polokwane. Ivanhoe has a
64% stake in Ivanplats with 10% owned
by a group of Japanese companies
including ITOCHU Corporation and Japan
Gas Corporation.
Mineral beneficiation is a key
component of the newly accredited
Musina-Makhado Special Economic
Zone (SEZ) in the far north of Limpopo.
The De Beers Group’s Venetia
mine in northern Limpopo is a giant
project in every sense.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
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OVERVIEW
Impala Platinum is a major presence in Limpopo.
In 2018 nine Chinese companies committed to
investing more than $10-billion in projects related
to the zone’s four main areas of activity: a coking
plant, a power plant, an alloy factory and the
manufacture of steel.
The planned Tubatse Platinum SEZ will focus on
mining, as its name implies. According to LEDA, 17
new mines were established in the greater Tubatse/
Burgersfort/Steelport area between 2001 and 2016,
and a further 22 new mines are planned.
The focus at Tubatse will be 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.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Minerals Council South Africa: www.mineralscouncil.org.za
Department of Mineral Resources: www.dme.gov.za
Geological Society of South Africa: www.gssa.org.za
South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: www.saimm.co.za
47
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

PROFILE
Ties with China build
a better Phalaborwa
Since 1956, PMC has been South Africa’s
sole producer of refined copper.
and the mine produces other by-products such as magnetite,
vermiculite, sulphuric acid, anode slimes and nickel sulphate.
Chinese investment
Palabora Copper (Pty) Limited
is an incorporated operative
subsidiary of Palabora
Mining Company (PMC), a
copper mine that also operates as a
smelter and refinery complex in Ba-
Phalaborwa Municipality, Limpopo
Province in South Africa.
The mine is 80% owned by a
Chinese Consortium comprising HBIS,
Tewoo, General Nice and CADFund
through Smart Union Resources
South Africa. The rest of the equity
is jointly owned by the South African
government through the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC), a
black empowerment consortium,
PMC employees and communities.
Since its incorporation in 1956,
Palabora Copper (PC) has been South
Africa’s sole producer of refined copper,
The Chinese Consortium acquired PC in 2013 when PC was
facing two possible scenarios: (a) culmination of the life-ofmine
and (b) no overhauling of the smelter which was outdated
and facing shutdown. The first scenario would have resulted
in the loss of employment for more than 3 500 employees
(direct and indirect) while the second scenario would have
led to the loss of jobs for more than 700 off-stream employees
at the smelter.
Soon after the sale transaction, the new owners fostered
partnerships between PC and Chinese companies in areas
such as economic development, trade, skills and technology
transfers to achieve ground-breaking and substantive results
in extending the life-of-mine, refurbishing the smelter and
building a floatation plant.
To this end, the Chinese Consortium approved R10.4-billion
to extend the life-of-mine to beyond 2033, R878-million to
refurbish the smelter to ensure that PC continues to produce
copper rod, and R199-million to construct the floatation plant
to improve copper recoveries, operational efficiencies and to
reduce operational costs.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
48

PROFILE
Looking into the future
Palabora Copper is undertaking a life-of-mine
extension project known as the Lift II. The project
aims to extend the life of the business up to 2033.
The project includes the magnetite reclamation
and beneficiation study aimed at creating
additional revenue from the legacy stockpile.
The company committed about R700-million
to the pre-feasibility study and approximately
R10-billion is expected to be spent throughout
the development of the project.
The employer of choice
Since its inception, Palabora Copper has been
at the forefront of employment practices in
the local mining industry. Palabora, which
employs an average of 3 700 employees (Lift
I and II) aims to remain industry competitive
through its favourable conditions of
employment.
This is reflected in the utmost importance
with which the safety and health of
employees is regarded in order to remain efficient
and profitable as a business.
The company has written and developed its
code of ethics to follow strategic imperatives
which include: providing a safe and healthy work
environment for all employees and contractor
employees and practising sound environmental
management to ensure the sustainable
biodiversity of the natural environment within
which it operates.
Palabora Copper acknowledges and respects
its stakeholders’ interest and concerns, striving to
be a leading corporate citizen within the mining
industry and supplying a high standard of quality
products and services, reliably and responsibly,
at national and global level. Palabora Copper is
certified as a Top Employer.
For more information:
www.palabora.com
49 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
PMC’s support for ongoing
sustainability drive is paying off
Palabora Mining Company is an energy-efficiency leader in
the mining sector.
The water quality of the Olifants River (above) and the Selati River are constantly
monitored as part of PMC’s Environmental Management Programme.
Palabora Mining Company’s code of ethics
includes consideration given to the healthy
work environment of employees but also to
ensuring that sound environmental management
is pursued so that the biodiversity of the
natural environment in which PMC operates can be
sustained for many years to come. These are among
the company’s strategic imperatives.
Energy Management Programme
Mining activities are inherently very energy
intensive, so PMC launched an Energy Management
Programme in 2012 to curb the half-a-billion-rand
energy bill which was continually growing. PMC
collaborated with a consulting company, resulting
in the employment of 12 energy specialists and
project managers who would, in conjunction with
mining personnel, identify, implement and sustain
energy cost-saving projects. As a result, 117 initiatives
were identified. Following stringent technical and
financial adjudication processes, 31 projects were
implemented.
Step 1: Identify energy cost-saving opportunities
and ideas through data collection and process
analysis.
Step 2: Scope the ideas in terms of cost and return.
Step 3: Prioritise the ideas based on ease of
implementation, highest return and least cost.
Step 4: Develop an implementation plan for the
suite of projects submitted to management and
board members for approval.
Step 5: Implement the approved plan.
Step 6: Continuous measurement and verification
of each project’s performance to ensure the
sustainability of the programme.
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50

FOCUS
As a result of adherence to the Productivity
Approach over the past five years the company
has saved R232-million through avoided energy
costs. These consist of:
• Electricity savings worth R181-million
• Coal and liquid fuels savings worth R43-million
• Water savings worth R8-million.
With the help of external funding mechanisms
worth R28-million the Energy Management
Programme had a net benefit of R173-million by
the end of July 2017.
Palabora Mining Company’s Energy
Management Programme has not only created
a sustainable model but has also emphasised
the company’s standpoint regarding its
environmental responsibility. PMC is now an
energy-efficiency leader in the mining sector.
Going green
The company is a certified ISO 14001
business, that subscribes to worldleading
practices. Located directly
adjacent to the world-renowned ecotourism
attraction, the Kruger National
Park, Palabora Copper coordinates several
onsite wildlife management and cultural
heritage programmes as part of its
ongoing sustainability drive.
Over the past years, Palabora Copper
has retained a record of being one of the
safest mines in South Africa and Africa.
This is particularly due to the stringent
SHEQ regulations and procedures in
place, and the effective management of
contractors on site.
51
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Women of PMC
Experience, skill and drive underpin
three success stories.
A
number of highly motivated women are
making stellar careers for themselves in
mining at PMC and providing inspiration
for scores of other women in the sector.
Matsela Ntsepe: Process Engineering
Manager
Matsela Dolphinah Ntsepe is a chemical engineer with
more than 17 years of experience in diamond, coal
and copper mining. Matsela is Palabora Copper’s (PC)
Process Engineering Manager for the Smelter Retrofit
Project, a position she earned through hard work and
ascending through the ranks. Matsela started her career
as a Metallurgical Trainee and rose through various
levels including System Engineer, Refinery Technical
Metallurgist, Refinery Technical Superintendent,
Concentrator and Magnetite Technical Superintendent
and Refinery Operations Manager.
Matsela’s experience in the mining industry
embraces equipment evaluation and selection, plant
process audits, treatment and optimisation, initiation,
implementation and management of processes,
maintaining and improving safety and financial and
human resources management.
Matsela or “Tsela” serves as the current Chairperson
of the Women in Mining (WiM) PC branch and is an
Ex-Officio Executive Member in the Limpopo region.
In addition, Tsela is a member of PC Transformation
Committee and a Trustee of PC Essop.
Matsela holds a National Diploma and B-Tech in
Chemical Engineering from Witwatersrand Technikon and
a Management Development and Financial Management
Programmes from the University of South Africa.
Being able to acquire mining technical qualifications
is hard and being a manager in the mining industry is a
difficult ladder to climb. Matsela has achieved both while
maintaining her humility and promoting the needs of
others. Tsela proved that a woman does not need to
behave like a man to be smart, support other women
and make it in the mining industry.
Matsela Ntsepe: Process Engineering Manager
As the member of the PC Transformation Committee,
Tsela influences and facilitates the direction of PC’s
future strategic transformation agenda. This includes
recommendations on local economic development
projects that take gender mainstreaming and equality
into consideration.
Tsela is a finalist for the Limpopo Mine and Safety
Council’s Women Achievers Award and the Standard
Bank Women in Science Award.
Manyabela Mailula: Manager for Training,
Development and Contractor Management
At only 35 years of age, Manyabela Mailula has more than
13 years’ experience in technical research and mining in
countries such as Turkey, Georgia, USA and South Africa.
Manyabela is Palabora Mining Company (PMC) Manager
for Training, Development and Contractor Management.
She holds a National Diploma in Metallurgical
Engineering from Vaal University of Technology, a BTech
in Metallurgical Engineering (Tshwane University of
Technology), Honours in Management of Technology
(University of Pretoria), a Higher Certificate in Education,
Training and Development (University of Johannesburg)
and a Work Place Assessor Certificate from the Drum
Beat Academy.
PHOTO FLURRY PRODUCTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
52

FOCUS
Manyabela Mailula: Manager for Training,
Development and Contractor Management
Manyabela started her career as a Metallurgical Trainee
at ASA Metals (Dilokong Chrome Mine). She joined PMC/
Palabora Copper (PC) as a Smelter Training Officer and
ascended to the position of Operational Readiness
Manager. Manyabela’s current responsibilities include the
development of PC’s training and development strategies,
policies and standards.
Manyabela is the Chairperson of Limpopo Region’s
Women in Mining. She is Chairperson of Employment
Equity Skills Development and serves as the member
of the board of Phalaborwa’s Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) College.
Training and development policies influence how the
company perceives safety, gender parity and employment
equity. Manyabela has used her role at PC to create training
materials that allow for gender freedom and flexibility.
Manyabela is a finalist for the Limpopo Mine and Safety
Council’s Women Achievers Award and Standard Bank
Young Achiever of the Year Award. The latter award is for
women who have achieved a lot before the age of 40.
Zani Kutumela: A leader without a title
Zani Kutumela, 35, is an author, social activist,
motivational speaker and mother. She has a BA Degree
in Communications, with majors in English and Journalism,
from the University of Johannesburg.
Palabora Copper (PC) employs Zani on a full-time
basis as an Administrator for the Training Department. Her
work involves interacting with people from diverse social,
political, economic and cultural backgrounds. The majority
interact with PC in order to get some type of assistance
(securing employment or learnership opportunities or a
contract). Zani is required to appreciate socio-economic
dynamics and balance the socio-economic imbalances
which exist in society.
Zani indirectly plays a role in ensuring that PC
training, procurement and learnership opportunities
are in line with the national transformation agenda and
the demands of local communities.
As an author, Zani published a poetry collection
titled Re-routing in 2018. Her poems criticise gender- and
children-based violence. Other poems in the anthology
speak to her love for Africa and pride in being an African.
As a social and gender activist, Zani is committed to
alleviating poverty and to opposing violence. She has
for the past three years dedicated time and financial
resources to donating food parcels, sanitary towels,
school shoes and blankets to disadvantaged families
and children, of which the majority are women. This
she achieves by asking for donations, and sometimes by
utilising her own limited resources. So far in 2019, Zani
has donated 156 pairs of shoes to Zamani Primary School
and 46 winter blankets to Phulabyehola Primary School.
Zani has also adopted Thabelang Disability Centre
based in Makhushane. The Centre houses 56 physically
challenged adults and children from the Phalaborwa
municipal area. Zani regularly donates food parcels and
her commitment has helped attracted sponsorships: a
borehole has been dug and paint donated.
Zani is a finalist for Limpopo Mine and Safety
Council’s Best Poverty Alleviation Project Award and
Standard Bank Young Achiever of the Year Award.
Zani Kutumela: Social activist and author.
53 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Addressing
community needs
Electrification, water supply and a crèche upgrade are
recent projects undertaken by Marula Platinum Mine.
Recent initiatives
Marula Platinum Mine is 73% owned by
Implats and is one of the first operations
to have been developed on the
relatively under-exploited eastern limb
of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The mine is
in the Limpopo Province and employs approximately
3 500 people. Black economic empowerment forms
a key component of the Marula operation, and our
partners together own 27% of the company.
Marula’s social investment strategy focuses
on addressing the needs identified within its
host communities. The mine invests in local
socio-economic development initiatives, drives
transformation, and engages with community
representatives and government officials at all levels.
Makgoma Chrome is a joint venture that assists local
communities with the extraction and marketing of
chrome from tailings.
However, it is through Marula’s core activities
– employing people, paying taxes and procuring
from host communities – that it makes the biggest
contribution to the socio-economic development of
the Sekhukhune District and the Limpopo province.
Water supply: The installation of an electric pump
and three JoJo tanks in the Seuwe community in
the Mashibiring section. The pump supplies water to
500 households, approximately 5 000 people in the
village and a nearby crèche and secondary school.
Crèche revamp: Karabo Crèche, an early childhood
development centre in Mashibiring, now consists
of an office, kitchen, sick bay and three additional
classrooms. The donation brings to an end many
years of struggles with the daily running of the centre
because of limited space and inadequate facilities.
Village electrification: The Maahlapa section in
Ga-Mashishi Village has been electrified from the
proceeds of the chrome project. Phase two of the
project will see another 108 houses electrified.
Literacy: Ongoing full-time literacy classes are
provided at the mine, and Marula invests in skills
development through learnerships, short courses
and workplace training.
Supporting local business: Preferential procurement
and investment in enterprise and supplier
development provide important opportunities for
social and economic transformation. During the 2018
financial year, Marula procured R101-million worth of
goods and services from local companies.
CONTACT INFO
Contact: Alice Lourens, Group Head: Investor
Relations and Corporate Communication
Tel: +27 11 731 9033
Email: alice.lourens@implats.co.za
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
54

ENRICHING LIVES
in many ways
Implats’ commitment to sustainable mining
businesses creates employment and stimulates
local business opportunities and the development
of social infrastructure around its operations.
Implats is proud of its contribution to the
economy and the role it plays in bringing about
economic transformation – enriching lives in
many ways.
Coole Adv 18361

INTERVIEW
Safety first at
Venetia Mine
Gerrie Nortje, General Manager at Venetia Mine, outlines all the
steps that are taken to keep miners as safe as possible.
Gerrie Nortje, General
Manager at Venetia Mine
BIOGRAPHY
Gerrie Nortje began his career
with Anglo American in 1997
as a bursar studying Mining
Engineering. On completion of
his degree, he worked at various
Anglo American Thermal Coal
operations before becoming
Operations Manager at Xstrata.
He re-joined Anglo American as
a Principal Mining Engineer and
transitioned into a Lead Open
Pit Mining role during 2014 as
a member of the Technical and
Sustainability team. At head
office he was involved with a
variety of projects across the
group’s business units.
What are the key principles behind keeping a
mineoperation safe?
All mines should be constructed and operated as per the design to eliminate
and, where not possible, mitigate risk in every part of the process. Quantifying
the risks to which our employees and communities are exposed forms a key
pillar in Safety Management. Engineering controls remain the most effective
and as a result are the highest on the hierarchy of controls.
At De Beers and Venetia Mine, we pride ourselves in our first value, which
is “Putting Safety First”. This means that all our employees and contractors
are empowered to work safely, stop unsafe work, withdraw from an unsafe
area and escalate any unsafe conditions. This is an expectation from every
employee. The safety culture and one of transparency and collaboration is
absolutely critical. Not tolerating risk and being unconditional about safety
every single day remains paramount in succeeding. Fatigue management
is also important.
What programmes are in place to promote safety?
We have in excess of 20 workstreams focusing on elimination of fatalities.
Controls keep people safe and critical controls keep people alive. We are
improving all our critical controls and verifications.
What are some of your achievements in tackling safety?
Before we talk about successes, we should first reflect on the tragic death
of Maggie Semata on 25 March 2018 in the ore-processing plant at Venetia.
The loss was devastating for Maggie’s family, everyone at Venetia Mine, De
Beers Group and Anglo American. I have taken a stance that no Venetian
will lose his or her life ever again.
Is Zero Harm achievable?
There is no doubt that Zero Harm is achievable. Some departments at Venetia
have never suffered an injury in 27 years since commencement of operations.
Will mechanisation assist in advancing safety?
Removing employees from harm’s way will remain one of the most effective
measures, so yes it will. Mechanisation and automation play a critical role in
keeping our employees safe. It also provides opportunities for employees
to develop other skill sets.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
56

INTERVIEW
Moving more
Giants
Project aims to translocate 300 elephants.
The second translocation of elephants
from the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve
(VLNR) in South Africa to Zinave National
Park in Mozambique has taken place.
The first herds of elephants made the 1 700km
road journey to Zinave in the last week of June 2019.
The final herds arrived at Zinave on 11 July​, bringing
the total number of elephants moved in 2019 to 53.
During the first phase of the project, 48 elephants
were translocated. These elephants, moved in family
groups, consisted of matriarchs, younger males and
females, and calves. Those elephants have been
seen integrating with other herds at Zinave and
have been thriving with more space and food now
available to them.
The translocation is part of a major conservation
effort – “Moving Giants” – that aims to move some
200 elephants over three years to secure the future
of the VLNR, which was under threat due to too
many elephants affecting the broader ecosystem,
and to help repopulate Mozambique’s elephant
population.
VLNR is partnering with Peace Parks Foundation,
a transfrontier conservation organisation whose
aim is to re-establish, renew and preserve
large functional ecosystems, and Conservation
Solutions, experts in wildlife management whose
team manage the challenging logistics and
veterinary care of the elephants throughout the
process. Peace Parks co-manage Zinave National
Park with the Mozambique government and have
ongoing responsibility for the wellbeing of the
elephants.
Werner Myburgh, CEO, Peace Parks Foundation,
said, “The future of the African elephant is bleak in
most parts of Africa, except for the southern Africa
region where the outlook on their population
numbers are stable and even, in some cases,
increasing. Zinave National Park in Mozambique
is one of these places and brings hope as a new
founder population is on the rise.”
Anglo American is backing up its investment in
the elephant translocation initiative by providing
Peace Parks with a further US$500 000 investment
from the Anglo American Foundation to enhance
and extend anti-poaching support measures. Peace
Parks has been working with local communities
to ensure that the introduction of the elephants
to the park has a positive impact for their human
neighbours.
57 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

OVERVIEW
Construction and
property
Infrastructure and state housing are
potential markets for builders.
SECTOR INSIGHTS
A provincial theatre is in the
planning stages.
The Risima Housing and Finance Corporation, a division of the
Limpopo Development Agency (LEDA), is helping citizens of
the province to become homeowners. Since 2014, Risima has
assisted 1 037 beneficiaries with loans of up to R1.5-million.
The gap market – people who earn too much to qualify for social
(RDP) housing but don’t earn enough to be granted bonds – is a
hot topic. Opportunities exist, but the risk profile is different. A new
association caters for this subsector, the South African Affordable
Residential Developers Association (SAARDA).
Risima has introduced the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy
Programme, for those earning between R3 501 and R15 000 per month.
Risima and the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human
Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) distribute grants to cover
a deposit or to make up the shortfall between an asking price and what
the applicant can afford.
A non-mortgaged financial product 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.
The Provincial Government of Limpopo has built more than 320 000
houses since 1994. A budget of R3.9-billion has been assigned by National
Treasury towards the Limpopo Academic Hospital. Clinics are also
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
being built, providing more work
opportunities in the construction
sector. A start has been made on a
provincial theatre, with R15-million
allocated to allow planning for the
project to get underway.
A large development is under
way in Thohoyandou. A 27ha
site is being converted into
Thavhani City which will include
an office park, automotive-related
businesses, private healthcare, a
library, an information centre and
a sports stadium. Thavhani Mall
(pictured) is already functioning.
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.
The Enterprise Development
and Finance Division of LEDA not
only offers loans to businesses in
the construction and property
sector but runs specialised
training in vocational skills
such as bricklaying, plastering,
carpentry, plumbing, electrical
and welding.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
58

OVERVIEW
Energy
Large energy users are going off-grid.
The Mogalakwena Mine run by Anglo American Platinum
(Amplats) is a large energy user. The mine’s concentrator relies
on constant and reliable electricity supply. With energy
comprising a significant portion of costs and national utility
Eskom experiencing difficulties in terms of its debt and its ability to supply
reliable power, the mining company is investigating the installation
of a large solar PV project. In early 2019 the project was at the “request
for interest” stage.
Anglo Platinum has pioneered an underground mining locomotive
powered by a fuel cell. Platinum coating greatly enhances the hydrogen
absorption capacity of fuel cells. Mining group Exxaro is sponsoring
the roll-out of alternative energy near its remote Tshikondeni mine
east of Musina.
Implats is already using natural gas to supply its refinery in Springs.
Phase one of the project will see 20 Doosan fuel cells generating 8MW
of power. The long-term goal is to generate 22-30MW.
The huge Eskom project at Medupi power station is over budget and
behind in implementation. Three of the plant’s six units are operating
(although there have been some problems) and two more will come
on stream in 2019. When the plant is completed, the Lephalale area will
become a petrochemical hub and energy complex.
An Energy and Metallurgical Cluster is an important component of
the new Special Economic Zone that has recently been approved at
Limpopo Projects
Project MW Location Operational
Tom Burke Solar Park 60MW Lephalale,
ONLINE RESOURCES
Waterberg DM
August 2016
Witkop Solar 29.68MW Polokwane September 2014
Soutpan Solar Park 28MW Blouberg,
SOURCE: IPPPP, Provincial Report IV, March 2017.
Capricorn DM
July 2014
The provincial government's Green Economy Plan has identified solar
and biomass as the main kinds of renewable energy for Limpopo. With
National Department of Energy: www.energy.gov.za
huge silicon reserves in the province, there is also potential to produce
solar Southern panels and African solar Biofuels charges for Association: cell phones. www.saba.za.org
Nine South biogas African digesters Photovoltaic have been installed Industry in Association:
the Vhembe District to be
controlled www.sapvia.co.za by young entrepreneurs trained by the University of Venda. A
group of 31 students is studying Energy Management Systems as part of
the provincial plan.
SECTOR INSIGHTS
The Musina-Makhado Special
Economic Zone (SEZ) will be
a power generator.
Musina-Makhado in the far north
of the province.
The two local municipalities
have been allocated R147-million
by provincial government for
infrastructure upgrades, including
electricity.
The National Department
of Energy’s Renewable Energy
Independent Power Producer
Procurement Programme
(REIPPPP) has been very successful
so far. The three photovoltaic solar
projects located in Limpopo have
a combined investment value of
R3.6-billion.
The provincial government’s
Green Economy Plan has identified
solar and biomass as the main kinds
of renewable energy for Limpopo.
With huge silicon reserves in the
province, there is also potential
to produce solar panels and solar
chargers for cell phones.
Nine biogas digesters have
been installed in the Vhembe
District to be controlled by young
entrepreneurs trained by the
University of Venda. A group of
31 students is studying Energy
Management Systems as part of
the provincial plan.
Online resources
59 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
National Department of Energy: www.energy.gov.za
Southern African Biofuels Association: www.saba.za.org
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association: www.sapvia.co.za

OVERVIEW
Transport and logistics
The new Musina Intermodal Terminal is operating.
The official opening of 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 on site 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.
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 since 2006, whereas the
R33 carries less traffic.
The building of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) will further boost Limpopo’s importance as a transport and
logistics hub.
Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), of which the provincial government
is the sole shareholder, accounts for about a third of the budget of the
Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure. It
has been successfully focussed on tackling a backlog of infrastructure
maintenance, but it has also created partnerships with the national
roads agency and private companies to deliver roads.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is
involved in two major road projects in support of the Musina-Makhado
SEZ. The N1 is to be re-routed and a new single carriageway created in
the Musina CBD. A bypass into ZCC Moria, the site of huge gatherings
every Easter, has been completed. Elsewhere, RAL is working with
Implats to build 17km of road near the company’s Marula mine.
SECTOR INSIGHTS
The Great North Transport
company runs more than
500 buses.
Since 2014, some R2.6-billion
has been spent by the provincial
government on building bridges
and upgrading gravel roads to tar.
Polokwane is the site of
major investments in transport
infrastructure. SANRAL is building
a R640-million ring road and a bus
rapid transport system is being
introduced to the provincial
capital. The scheme is called
Leeto la Polokwane. Within the
province more broadly, 22.6% of
households in Limpopo use bus
transport and 45.8% use taxis
(2013 Household Travel Survey).
Outside Polokwane, the towns
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
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
60

OVERVIEW
kilometres every year on 279 routes, employs more than 1 200 people
and transports 37.6-million passengers.
In addition to ownership of Great North Transport buses, the
provincial government has 26 private bus subsidy contracts. In 2018/19,
R737-million was spent on bus subsidy services.
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) 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 Gauteng: in Cape Town, Durban, Nelspruit –
and Polokwane. This illustrates the importance of the Limpopo Province
and its capital city in the national logistics chain.
IMPERIAL Logistics Southern Africa has 70 companies in its group
structure, including Kobus Minaar Transport, a firm that began in
Tzaneen transporting fruit and vegetables. Other active companies
ONLINE RESOURCES
Gateway Airports Authority Limpopo: www.gaal.co.za
Limpopo Economic Development Agency: www.lieda.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
Transnet Freight Rail: www.transnet.net
in Limpopo include Dawn Wing
Logistics, Kargo, F&R Logistics and
Aramex SA.
Polokwane International Airport
(PIA) is wholly owned by the
provincial government and run by
the Gateway Airport sAuthority Ltd
(GAAL), an agency of the Limpopo
Department of Transport. It has
the potential to be an important
regional cargo airport.
SA Airlink caters mainly to the
business market and offers 21
flights to Johannesburg six days
a week. The airline also provides
links between Phalaborwa and
Johannesburg, and between
Hoedspruit and Johannesburg
and Cape Town.
Many game reserves have
airstrips and regional airports in
the eastern part of the province
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.
61 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

PROFILE
Gateway Airports
Authority Limited
Accelerating change to improve aviation.
Gateway Airports Authority (SOC)
Limited (GAAL) is a strategic entity of
the Limpopo Department of Transport.
It has the fundamental responsibility of
providing passenger and cargo services through its
airport, Polokwane International Airport, while also
providing aviation support services.
The geographical location of the province
provides the airport with numerous business and
economic opportunities. Limpopo Province, which
is the Gateway to the rest of Africa, shares borders
with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The
airport is therefore a strategic entity to boost and
to benefit from trade relations between South Africa
and the rest of Africa.
GAAL’s annual performance plan for 2018/19
shows a clear understanding of the priorities of
the Limpopo Provincial Government; purposefully
to contribute towards the growth of the provincial
economy and the creation of employment
opportunities in line with the Limpopo
Development Plan.
Customer services targets as set out in the annual
performance plan will ensure the success of the
ultimate strategic objectives as set out by GAAL.
Polokwane International Airport welcomes
thousands of business people and visitors to our
province annually. Our airports welcome millions of
business people and visitors to our country. We are
proud that our world-class infrastructure supports
economic growth, job creation and contributes to
the tourism value chain.
Commitments
GAAL is committed to running the airport efficiently
and ensuring we remain relevant while contributing
towards the province’s economy.
GAAL is also committed to addressing the
challenges to increase the frequency and number
of flights as well as utilising bigger aircraft to
unlock the latent demand in Limpopo and to build
a culture of flying to complement the prevailing
road travel preferences. GAAL is committed to its
corporate social investment and to live up to its
corporate citizenship responsibilities and to deliver
on the plans and targets put forward in the annual
performance plan.
All of these commitments are made with the
prime objective of accelerating change in order to
improve aviation in Limpopo.
CONTACT DETAILS
Physical address:
N1 North Makhado Road
Gateway Drive
Polokwane
0700
Postal address:
PO Box 1309, Polokwane, Limpopo 0700
Tel: +27 15 288 0122
Email: marketing@gaal.co.za
Website: www.gaal.co.za
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
62

Leading the growth of the
aviation industry in Limpopo
The Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) provides aviation
services and maintains the Polokwane International Airport.
Mission Statement
• To operate and develop public
airports within the province of
Limpopo
• To create an intra-Limpopo flight
operations network to feed
Polokwane International Airport
(PIA)
• To develop PIA as the hub of the
SADC region and the north region
of South Africa
• In collaboration with our key
stakeholders, to stimulate economic
and social development for the
people of Limpopo.
GAAL core values
Passionate - Living our values and pursuing
our goals, shared vision and commitment
to our mission with passion
Integrity - Enabling trust and respect in
all our actions by doing the right actions
all the time and being accountable and
ethical
Agility - Ability to move quickly, easily and
accurately in compliance with aviation and
other applicable legislations
Commitment - Appetite and thirst for new
challenges, and caring for the business’
success
Customer-centric - Providing innovative
all-round service delivery to the customer
needs and positive experience
Tel: +27 15 288 0122 | Website: www.gaal.co.za

MESSAGE
Limpopo’s airport
authority is exploring
business opportunities
GAAL’s new CEO, Masingita Baloyi, envisages turning the Polokwane International Airport
into a hub for airfreight and passengers by setting up a feeder network for all the airports
within the province.
GAAL CEO, Masingita Baloyi
BIOGRAPHY
Masingita has a wealth of
experience in aviation. He
holds a bachelor’s degree in
Administration from the University
of Limpopo and a programme
in e-Commerce from UNISA
Graduate School of Business
Leadership. He is currently
studying for a Master of Business
Leadership. Masingita has worked
at the University of Johannesburg,
South African Airways (cargo and
revenue management) and First
Rand Bank. He was GM: Human
Resources of the Independent
Development Trust. Before joining
GAAL, he was a management
consultant at ATA Research.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
The Gateway Airports Authority Limited is a state-owned company
under the custody of the Limpopo Department of Transport. Despite
the entity’s listing as a schedule 3D public enterprise in terms of the
Public Finance Management Act, it is administered in accordance with
the Companies Act of 2008’s scope and limitations. GAAL’s mandate is derived
from its articles of association dated 29 March 1995, which is for GAAL to act as
airport manager and administrator within the province.
GAAL seeks to create prolific business opportunities to better maximise
the utilisation of its assets and resources so as to generate sufficient revenue
to be a financially sustainable entity that generates modest profits. Among
other prospective business opportunities are the plans the entity has to lease
45 hectares of land to potential investors for business opportunities that
will be in support of the growth, development and operations of the entity.
The entity is also currently looking to secure alternative passenger and/
or commercial airline operators as well as increase routes from OR Tambo
International Airport to other airports such as Lanseria, Cape Town International
Airport and King Shaka International Airport on a 1, 5, 7 schedule.
Another business prospect that the entity is looking to secure is that of
a reputable restaurant that will operate from the Polokwane International
Airport. Such business prospects will allow the entity to make the Polokwane
International Airport an optimally functioning airport that serves the needs
of its clientele.
Infrastructure
The airport has successfully installed positive pressure ventilators in the airside
as well as upgraded and maintained its runways and lights. Other completed
developments include the construction of the JOC operating centre. An
infrastructure development that is currently still in the supply-chain process is
that of upgrading and maintaining the airport’s board signages.
Aeronautical services
This service focusses on all airline operations, including private chartered flights.
Non-aeronautical services
This service includes: general aviation, car rentals, travel agencies, retail stores,
aviation fuel supply, hangars and office rentals.
64

Celebrating Nelson
Mandela 100: Creating
Legacies Towards
World-Class Public
Transport
FOCUS
Leeto la Polokwane increases momentum for faster, more inclusive
growth that heralds an economic transformation in a sustainable way.
By Musa Ndlangamandla
A new study of transport systems in 35 major cities around the
world has revealed that an efficient public transport network can
provide these cities with an economic value of up to R3-trillion
($238-billion) annually by 2030. The best transportation systems
are those in cities that can move people quickly, efficiently and
comfortably to their destination. This is according to Londonbased
consulting firm Credo, which conducted The Mobility
Opportunity study.
Like other leading cities, the City of Polokwane is already
achieving this with the roll-out of an Integrated Rapid Public
Transportation System (IRPTS) that features modern infrastructure,
easy connections across various modes of transportation, and,
above all, a clear strategy of how to meet future needs.
Executive Mayor of Polokwane Councillor Thembisile
Nkadimeng, above, asserts that an efficient and cost-effective
As South Africa gears itself to
be the next big emerging
market story of 2018
(according to Goldman
Sachs), the public transport sector is
at the heart of reigniting economic
growth and investment to ensure
sustainable livelihoods.
65
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
public transport system not only connects
people to daily life but also spurs socio-economic
development, sustainable job creation and improved
access to markets.
The City of Polokwane was chosen by the
government, through the National Department
of Transport (NDoT) to be among 13 cities in South
Africa to introduce the Integrated Rapid Public
Transport Network (IRPTN). For Polokwane the
vision has found expression in the multi-modal
transport service aptly called “Leeto la Polokwane”
– It is Our Journey.
The project is implemented in phases with
Phase 1 covering the Central Business District and
Seshego corridor. The project has resulted in the
construction of a trunk route and the upgrading of
road infrastructure.
The majority of road infrastructure has been
constructed, including the following:
• a trunk route between Seshego and the City
• trunk extensions
• feeder routes
• feeder stops
• non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure
• a control centre at the new Peter Mokaba
Stadium
• a layover facility
• Leeto la Polokwane is characterised by
dedicated bus lanes, modern buses, smartcard
payment systems, modern bus stations that
are safe and comfortable, and a control
centre to speed up public transport and give
passengers a better quality of service
• Go-Live 2019 will in the interim operate
kerbside until the depot and bus station are
ready. Buses will in the interim be operated at
the layover facility.
“We are well on track towards our Go-Live targets.
We have set our sights on delivering the high-quality
public transportation infrastructure that the City
of Polokwane, and indeed the greater Limpopo
Province, needs to build and sustain a more productive
economy. The progress that has been made so
far in the implementation of Leeto la Polokwane is
testimony to this,” says Executive Mayor Nkadimeng.
“We will ensure that the people of Polokwane
benefit fully from this project, through job
opportunities, skills transfers and meaningful
participation through stakeholder engagement.”
Honouring Nelson Mandela and
Albertina Sisulu
Executive Mayor Nkadimeng adds that Leeto la
Polokwane was one with South Africa in honouring
the Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu Centenary.
“The central theme for this year is to celebrate
these great leaders and keep their legacies alive
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
66

FOCUS
by making an individual and collective
contribution towards the attainment of
a South Africa where everyone has equal
opportunities for self-determination.
As Leeto la Polokwane we note and
acknowledge the cooperation and support
of the people we serve. Such partnerships
and dedication to a better South Africa
continue to ensure that the project remains
on course for Go-Live. These achievements
are also a testament to the hard work and
dedication that the City has tackled this
project with,” she says.
Interaction with taxi and bus
owners
Since inception of the project in 2012, the
municipality has ensured proper and active
stakeholder engagement. The taxi and bus
industry is among the key stakeholders
which fully participate in and benefit from
the total value chain and wealth creation of
the transportation industry.
“An MOA has been signed between the municipality
and the four Taxi Associations involved in Phase 1&2 of
the project. Working with the University of Limpopo’s
Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership (TGSL), owner
members were trained on the Taxi Industry Capacitation
Programme with modern business and operational skills
in order to create the space and capacity to ensure
a successful integrated transport system for our city
and value-add for the entire industry,” Executive Mayor
Nkadimeng says.
In 2017, the TGSL programme successfully offered
professional business development training to
approximately 100 taxi owners across Flora Park-
Pietersburg, Moletjie, Seshego-Polokwane and
Westernburg Taxi Associations in Polokwane.
Participants received a Professional Certificate in
Business Management Skills for the Public Transport
Sector upon completion. The programme comprises four
modules, namely: Introduction to General Management;
SA Companies Act and Corporate Governance;
Communication, Problem-solving and Negotiation Skills;
and Introduction to Public Transport Management.
“We have also seen the signing-off of the Great North
Transport (GNT) Market Survey Results in October 2017, as
an important milestone which presents the municipality
67
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
THE TAXI
INDUSTRY IS
AN IMPORTANT
STAKEHOLDER
WITH A WEALTH
OF EXPERIENCE,
KNOWLEDGE AND
VESTED INTEREST
IN THE SUCCESS OF
THE PROJECT
with a clear picture of the market share of GNT, a significant
partner in the Leeto la Polokwane project. I want to
emphasise that the GNT is an important stakeholder with
a wealth of experience, knowledge and vested interest in
the success of the project. This achievement also serves
as a resource for understanding the value, amount and
number of those affected in Phases 1 and 2 of the project,”
she says.
Through great effort and hard work by the project
team, coupled with cooperation and unity of purpose
with key stakeholders, the following milestones have
been achieved, among others:
• Establishment of the Transportation Directorate and
appointment of a substantive Director of Transport
Services to drive strategy and implementation
• Significant road infrastructure network
upgrades were completed
• Full Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) Planning
and supporting by-laws/policies, awareness
programmes, integration with donor-funded NDPG
and MIG projects in terms of specifications
• Signing of MOA with industry regarding sitting
allowances
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
68

FOCUS
• Signing of MOA with Great North Transport
• Completion of Market Surveys for GNT and taxi
industry
• System naming
• The utilisation of council land instead of acquisition
of private land
• The same design standards are being used across all
grants in the municipality, eg same NMT on Public
Transport Network Grant (PTNG); and employment
of over 180 workers a month through the Expanded
Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Meanwhile, Executive Mayor Nkadimeng adds that the
systems and processes to deliver a world-class project
were also put in place.
To date 36 Universal (UA) Compliant buses (21 x 12 metre and
15 x 9 metre) have been procured and installed with Automated
Fare Collection (AFC) and Public Transport Management
System (PTMS).
PTMS’s primary aim is to monitor
the movement of public transport
vehicles and increase the comfort of
their passengers around the controlled
urban network. It provides the means
of dynamically monitoring the location
and status of Public Transport Vehicles
to determine performance according
to prescribed route schedules and
to identify any operational problems
quickly. This is an innovative and
complex system which has two major
components: integrated e-ticketing
and Automatic Vehicle Location by
GPS (AVL).
She adds that significant progress
is being made to have a fully-fledged
depot.
“The project is a sustainable package
of measures that will transform our
province into a healthy and effective urban
environment as it integrates Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) with non-motorised transport,
progressive land-use approaches and carrestriction
interventions,” Executive Mayor
Nkadimeng says.
“This has spurred economic growth
in our city through upgrades in public
physical infrastructure within a wellplanned
spatial context and has ensured
sustainable job creation while ushering in
a clean, green, safe and healthy province.
Such improvements have a positive
impact in promoting local businesses and
stimulating investments.”
At a national level, the project is
aligned with the National Development
Plan 2030 (NDP). Adopted by all political
parties represented in the National
Assembly, it is government’s blueprint to
eliminate poverty and reduce inequality
by the year 2030.
The system will go operational before
the end of 2019.
69 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

OVERVIEW
Banking and financial
services
Banking choices are expanding very quickly.
The first new banking licence in nearly two decades was
issued in 2017, to TymeDigital by Commonwealth Bank SA.
The bank will have no physical branches although Tyme’s
Money Transfer product, which it launched in 2016, is available
at Boxer and Pick n Pay. African Rainbow Capital is the venture’s BEE
partner. The banking licence is the first to be issued since Capitec was
granted a licence by the South African Reserve Bank in 1999.
In a province with a high proportion of rural citizens such as the
Limpopo, the prospect of Postbank being upgraded to a full-service bank
is positive news. The current Postbank focusses on taking deposits and
savings accounts. Postbank has secured a R3.7-billion loan to enable it to
open its own loan book. The large geographical footprint of the Post Office
will make the bank easily accessible to even remote parts of the country.
Two other state-owned enterprises are looking to create banks, The
Ithala Development Finance Corporation is an enterprise funder in
KwaZulu-Natal that has applied for a banking licence. At national level,
SECTOR INSIGHTS
South African businesses
are lining up to register new
banking licences.
there is a plan to create a Human
Settlements Development Bank.
The focus will be on financing
housing for poorer households
and for large state-funded
housing projects. Part of the drive
is to integrate cities better and to
combat the legacy of the spatial
divide that apartheid left behind.
The Limpopo Economic
Development Agency intends
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
70

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OVERVIEW
establishing a local life insurance company. These initiatives aim to make
banking more accessible for rural communities and to make finance more
readily available to small and micro-sized businesses. Trying to integrate
small business into the mainstream economy is a major goal of national
and provincial governments in South Africa.
VBS Mutual Bank, one of three mutual banks in South Africa, was
placed under curatorship in 2018. The appointed curator was not able
to confirm all deposits. In the lead-up to the bank not being able to
meet its commitments, municipalities had been making deposits to the
bank although these violated restrictions put in place by the National
Treasury. VBS began life as the Venda Building Society in 1982. The Public
Investment Corporation held 34% of equity.
To support entrepreneurial students, the University of Limpopo
has set up the Limpopo Student Seed Fund together with the SAB
Foundation. The signing ceremony for the fund is shown in the
photograph on the previous page. Support will be offered to businesses
that promise to find solutions to social problems such as unemployment
and hunger.
Ubank is owned by a trust that is managed by the Chamber of Mines
and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). It has about 100 branches
and a strong presence in Limpopo because of its focus on the mining
sector. Ubank has about half-a-million clients.
South Africa’s four big retail banks (Nedbank, Absa, Standard Bank
and First National Bank) have a solid presence in the major towns in the
province. Agriculture is an important focus area for banks and so they
have established specialised units such as Nedbank Agribusiness. Focus
areas for this unit are agronomy (grain, oil seeds, sugar and cotton),
livestock (including game farming), horticulture (fruit and vegetables, for
example), and secondary agriculture which covers agricultural processing
and storage.
The two most active agricultural companies in Limpopo are both
registered financial service providers. NTK, a subsidiary of the Free
State-based VKB, has access to lending for farmers and insurance
products. Afgri offers the same services under the brand Unigro, and
it has another service called Gro Capital Financial Services which offers
ONLINE RESOURCES
National Credit Regulator: www.ncr.org.za
Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa: www.agsa.co.za
Post Bank: www.postbank.co.za
South African Institute for Chartered Accountants:
www.saica.co.za
more sophisticated products such
as trade finance, foreign exchange
and currency, and interest rate
hedging.
Banks are actively working to
sign up more of the unbanked
population. Nedbank has Approveit,
which allows customers
to accept or reject an Internet
transaction by cellphone. Nedbank
also has partnerships with shops
such as Boxer Stores and Pick n Pay
where customers can have access
to financial services in previously
unserviced areas.
Some of Nedbank’s other
innovations include Home
Loans Online Digital Channel
and Market Edge, together with
the Nedbank App Suite. The
Keyona Plus account includes
funeral cover, a loan facility and a
method of transferring money. The
Nedbank4me account is tailored to
the youth market.
The insurance market has
adapted to specific market
segments, including middleincome
earners. A typical example
of a new product is Old Mutual’s
iWYZE medical gap cover,
designed to pay the difference
between what a medical aid
scheme is willing to pay and the
fee of the hospital or doctor.
Relative newcomer, Capitec,
is rapidly moving towards
being part of a Big Five and it
announced in 2018 that it would
partner with Centriq Life to enter
the insurance market. Capitec
has no fewer than 69 branches
and ATMs outlets in Limpopo,
suggesting that its low-cost
banking model is popular.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
72

SMME Development Programme
Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator’s SMME
Development Programme identifies jewellery
businesses which need assistance with developing
and growing their businesses. After a needs
analysis interview is conducted, a comprehensive
development and growth plan is put in place.
The entrepreneurs enter a three-year incubation
programme where they are offered business
assistance, training and development, guidance,
mentoring and ongoing support.
.6 CENTER PRODUCTION
jewellery
and the
aim is to
Entrepreneurs who meet the following
sure The its Centre requirements manufactured should its apply: own jewellery
pieces for
Entrepreneurs
exhibitions,
who have
shop
formal
sales
trading
and
jewellery
the
ufactured bridal boutique Interested in town. entrepreneurs The main should aim email is to their
team: boost sales applications and to: also to ensure its
sustainability. Mabatho Malatji: mabatho@slji.org.za or
Frans Nkuna: info@slji.org.za
3.6 CENTER PRODUCTION
Tel: +27 15 293 0214​
Below are Fax: some 086 of 232 the 7348 products manufactured
The Centre manufactured its own jewellery
and repairs by the Centre Production team:
pieces for exhibitions, shop sales and the
bridal boutique in town. The main aim is to
boost sales and also to ensure its
sustainability.
businesses and also those who are trading without
a formal business. Entrepreneurs who have
passion in the jewellery sector with or without a
jewellery qualification.
Who qualifies? South African citizens. Youth and
adults.
The following documents are required for
application: Application letter; CV with supporting
documents; company registration documents (if
applicable); portfolio of evidence.
Benefits include full access to a workshop with
state-of-the-art machinery, business skills training,
mentoring, facilitate access to market and funding.
Technical training is offered in metal, glass beads,
costume and traditional beads.
New physical address:
Seshego Industrial Park, 7 Freedom Drive,
Zone 6, Seshego 0742
Email: info@slji.org.za
Website: www.slji.org.za
Below are some of the products manufactured
and repairs by the Centre Production team:
Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator (LJBI) is a jewellery
design and manufacturing business incubator which
is unlocking the potential of technical graduates and
promoting entrepreneurship.
Products illustrated here range in price from R150 to
R550.
The LJBI offers training in jewellery design and
manufacturing and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship
among marginalised black communities.
Accreditation and licences:
• Precious Metal Jeweller’s permit
• Member of JCSA
• Full accreditation by MQA
• ISO 9001:2015 certificate
• Import and Export permit
• Member of Proudly South African

OVERVIEW
Development finance
and SMME support
Big companies are using their supply
chains to support small business.
SECTOR INSIGHTS
The University of Limpopo
has started a Seed Fund for
students with business ideas.
Chairman of Zizwe Opencast Mining, Howard Maimela, Kgosi
Manotshe Ramokoka and senior general manager of Amandelbult
Complex, Patrick Morutlwa.
The provincial government, through its departments and
agencies, has since 2014 given financial support amounting
to more than R51-million to 1 200 co-operatives. In the same
period, R193-million was provided to SMMEs.
In partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (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.
Local, provincial and national government have all committed to
spending more of their budgets through small businesses and cooperatives.
The Limpopo Provincial Government reports that in 2017,
government departments paid invoices within 30 days 96% of the time.
The University of Limpopo has launched the Limpopo Student
Seed Fund which aims to promote social innovation among students.
Sponsored by the SAB Foundation, the new fund will see R400 000
distributed to students whose businesses tackle social issues such as
hunger, violence and unemployment.
A concerted strategy to strengthen and develop the economies of
the townships and villages of Limpopo has been launched. Spearheaded
by the Limpopo Economic
Development Agency (LEDA), a
unit of the Limpopo Department
of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism (LEDET),
the plan has eight focus areas
which include making licences
and permits easier to obtain, that
government departments buy
from small, medium and microenterprises
(SMMEs), indigenous
products are supported and
protected, and encouraging small
businesses to support one another
through the clustering approach.
The revitalisation of the
Seshego and the Nkowankowa
Industrial Parks is intended to
boost the local economy, with
SMMEs expected to benefit the
most. The National Department of
Trade and Industry has committed
R21-million to revitalising the
Seshego Industrial Park which will
provide trading and storage space
for businesses of all sizes.
LEDET has signed
memorandums of understanding
with the South African Bureau
of Standards (SABS) and with
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
74

OVERVIEW
Productivity South Africa. These agreements aim to help SMMEs within
the province become more competitive. Ten SMMEs and 10 co-operatives
are currently being assisted. LEDA intends establishing a bulk-buying cooperative.
The plan is to enlist more than 200 members whose collective
buying power will give them an advantage in purchasing stock.
The National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD)
has several programmes to assist SMMEs and co-operatives. These
include:
• The Black Business Supplier Development Programme, a costsharing
grant to promote competitiveness
• The Co-operative Incentive Scheme, a 100% grant.
The National Gazelles is a national SMME accelerator jointly funded
by Seda and the DSBD. The aim is to identify and support SMMEs
with growth potential across priority sectors aligned with the National
Development Plan and Seda’s SMME strategy.
Private sector
Large companies in Limpopo are supporting new business ventures by
allocating service functions to local businesses and through training
and mentoring.
Anglo American Platinum has extended the contract with Zizwe
Batlase for the provision of strip-mining services at its Amandelbult
Complex. Zizwe Batlase is 51% owned by the local community of
Baphalane through the Baphalane Community Trust, named Batlase.
Since 2016, Zizwe Batlase has been providing employment, SMME
development, infrastructure development and business opportunities
to local and small businesses in the community.
The Implats Group spent 36% of its procurement budget with
Limpopo companies in 2017/18. The Marula platinum mine alone spent
R54-million on goods and services in the Sekhukhune District where the
mine is located on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex.
De Beers Consolidated Mines plays a big role in the economy
of northern Limpopo through its Venetia Mine. The company has
ONLINE RESOURCES
Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za
Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment
and Tourism: www.ledet.gov.za
National Gazelles: www.nationalgazelles.org.za
Shanduka Black Umbrellas: www.shandukablackumbrellas.org
Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za
Zimele: www.anglozimele.co.za
launched two business incubators
in local municipalities, Blouberg
and Musina. The De Beers
Zimele Venetia Mine Business
Hub has created more than 495
jobs since it was established to
support entrepreneurs through
low-interest loans, mentorship,
coaching and skills development.
Local procurement has given
chances to 15 local companies, in
fields such as road maintenance,
the canteen, small civils work and
the supply of tyres and batteries.
More than 20 small businesses
are registered as clients with
the Shanduka Black Umbrella
incubator in Lephalale. The
sectors in which these companies
operate range from plant hire
and construction to training and
marketing. Individual mentors
for these enterprises are drawn
from the local TVET college, the
Limpopo Economic Development
Agency and private businesses.
The major banks all have SMME
offerings. Standard Bank runs a
Community Investment Fund
and Nedbank offers an enterprise
development product for businesses
with turnovers up to R35-million.
The Seda Technology
Programme (STP) is a key method
of helping 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. Nachem
Chemical, a company making
cleaning chemicals in the Vhembe
District Municipality, is an example
of a company that has used the
STP to good effect.
75
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

INTERVIEW
Koenie Slabbert
BIOGRAPHY
Koenie Slabbert began his
career as an apprentice in tool,
jig and die-making. Promotion
to Supervisor inspired him
to sign up for training at his
own expense. Courses at
the Production Management
Institute of South Africa led to
a Higher Diploma in Production
Management and a BSc
Honours through the PMI/
University of Hertfordshire. A
Master’s Degree in Operations
Management followed. Before
joining Seda, Koenie was an
industrial engineer at Limac. He
has been Provincial Manager
from June 2007.
Technology Incubation
Centres are spurring
growth
Koenie Slabbert details how the Small Enterprise Development
Agency in Limpopo is helping small businesses.
What is the key business proposition of Seda Limpopo?
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) is an agency of the
Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) which provides
non-financial support to small enterprises and co-operatives. Seda
has by far the biggest network of offices in the country. Limpopo has
five branches, one in each municipal districts and three co-location
points. Seda has presence in some townships and rural areas and has
programmes targeting youth and women from all sectors.
Seda Limpopo supports three Technology Incubation Centres affording
start-ups a well-equipped and protected environment in which to develop
and grow for a period of three years. Incubation has been proven to reduce
the failure rate in the first few years of small enterprises’ cycle.
Seda interventions involve exploring possible new revenue streams,
improving competitiveness and productivity in the business.
Are there particular economic sectors in which you
specialise?
Seda assists all types of business and cuts across a number of sectors
that are key to job creation. These include: agriculture and agroprocessing,
manufacturing, engineering, renewable energy and
services (ICT and tourism). Seda has also prioritised small enterprises
and co-operatives owned by youth, women, people with disabilities
and people in townships and rural areas.
What are the challenges and opportunities for small
businesses in Limpopo?
One of the challenges is access to markets; another is access to funding.
There are great opportunities in exporting of primary produce and
value-adding through agro-processing initiatives. Manufacturing and
technology and ICT initiatives are other areas of potential.
Do the branches deal with different kinds of business
support depending on where they are located?
It is very important for Seda to ensure that its branches provide a series
of packaged products and services to assist businesses in various phases
of operation. The dynamics of the economic imperatives will differ from
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20 76

INTERVIEW
region to region, but Seda has four phases of business
development as offered to its clients:
Seda Business Talk provides practical answers and
guidance to potential entrepreneurs wanting to start their
own business and get it right the first time. Assistance
includes: business advice and information; small enterprise
training and seminars; business registration.
Seda Business Start provides businesses with
instruments and techniques to plan their operations for
a better chance of success. Focus is placed on: business
planning counselling and support; business incubation;
facilitation of access to finance; basic business skills and
training; introduction to co-operatives course.
Seda Business Build focusses on clients who want
to sustain and strengthen their businesses. Assistance
provided: technical support; networking and business
linkages; capacity-building systems and mentorship;
tender advice/procurement; export orientation;
technology transfer; starting and managing a co-operative.
Seda Business Grow focusses on clients who wants
to grow their business and expand nationally and
internationally. Assistance provided: export development;
business systems development; co-operative support;
growth strategies; technology transfer.
What are Seda’s key programmes?
• The Export Development Programme develops
export-ready small enterprises that are globally
competitive and able to grow markets
• The Seda Technology Programme seeks to
stimulate economic growth and development
through technology transfer, increasing the
access to and use of technologies and offering
technical support
• The Co-operatives and Community
Public Private Partnership Programme
promotes the establishment and growth of
viable co-operatives and collectively-owned
enterprises
• The EMPRETEC Programme is an integrated
capacity-building programme of UNCTAD
targeting SMEs and entrepreneurial skills.
What is the Seda Technology Programme?
The Seda Technology Programme (STP) is a division
of Seda which focuses on sustainable
enterprise development through technology
business incubation, monitoring, evaluation,
improvement of service and product quality
and standards, and technology-transfer-funding
services and support.
STP seeks to make it easier for small enterprises
to gain access to technology and technical
support, while improving their sustainability
and international competitiveness. STP is a
programme of the Department of Small Business
Development.
The Incubation Unit is designed to strengthen
technology commercialisation and harness the
entrepreneurship of the technology community
in South Africa.
The Technology Transfer Unit promotes
and facilitates the transfer of technology
that is appropriate, effective and competitive
to small enterprises. The unit offers the
following services: grant funding for the
acquisition of technology, such as equipment
and machinery, to facilitate technology
transfer; improving access to technology
information by small enterprises; improving
access to technology-transfer funding
through structured referrals to the funding
institutions; linking inventors/universities or
science councils with small enterprises or
entrepreneurs with matching needs.
The key mandate of the Quality and
Standards Unit is to ensure that small
businesses have access to Quality Improvement
Programmes that can give small enterprises
a sound foundation to be competitive and
sustainable. The unit offers: management
systems development, implementation;
product testing and product certification;
product design and packaging; SMME
management systems auditing.
Does Seda have programmes to
assist women and youth in business?
We have capacity-building programmes
focusing on women.
77
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

FOCUS
Small businesses thriving
through Empretec
programme
Seven years of success.
The Small Enterprise Development
Agency has adopted Empretec, which
is a capacity-building programme of the
United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD).
The programme aims to promote
entrepreneurship and to enhance productive
capacity and international competitiveness of small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of developing
countries and economies in transition. The Empretec
programme is designed to provide training,
technical assistance and an institutional base for the
formation, expansion and transformation of SMEs.
The programme identifies promising entrepreneurs,
provides them with training aimed at developing
their entrepreneurial skills and understanding basic
business procedures, assists them in the preparation
of business plans and in obtaining finance for their
business ventures, helps to arrange mutually
beneficial connections with larger national and
foreign companies, and makes available long-term
support systems to facilitate the
growth and internationalisation
of their ventures.
Empretec training sessions
have been proven to have a
positive impact over seven
years. Data shows that the
survival rate of SMEs of
Empretec graduates is almost
twice as high as that of non-
Empretecos, and that over
80% of participants reported
a steady and efficient growth
of their business as a result of
participation in the programme.
Seda Limpopo has hosted 10 Empretec sessions
so far and more training sessions will be rolledout.
Empretec promotes a methodology of
behavioural change that helps entrepreneurs
to put their ideas into action and helps fledging
businesses to grow. Innovative, experiential and
competency-based entrepreneurship training
initiatives such as UNCTAD’s Empretec programme
are key components of a dynamic and sustainable
entrepreneurship ecosystem.
As Seda Limpopo continues to roll out
the programme in all local municipalities in
the province, the programme also benefits
from the support of many different strategic
partners, including De Beers Venetia Mine and
the National Department of Tourism. Other local
donors and partners are invited to form part of
this opportunity which yields tangible impact
on the lives, businesses and communities of
entrepreneurs.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
78

Seda offices
Seda contacts
Provincial Office
Koenie Seda Slabbert Limpopo - Provincial Provincial Manager Mopani Branch
Tel: Office +27 15 287 2940
(located in Tzaneen)
Fax: +27 15 297 4022
Email: Mr kslabbert@seda.org.za
Koenie Slabbert: Provincial Ms Maseje Nchabeleng: Branch
2nd Manager Floor Suite 6, Maneo Building, 73 Biccard Street, Manager Polokwane 0700
Postnet Tel: Suite +27 15 32287 Private 2940 Bag X 9307 Polokwane 0700 Tel: +27 15 306 6400
Fax: +27 15 297 4022
Fax: +27 15 307 2233
Seda Email: Vhembe kslabbert@seda.org.za
Branch
Email:
Mr Marcus Physical Mukumela address: - Branch 2nd Floor Manager mnchabeleng@seda.org.za
Tel: +27 15 960 8700
Nictus Building
Physical address: 2nd Floor
Fax: 086 634 8964
68 Hans van Rensburg Street ABSA Building
Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za
Old Polokwane Mutual Building, Old Group Scheme Offices, Mphephu 13 Danie Road, Joubert Thohoyandou Street 7950
0699
Tzaneen
Seda Capricorn Branch
0850
Mr Peter Capricorn Maredi - Branch Manager
Tel: (located +27 15 290 8720 in Polokwane) Waterberg Branch
Fax:
Mr.
+27
Peter
15 290
Maredi:
8736
Branch Manager (located in Mokopane)
Email: pmaredi@seda.org.za
Tel: +27 15 290 8720
Mr Steve Botha: Branch Manager
1st Floor Pharmarama Building, 68 Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane 0699
Fax: +27 15 290 8736
Tel: +27 15 492 9600
Seda Email: Waterberg pmaredi@seda.org.za
Branch
Fax: +27 15 491 7361
Mr Steve Physical Botha address: - Branch 1st Manager Floor
Email: sbotha@seda.org.za
Tel: Nictus +27 15 Building 492 9600
Physical address: Old Nedbank
Fax: 68 +27 Hans 15 491 van 7361 Rensburg Street Building
Email: Polokwane sbotha@seda.org.za
40 Retief Street
Old
0699
Nedbank Building, 40 Retief Street, Mokopane
Mokopane
0600
Seda Mopani Branch
Vhembe Branch
Martin Rafferty - Acting Branch Manager
(located in Thohoyandou) Sekhukhune Branch
Tel: +27 15 306 6400
Fax: Mr +27 Marcus 15 307 Mukumela: 2233 Branch (located in Groblersdal)
Email: Manager mrafferty@seda.org.za
Mr Sabelo Ntshangase
27 Peace Tel: +27 Street, 15 960 1st Floor, 8700Prosperitas Building, Tzaneen Tel: +27 0850 13 262 9430
Fax: +27 15 962 4285
Fax: +27 13 262
Seda Sekhukhune Branch
Email: mmukumela@seda.org.za Email: sntshangase@seda.org.za
Mr Sabelo Ntshangase - Branch Manager
Physical address: Bindulavhathu Physical address:
Tel: +27 13 262 9430
Email: Office sntshangase@seda.org.za
Building
Mutual Building
Bareki 3rd Mall, Floor Shop No. 20B, Cnr Chris Wild and Van Shop Riebeek 4 and Street, Office Groblersdal 10, 12 0407
Thohoyandou
Hereford Street
0950
Groblersdal
0470
We have built a strong team in the province made up of 16 Business
Advisors, two Regional Facilitators and five Information Officers who have
the responsibility of making measurable differences in the businesses that
they assist. This team of Business Advisors works closely with a team of
carefully selected service providers who possesses expert knowledge in
different functional areas of business and industry sectors.
For more information contact us at: 015 287 2940 or visit our website: www.seda.org.za
TOGETHER ADVANCING SMALL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

FOCUS
Local business benefits from
spirit of Chinese investments
and technology exchanges
PMC is supporting progress and development through community initiatives.
BRICS describes the group of Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa working
together to promote development. The
Palabora Mining Company success story
shows that amid cultural differences and global
economic uncertainties, cooperation by companies
from BRICS can create a favourable environment for
growth, technology exchanges and the buiding
of international cooperation in the spirit of BRICS.
Before commissioning and construction of the new
floatation plant at PMC, the executive managers and
senior managers travelled to China for fact-finding
and comparative analysis missions on floatation
plants to be built at the site in Limpopo. As part of
resource sharing, skills and technology transfer, the
main Chinese contractor has subcontracted work to
various South African companies.
Skills transfer
Palabora Mining Company’s smelter refurbishment
project and construction of the floatation plant are
being implemented in partnership with China’s
Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy. In addition to technology transfer,
BGRIMM has contractually committed to employ 90%
of unskilled labour and 80% of the semi-skilled labour
from the Phalaborwa area and transfer new skills to
PC employees who work at the smelter. The aim is
to empower employees to operate and maintain the
refurbished smelter once it is completed.
Community development initiatives
Collaboration between Palabora Copper, the Chinese
Consortium and BGRIMM does not only extend to
tangibles, considerable investments and technology
transfer opportunities, but is also benefitting the
communities of Phalaborwa. Since 2013, the Chinese
Consortium – through PC – has spent more than
R186.5-million in socio-economic development
initiatives in Phalaborwa. These include:
Enterprise and Supplier Development
Palabora Copper has implemented enterprise and
supplier development programmes to empower
Phalaborwa’s Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises
(SMMEs) to so that they are able to grow and shine
the economic candle of Phalaborwa beyond the
life of PC.
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FOCUS
Renovation of schools
Palabora Copper has renovated Block C of Matome
Malatjie High in Maseke Village and painted Lepato
High School in Makhushane to ensure that pupils
study in a conducive environment.
Bus shelters
Palabora Copper has constructed 19 bus shelters
around the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipal area to
ensure that bus users wait for busses in the
shade, considering the heat in Phalaborwa.
Instilling the love of sport
Palabora Copper understands the positive effect
of sports on youth. As a result, Palabora Copper
supports township sporting events and has hosted
several soccer tournaments to instil the love of
sports in the youth.
Construction and rehabilitation of roads
Palabora Copper believes that rehabilitation and
construction of roads signifies the company’s
seriousness about socio-economic development.
Roads are an essential part of human endeavour, a
symbol of progress and development.
In collaboration with the Ba-
Phalaborwa Municipality and
other strategic stakeholders, PC
established a road rehabilitation
project which involves tarring of
roads and streets in Namakgale,
the biggest township in
Phalaborwa.
To date, Palabora Copper
has collaborated with various
strategic stakeholders to
rehabilitate the Ackson
Malatji, Zakes Ngwasheng
and Maphutha Malatji roads.
The amount spent on the
rehabilitation of these roads is
over R44-million.
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FOCUS
Turning dreams into
lasting realities
Zimele improves the sustainability of SMEs.
Development Agency (Seda) more than 150
SMEs from Musina and Blouberg benefitted
from business courses.
• The relationship with the National Youth
Development Agency (NYDA) resulted in five
local youth-owned businesses gaining access
to equipment worth R50 000.
• 27 local businesses employing more than 84
people were supported through Enterprise
Development Programmes.
• AWOME (Accelerated Women Owned Micro
Enterprises) was launched in partnership with
the UN Women organisation which aims to
reach 500 women.
Zimele, which means “stand on one’s own
feet” was introduced to local communities
near mines to bring about sustainable black
economic empowerment through the creation
and support of small, medium and micro-enterprises
(SMMEs). In 2017, De Beers Zimele changed
its strategic focus from being a funding initiative to
one that targets capacity-building and improving the
sustainability of SMMEs.
Over the last three years, De Beers Zimele at
Venetia Mine has made huge strides in supporting
and developing sustainable enterprises though the
Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes.
Measures were introduced to make available
procurement opportunities from the mine to local
businesses.
Enterprise Development
• 52 SMEs have enrolled on an SME incubation
programme with the focus on operational and
financial management and marketing.
• Through partnership with the Small Enterprise
Local procurement and supplier
development
There are now 34 locally owned companies doing
business with Venetia Mine and they employ in excess
of 340 people. The Bussing Empowerment transaction
led to community members now owning 40%
of each of the newly established companies called
Hope Diamond Transport and Millennium Diamond
Transport. They employ more than 120 people.
Chibadura Trading was appointed as the supplier
for Venetia Mine LDV tyres, EMV rims and LDV batteries.
Strategic partners Bridgestone and Global Wheel are
providing training.
Aucor Limpopo was established in partnership
with the biggest auction company in Africa. In 2018,
Aucor opened its doors in Bochum. Two locally
owned construction companies were appointed to
do construction on the Venetia Underground Project.
De Beers Group is committed on the journey of
“turning diamond dreams into a lasting reality” for the
communities in which it operates.
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82

New crèche brings joy
Madimbo community receives new facility from Venetia.
FOCUS
On Friday, 26 July 2019, De Beers Venetia
Mine handed over the keys to the
newly-built community crèche in the
small village of Madimbo.
The project was undertaken in partnership with
Basil Reed, with the core focus of providing adequate
infrastructure to support childhood development.
The children have now moved from an old fourroomed
house into a big, bright, modern, fullyequipped
building, which is kitted out with a variety
of educational toys and learning resources. Catering
for 126 children between the ages of two and five,
the crèche is also furnished with small plastic tables
and chairs.
Run by principal Precious Mahada, the crèche
strives to educate preschoolers despite a lack of
resources. Mahada said that she could not believe
that the facility is now theirs to operate in.
“As you can see, there are no playgrounds for our
children in our community. Many parents cannot
afford to buy toys for their children, yet toys can
play a big role in a child’s development. This new
crèche will offer them that opportunity, all thanks to
thanks Venetia Mine and their partnering contractor
Basil Reed. Today, I am completely overjoyed and
speechless,” she said.
The new facility is a much safer environment
in which to play and learn. The upgrade is allencompassing,
with everything from the kitchen
to the ablution facilities and classroom being newly
furnished.
Bonani Nyabane, Social Performance Specialist
at Venetia Mine, said, “As De Beers, we are excited
to hand over such a beautiful facility to the most
important members of our society, our children. We
are committed to the development of our children
and will continue to work to ensure that there is an
improvement in the level of education in communities
in which we operate.”
For Mahada, what started as a small request for a
few blankets and toys, turned into something much
greater. “I don’t think there is anybody here who is
not happy about this development. Thank you to
Venetia; I promise to take care of this facility and will
continue to raise these children, care and protect
them,” she said.
The toddlers were visibly excited as they enjoyed
their new play areas and toys.
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FOCUS
Ikefree Projects looks
to take its mission
to a higher level
Patience Nqaba wants to grow the company and create jobs.
Ikefree Projects is a maintenance and services
company that operates in the Musina area and
is growing through its exposure to the De Beers
Zimele programme and opportunities on offer
through the Venetia Mine.
Patience Nqaba, the co-owner of the business,
says that when Ikefree Projects was established about
five years ago, it was with a desire to not only promote
innovation in Musina, but to inspire confidence in the
hearts of unemployed young people.
And when she agreed to kickstart the business,
she admitted the plan was to keep going despite
having encountered difficulties, as she could
clearly see how valuable the business would be
to the community of Musina.
But rather than just keep going, Nqaba has
committed to taking the business to a much
higher level. And with the help of her life partner
and co-owner, Ikemeleng Mokoena, she is driving
Ikefree Projects in doing just that.
“We realised there was a gap and asked
ourselves how we could effectively penetrate the
market. It was not easy but when we came across
the opportunity at Venetia Mine, things started
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FOCUS
picking up. We applied for
a tender, and have never
looked back since,” she says.
The business offers
a full spectrum of civil
maintenance services to
residential and commercial
properties, including
building, painting, plumbing,
carpentry and tiling. Nqaba
says that Ikefree Projects
currently employs 29 skilled
and driven young people to
help the company grow, and
to allow them to improve
their craft.
“A lot of young people
from our community who
are willing to do this kind
of work do not have the necessary tertiary
education but because they have the skills, we
take them on. Right now, we have added four
other young people to join us for a three-month
basis, and even though it is just a short period, I
think they will leave this place more skilled than
before,” she said.
Together, Nqaba and Mokoena are working to
make the business an important part of the ecosystem
in Musina as they have also recently started a food
delivery service in partnership with Nando’s.
“We recently signed a contract with Nando’s to
deliver orders to their customers and are in the
process of approaching other fast food franchises
in and around Musina. This has been one of our
greatest achievements as we continue to receive
positive feedback from them,” she said.
In addition to this, Ikefree Projects signed a
contract with Top 40 JSE company, Tiger Brands,
to provide maintenance services to their property.
“It was purely by chance that we landed the
contract. We conducted some research and
realised they had no maintenance company.
Thereafter, we pitched and presented our
proposal, and they were highly impressed with
our profile as we had listed Venetia Mine as one
of our clients. They then gave us a contract to
renovate an office. As the saying goes, the rest is
history,” says Nqaba.
With the help of the De Beers Zimele
programme, the owners of Ikefree Projects
are now equipped to run the business more
efficiently than before.
“We are continuously trained in interpreting
financial statements and budgeting, and we are
shown how to create provision for unexpected
expenses. We are also guided on how to apply for
tenders and how to market the business better
while complying with the mandatory regulations,”
she says.
Like any business, Ikefree Projects has the broad
goal to be a trusted and sustainable company in
Musina. The business owners are actively laying a
solid foundation that will enable it to do just that.
“The goal is to continue doing what we are
doing but at an even larger scale. Yes, there
will be challenges and equally, there will be
opportunities. And thanks to the exposure
Venetia Mine has given us, we – the small
business that secured a contract with Tiger
Brands – shall continue to move steadily
forward,” she laughs.
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OVERVIEW
Education and training
Training is a key provincial priority.
The provincial government saw to the training of 190
teachers through the Continuous Professional Teacher
Development Programme in 2017/18. Training was also
provided to 53 curriculum advisors in mathematics,
science and technology (through the Continuous Professional
Development Centre) and 1 141 teachers were trained in numeracy
and mathematics teaching strategies.
In 2017, libraries were constructed in Eldorado, Rooiberg and
Ramokgopa with the following villages due to receive libraries in 2018:
Phokwane, Maphalle, Zamani and Mahlabathini.
The province’s relationship with Cuba is paying off handsomely in
that 145 graduates of the medical student programme were working
as doctors in the province in 2018. A further 328 students are currently
studying in the Caribbean.
Tertiary education and training
There is a plan to establish a Manufacturing Support Centre to
make sure that the right skills are being taught to support industry.
Participants include the Limpopo Tooling Initiative Advisory Board,
the Technology Information Agency and universities.
Impala Platinum, with Limpopo subsidiary Marula Platinum, has a
partnership with the National Department of Minerals and Energy and
the Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, which focuses on
the training of black women in the mining industry.
The Medupi Power Station Joint Venture (Grinaker-LTA, Murray
& Roberts and Concor) has a training facility where about 1 300
local people have been trained to qualify for jobs on this complex
building site.
De Beers has established a Skills Development Centre linked to its
Venetia Mine. The centre caters not only to mine employees, but also for
local school pupils and adults from the community of Alldays.
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is now an
independent university in Gauteng Province and Limpopo University
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
SECTOR INSIGHTS
Local doctors trained in
Cuba are working across the
province.
has a separate Medical School. The
University of Limpopo is organised
into four faculties: Humanities,
Management and Law, Science
and Agriculture and Health
Sciences.
University of South Africa
(Unisa) has a regional support
centre in Polokwane and agencies
at Makhado and Giyani.
The University of Venda
for Science and Technology
(Univen) is situated in
Thohoyandou. Univen has eight
schools, with Environmental
Sciences, Agriculture and Rural
Development and Forestry
illustrating the practical emphasis
of the institution. The university
has invested more than R1-billion
over the last decade in new
infrastructure.
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.
The Turfloop Graduate School
of Leadership (TGSL) is based in
Edupark, Polokwane, and offers
three master’s degrees.
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
86

SALGA Limpopo
PROFILE
A pilot project is promoting rural densification.
The South African Local Government Association is an
autonomous association of all 257 South African local
governments. SALGA comprises a national association with
one national office and nine provincial offices. The SALGA
Limpopo Provincial Office is in Polokwane. Membership of the
association is voluntary.
Targeted rural densification programme
Densification is about increasing the intensity with which land is used.
The aim is to create more compact and sustainable settlements by
building more on a smaller geographic footprint. Population distribution
has a major impact on the provision of public amenities and facilities
such as transport, utilities and social infrastructure.
In Limpopo, Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe District
Municipality is being piloted for this project. Thulamela is in the far
north-east of the province and borders the Kruger National Park. The
town of Thohoyandou is a regional centre.
Current challenges
• Unserviceable locations. Due to the remoteness of some of the
settlements, service installation is exacerbated by treacherous terrain.
• Spatially disoriented and economically unviable locations.
Dispersed rural areas are on the periphery of economic
opportunities.
• One-dimensional rural development approach. The current
approach is inordinately focused on capital investment, with
little attention given to addressing structural challenges.
• Discretionary land allocation. There are instances of outdated
methods in the allocation of land by tribal authorities.
Rural densification benefits
Higher densities lead to higher population thresholds which increases
social returns on infrastructure investments. Higher densities also create
CONTACT INFO
Acting Provincial Executive Officer, Ledile Molope
Physical address: 125 Marshall Street, Private Bag X9523,
Polokwane
Tel: +27 15 291 1400 and 082 268 5163
Fax: +27 15 291 1414
Email: lmolope@salga.org.za and mraboshakga@salga.org.za
SALGA Limpopo has appointed a
new Acting Provincial Executive
Officer, Ledile Molope.
more viable private investments
and the cost of basic infrastructure
is considerably reduced in a dense
development.
Higher densities create viable
social services based on minimum
population threshold standards,
whereas dispersed settlements
are inextricably linked to poverty
and underdevelopment. An added
benefit is that higher densities
create a significantly lower
environmental footprint.
SALGA’s value proposition
All work on this project is internally
sourced, which is the first time a
specialised service of this nature
has been done internally without
the aid of a service provider.
Cost saving for municipalities
can be achieved in township
establishment applications and
support is offered directly and
quantitatively.
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LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20

INDEX
INDEX
De Beers Group of Companies — Venetia Mine...................................... 56, 82-85, OBC
Distell ​(Amarula)​.........................................................................................................................................23
Eco-Industrial Solutions​................................................................................................................. 16-21
Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL)​.................................................................... 62-64
Implats​..............................................................................................................................................................54
Leeto la Polokwane​.......................................................................................................................... 65-69
Limpopo Eco-Industrial Park...................................................................................................... 16-21
Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) .............................................................. 8
Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator.......................................................................................​73
Limpopo Office of the Premier​........................................................................................................... 6
Limpopo Tourism Agency ​.......................................................................................................... 27-33
Mahlolane Agricultural Products​.....................................................................................................42
MTN​...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Nedbank​.............................................................................................................................................5, 34, 71
Old Mutual........................................................................................................................................... ​IFC, 36
Palabora Mining Company (PMC)​................................................................................... 48-53, 80
SA Airlink.......................................................................................................................................................​IBC
Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)​............................................................... 76-79
South African Local Government Association (SALGA).....................................................87
LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20
88

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VENETIA
UNDERGROUND
PROJECT
The future of South African
diamond mining.
The new US$2 billion Venetia underground
mine ranks as the biggest single investment by
De Beers Group in the South African diamond
industry.
Excavation work for the underground
extension got under way in 2013, the year
De Beers celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Production is scheduled to begin in 2022,
climbing to full production in 2025. Over
the course of its life, the underground mine
will treat about 132 million tonnes of ore
containing an estimated 94 million carats.
The underground project will extend the life of
Venetia mine to 2046, securing the future for
our host communities.