Mpumalanga Business 2024-25

MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
urism
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
MPUMALANGA
THE
THE
GUIDE
GUIDE
TO BUSINESS
TO BUSINESS
AND
AND
INVESTMENT
INVESTMENT
IN
IN
MPUMALANGA MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
ing a tourist could PROVINCE want.
BUSINESS
MPUMALANGA
BUSINESS
THE GUIDE TO AND INVESTMENT
IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
ory. The many heritage sites in the area include the
ora Machel monument near Mbuzini and the Barberton
honjwa Mountains World Heritage Site (pictured),
sting rock formations dating back more than 3.5-billion
rs. Other sites not to be missed are the mining village of
rim’s Rest, the Highveld Heritage Route (which abounds
adventurous tales from history), the stone circles of
umalanga and Goliath’s footprint to name just a few.
umalanga is rich in culture and boasts the Swazi, Ndebele
Shangaan people with icons like Dr Esther Mahlangu
has managed to preserve, package and export the
ant geometric art of the Ndebele globally.
Bird watchers can have a glimpse of more than 500
rent birds endemic to the Kruger National Park or the town
hrissiesmeer, the centre of South Africa’s own Lake District
re four river systems start their journeys across the country.
The small tourist town of Dullstroom is referred to
outh Africa’s trout-fishing mecca. Mpumalanga is an
al sporting destination with several world-class golf
rses and the Mbombela Stadium that was built for
FIFA World Cup in 2010 and has subsequently hosted
2023/24 EDITION
2024/25 EDITION
2021/22 EDITION
2021/22 ED
2018/19 EDITION
2018/19 EDITION
IN rnational US JOIN ONLINE football US ONLINE and rugby matches. WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM Get off the
| | | WWW.MPUMALANGABUSINESS.CO.ZA
JOIN JOIN US JOIN ONLINE US JOIN US ONLINE US ONLINE
WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.MPUMALANGABUSINESS.CO.ZA
| WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZA
ten track and explore the many other tourism offerings
he Mpumalanga Province.
2018/19
2018/19
MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA
@Mtpatourism | Instagram: @mpumalangatourism

MESSAGE
The transformative power of business
and investment
Investors are encouraged to investigate the wealth of opportunities in
Mpumalanga, writes Isaac Mahlangu, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic
Growth Agency
Isaac Mahlangu, CEO, MEGA
It is with great pleasure that I address you as the
CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth
Agency (MEGA). As the driving force behind
the economic development of our remarkable
province, it is my privilege to provide you with
this message in the esteemed pages of the
Mpumalanga Business journal.
Over the years, Mpumalanga has emerged as
a prime destination for business and investment
opportunities. With its abundant natural resources,
strategic location and vibrant communities, our
province offers an environment conducive to
growth and prosperity. We are committed to
fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation,
entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
As we navigate through the challenges
brought by the global economic landscape,
Mpumalanga remains steadfast in its dedication
to fostering economic growth. We understand
that collaboration is key and we actively seek
Manufacturing. Columbus Stainless is part of the
province’s diverse manufacturing sector, ranging from
food and beverages and chemicals to textiles, paper and
stainless steel. PHOTO: Columbus Stainless
Education and training. The University of Mpumalanga’s
reputation grows as its campus and its programmes
expand. It will make a greater contribution to the province’s
economy in years to come. PHOTO: UMP
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
B

MESSAGE
partnerships with both local and international
investors who share our vision of a thriving
economy that uplifts all our citizens.
Tourism. The Makhonjwa Mountains have been
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. PHOTO:
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
Agribusiness. Sappi’s Ngodwana Mill not only plays a
vital role in the provincial economy but is an innovator
in biomass energy. PHOTO: Sappi
Comprehensive support
Our agency works tirelessly to provide
comprehensive support to businesses and investors.
We offer a range of services from market intelligence
and investment facilitation to regulatory guidance
and access to funding. Whether you are a seasoned
investor or a budding entrepreneur, we are here to
assist you at every step of your journey, ensuring
that you have the necessary tools to succeed in our
dynamic market.
Furthermore, we recognise the importance
of sustainable development in today’s world.
Mpumalanga Province prides itself on its
commitment to environmental stewardship,
social responsibility, inclusive growth and a just
energy transition to a carbon-free future. We strive
to strike a balance between economic progress
and the preservation of our natural heritage,
creating a future that is prosperous, equitable and
environmentally sustainable.
I encourage you, as potential investors, to explore
the wealth of opportunities that Mpumalanga
has to offer. Whether you are interested in our
booming mining sector, renewable energy projects,
agribusiness or tourism ventures, our province has
the potential to fulfil your aspirations.
Together, let us shape the future of
Mpumalanga’s business landscape and contribute
to the growth and prosperity of our province. I invite
you to engage with us, to collaborate, and to seize
the possibilities that lie before us.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look
forward to witnessing the transformative power of
business and investment in Mpumalanga. ■
1
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

CONTENTS
Mpumalanga Business 2024/25 Edition
Introduction
Foreword 4
Mpumalanga’s unique guide to business and investment.
Special features
Regional overview of Mpumalanga 8
Three decades on from the dawn of democracy, Mpumalanga is poised to
lead a new phase in energy generation.
Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Profile 11
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) profiles the province’s
economy and outlines specific investment opportunities.
South African investment incentives 24
A range of incentives are available to investors, entrepreneurs and
co-operatives across many sectors.
Economic sectors
Agriculture 28
The International Fresh Produce Market is preparing to trade.
Forestry and paper 32
Forestry’s green credentials are excellent.
Mining 34
Acid mine water poses a serious threat.
Energy 36
Four power stations will keep burning coal.
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
2

MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA MPUMALANGA BUSINESS BUSINESS THE GUIDE THE TO GUIDE BUSINESS TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
2021/22 2023/24
Transport and logistics 40
SANRAL is experimenting with new road technologies.
Tourism 41
Radisson Hotels is opening hotels in Mpumalanga.
Manufacturing 44
The manufacturing potential of trees is under the spotlight.
ICT 46
School pupils are going online.
Education and training 48
Boarding schools are changing lives.
Development finance and SMME support 49
Supplier development programmes promote small enterprises.
Banking and financial services 52
Public officials are receiving training.
MPUMALANGA
BUSINESS MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA
THE GUIDE TO AND INVESTMENT MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
BUSINESS
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
THE
THE
GUIDE
GUIDE
TO BUSINESS
TO BUSINESS
AND
AND
INVESTMENT
INVESTMENT
IN
IN
MPUMALANGA MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
MPUMALANGA
PROVINCE
BUSINESS
MPUMALANGA
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
2021/22
langa:
class tourism
ion
ince that has everything a tourist could want.
ded by the natural attractions
pumalanga. It is South Africa’s
ith an extraordinary richness
d waterfalls and with scope
d experiences ranging from
liding. Mpumalanga offers a
ourist, ranging from abseiling
shing, paragliding, mountain
x4 trails and many outdoor
y the ultimate destination
The Kruger National Park,
rous private game reserves
r an exhilarating experience
re. Mpumalanga boasts a
verse flora and fauna.
pectacular landscapes with
anyon (third-largest in the
n” because of its subtropical
lso boasts majestic waterfalls
ing to attractions like God’s
the Three Rondavels.
is still largely unexplored
ing exposed to fascinating
5818
.gov.za
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
2018/19 EDITION 2023/24 EDITION
2018/19 EDITION 2024/25 EDITION
2021/22 EDITION
2021/22 EDITION
history. The many heritage sites in the area include the
Samora Machel monument near Mbuzini and the Barberton
Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site (pictured),
boasting rock formations dating back more than 3.5-billion
years. Other sites not to be missed are the mining village of
Pilgrim’s Rest, the Highveld Heritage Route (which abounds
with adventurous tales from history), the stone circles of
Mpumalanga and Goliath’s footprint to name just a few.
Mpumalanga is rich in culture and boasts the Swazi, Ndebele
and Shangaan people with icons like Dr Esther Mahlangu
who has managed to preserve, package and export the
vibrant geometric art of the Ndebele globally.
Bird watchers can have a glimpse of more than 500
different birds endemic to the Kruger National Park or the town
of Chrissiesmeer, the centre of South Africa’s own Lake District
where four river systems start their journeys across the country.
The small tourist town of Dullstroom is referred to
as South Africa’s trout-fishing mecca. Mpumalanga is an
ideal sporting destination with several world-class golf
courses and the Mbombela Stadium that was built for
the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and has subsequently hosted
international JOIN US JOIN ONLINE football US ONLINE and rugby matches. WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM Get off the
| | | WWW.MPUMALANGABUSINESS.CO.ZA
JOIN JOIN US JOIN ONLINE US JOIN US ONLINE US ONLINE
WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.MPUMALANGABUSINESS.CO.ZA
| WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZA
beaten track and explore the many other tourism offerings
of the Mpumalanga Province.
servations@mtpa.co.za
om
m and Parks Agency | Twitter: @Mtpatourism | Instagram: @mpumalangatourism
2018/19
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN MPUMALANGA
2018/19
BUSINESS
ABOUT THE COVER:
Top left, then clockwise: Eucalyptus trees are a good carbon sink (Mondi);
the province produces tons of citrus (Vino Li on Unsplash); working
together, (Charl Durand on Unsplash); Mpumalanga’s coalfields fire most
of the nation’s power stations, (Thungela Resources); the dramatic divide
between the Highveld and the Lowveld (SA Tourism/Flickr); Africa’s only
integrated stainless steel factory (Columbus Stainless); sophisticated
logistics gets products to market (Karan Beef ).
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

FOREWORD
Mpumalanga Business
A unique guide to business and investment in Mpumalanga.
Credits
Publishing director:
Chris Whales
Editor: John Young
Managing director: Clive During
Online editor: Christoff Scholtz
Designer: Tyra Martin
Production:
Sharon Angus-Leppan
Project manager: Chris Hoffman
Ad sales:
Shepherd Mugero
Sadiyah February
Dwaine Rigby
Gabriel Venter
Vanessa Wallace
Shiko Diala
Administration & accounts:
Charlene Steynberg
Kathy Wootton
Distribution and circulation
manager: Edward MacDonald
Printing: FA Print
The 2024/25 edition of Mpumalanga Business is the 15th issue of this
successful publication that since its launch in 2008 has established itself
as the premier business and investment guide for the province.
The CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA)
outlines the investment climate in a resource-rich province that is already
attracting a wide variety of enterprises in sectors as diverse as wind-power
generation and food processing.
The latest news in all the most important sectors of the provincial economy
is covered in a series of overviews covering events such as Sasol’s announcement
that it will be scaling back on gas imports and, in the context of increased scrutiny of
every sector’s green credentials, the establishment of the Sustainable African Forest
Assurance Scheme (SAFAS) in the forestry article. The potential of wood provides a
somewhat unusual focus for the manufacturing article, but sustainability is a theme
that is always relevant.
Major catalytic projects such as the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone
(NSEZ) and the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) are
examined in detail in the official Mpumalanga Investment Prospectus which is
contained in these pages. Compiled by MEGA, the Prospectus outlines in detail
many of the exciting investment opportunities on offer.
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 Mpumalanga is also available
through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.gan.
co.za, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all
nine provinces, our flagship South African Business title and the new addition our list
of publications, The Journal of African Business, which was launched in 2020. ■
Chris Whales
Publisher, Global Africa Network Media | Email: chris@gan.co.za
DISTRIBUTION
Mpumalanga Business is distributed internationally on
outgoing and incoming trade missions, through trade and
investment agencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s
main trading partners around the world; at top national
and international events; through the offices of foreign
representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and
regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, airport
lounges, provincial government departments, municipalities
and companies.
Member of the Audit Bureau
of Circulations
COPYRIGHT | Mpumalanga 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 | APO Group; Cape Fruit Processors; Council for
Geoscience; Enza Construction; Eskom; Forestry South Africa; GCIS;
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency; Mondi Group; MTN; Ntaba
Nyoni Cattle Farm; Radisson Hotels; Sappi; SAWEA; Thungela Resources;
University of Mpumalanga; Thuvack / Wikimedia Commons.
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
Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943
Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za
ISSN 2222-3274
DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty)
Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information
contained in Mpumalanga 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.

OFFICIAL MOBILE PROVIDER
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 946120
MTN Business
gets the vote
from government
Get it done better with empowering RT15 deals
With free inter-departmental calls, uncapped data, and no out-of-bundle
rates, more and more government departments are choosing to use MTN
to reduce cost and increase operational efficiency.
So. What are we doing today?
#BusinessDoneBetter
Call 083 123 1800
Email RT15customercare@mtn.com
Click mtnbusiness.co.za
RSA GOVERNMENT
Terms and Conditions apply. For full Terms and Conditions, visit mtnbusiness.co.za

MESSAGE
Enabling Mpumalanga’s digital future
By Nkateko Nghonyama, Acting General Manager: Northern Region, MTN SA.
Despite the fact that Mpumalanga is the
second smallest of South Africa’s nine
provinces in terms of land size, it is one of
the budding powerhouses of our economy.
From agriculture, to mining, to manufacturing
and tourism, Mpumalanga’s Economic Growth
and Development Path is bearing fruit, with the
province’s untapped potential being recognised by
a number of companies across diverse industries.
We are proud to be assisting the provincial
government’s efforts to put business enablers in
place and are even more gratified to be empowering
rural communities through better access to
connectivity. Our longstanding partnerships with
Mpumalanga’s official and business leaders continue
to grow, helping to provide the support the region
needs to achieve its goals.
This is evident in the variety of projects we have
completed in the province over the past year.
These range from the continued expansion and
improvement of our network to IoT solutions
in various industries, to cost-effective digital
enablement for the public and private sectors
through offerings like our RT-15 deals and cloud
offerings, to name a few.
Relentless pursuit of excellence
In today’s digital environment, connectivity is at the
heart of everything we do. Whether an organisation is
focused on service delivery for citizens, on improving
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
6

MESSAGE
productivity and profitability or on expanding its
operations, connectivity provides the foundation
for effective business operations. Connectivity is just
as vital to the day-to-day lives of individuals, who
rely on Internet access for everything from online
banking and education to staying informed with
news and enjoying entertainment.
This is why MTN continues to invest in improving
the quality and resilience of our network – and
why MTN’s network was once again voted the
best in the country. In Mpumalanga, we are
actively building new sites and enhancing
existing ones, resulting in a remarkable 99.7%
daily network availability. We have ensured
resilience during challenging periods like
loadshedding and power outages, improving
network throughput and availability while also
reducing drop-call rates and increasing data
volumes. For example, 4G download speeds
in towns like Nelspruit and Emalahleni now
average 12Mbps.
MTN remains dedicated to expanding network
coverage, particularly in rural areas. Our goal is to
achieve 95% broadband coverage by 2025 and we
are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address
coverage challenges.
Our relentless pursuit of connectivity is not
just about networks; it’s about empowering
communities and creating opportunities, helping
to usher in a brighter digital future for all.
Previously unconnected areas, like rural sites in
remote villages such as Mooiplaas in the Lowveld,
have been seamlessly integrated into MTN’s robust
network infrastructure, unlocking a myriad of
digital opportunities.
Adding value
MTN is also helping government employees service
their constituents better, regardless of where they
are located. With free inter-departmental calls,
uncapped data and no out-of-bundle rates, our
RT-15 solution has been designed to support the
needs of civil servants operating in an increasingly
demanding environment.
The scale of government’s requirements has
allowed MTN to develop industry-leading systems
and innovative pricing and products that not
only add value to provinces like Mpumalanga,
but also significantly improve on existing mobile
telecommunications service delivery while
allowing for a high degree of control of spend by
individual entities.
MTN will continue to invest in its network to keep
elevating the connectivity experience for South
Africans, ensuring that the benefits of the digital
world are accessible to all. Mpumalanga remains
a focus area for us, with plans for acceleration in a
number of digital programmes across the province
in the coming year. ■
7 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF
MPUMALANGA
PROVINCE
The lift at Graskop Gorge is proving a great attraction.
Three decades on from the dawn of democracy, Mpumalanga is
poised to lead a new phase in energy generation.
By John Young
The general elections of 2024 prompted
reflections in many spheres on three
decades since the first democratic
elections were held. In March 2024,
Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane’s
State of the Province address listed many
consequential changes that have occurred in
Mpumalanga in that timeframe:
• population increased from 3.3-million to 5.1-million
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew from
R46-billion to R530-billion
• off very low levels, 87% of households have
access to piped clean water
• 93% have access to adequate sanitation
• more than 94% of residents have access to
electricity
Mtsweni-Tsipane, who was succeeded as provincial
premier by fellow ANC member Mandla Ndlovu,
was elected by the government of national unity
(GNU) as the new chairperson of the National
Council of Provinces (NCOP).
More change is coming to the province in the
next 30 years. Mpumalanga is often thought of as
the Coal Province or the Power Station Province.
These are fair assessments, given the number of coal
mines and coal-fired power stations the province
hosts. Of course, Mpumalanga is also the province
where six of the nine gates are located that allow
access to the Kruger National Park, one of South
Africa’s greatest tourism assets.
Stainless steel, gold, chemicals, dairy and
beef, agriculture in many varieties, huge forestry
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
8
PHOTO: MTPA

SPECIAL FEATURE
plantations and processing plants – these are
also distinctive characteristics of the “Place of the
Rising Sun”.
The sun is a great source of energy, but for
Mpumalanga, it is wind power that is in full flow.
The South African Wind Energy Association
(SAWEA) published a “Winter Energy Outlook” in May
2024 in which it noted that South Africa now has
wind power capacity of 2GW, potentially powering
approximately 3.6-million households annually.
Two major projects, one in Mpumalanga and
one on behalf of companies that will use green
power in the province, are highlighted in the
SAWEA document: Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni
wind farm in Mpumalanga, which will generate
155MW as part of the project’s initial phase of a
broader 900MW renewable energy cluster, and the
Impofu cluster of wind farms in the Eastern Cape
which will generate a combined 336MW to supply
two major industrial companies, Sasol and Air
Liquide. These projects bring a combined 491MW
and R13.5-billion investment.
The country’s wind project development
pipeline currently stands at 32GW, and with
Mpumalanga now joining the ranks of provinces
offering wind farms, that pipeline is sure to grow.
These and other renewable energy projects will
not only provide power but also help the province
and the country along the road to a cleaner, more
environmentally friendly economy.
In pursuit of that goal, the Provincial
Government of Mpumalanga has established
the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to bring
together government, academia and industry to
create the environment for businesses to develop
in a green economy.
The Cluster, an initiative of the Mpumalanga
Department of Economic Development and
Tourism with the support of GreenCape and
the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has joined the International
Cleantech Network, a group that has 15 000
businesses affiliated to it across the globe.
National utility Eskom is also moving into
the new era, partly through a process whereby
the entity will be broken into three more
competitive units, but more immediately through
the announcement of 18 winning bids from
Students at the University of Mpumalanga enjoy
excellent facilities.
independent power producers (IPPs) for renewable
projects on Eskom land, 4 000ha of which the utility
has made available for this first phase. Eskom owns
36 000ha in the province. A total of 1 800MW will
become available to the grid and it will be cheaper
to transmit because the solar or wind plants will be
right next to the existing Eskom transmission lines.
A Mine Water Coordinating Body (MWCB) has
successfully been launched to help manage the
after-effects of the closure of mines and power
stations. The bad results of one such water leakage
are dealt with in the Mining Overview.
Many of Mpumalanga’s coal-fired power
stations are either in the process of being closed
or will shortly be shut down and the same is true
of some coal mines that have reached the end of
their lives. Eskom, together with mining houses
Exxaro, Glencore and Thungela Resources, formed
the MWCB to address environmental and socioeconomic
challenges that might arise.
Issues such as water also fall under the ambit of
a broader mine-industry related coalition known
as the Impact Catalyst which has been launched
in Mpumalanga.
Investment options
Several infrastructure investment projects in the
tourism sector have been put forward by the
Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
PHOTO: UMP
9 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

Strict quality control in Hoedspruit.
There is a special focus on BRICS countries and the
province has welcomed more than one new flight
to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport since
2022, including Safair and the tourist division of
Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover.
The TRILAND partnership with Eswatini
and Mozambique is another avenue, as is the
collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini,
Mozambique and the Seychelles.
MEGA is an equity investor in several
Mpumalanga concerns, including Afrimat, Highveld
Fruit Packers, Kangwane Anthracite, Loopspruit
Winery and Tekwane Lemon Farm.
In the Nkangala District Municipality, a publicprivate
partnership is due to deliver a hotel and
conference centre in the town of Middelburg in the
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This follows the
opening of a Safari Hotel by Radisson in Hoedspruit,
on the edge of the Kruger National Park.
Elsewhere, mining and timber companies are
making large investments in increased production
or in extending the life of mines.
A major concern for provincial planners
is to diversify the economy and to grow the
manufacturing sector. The Mpumalanga Economic
Growth and Development Path (MEGDP)
identifies beneficiation, agro-processing and the
development of value chains as priorities. Various
industrial parks are planned which will focus on
agriculture and forestry, mining and metals and
petrochemicals. An International Fresh Produce
Market in Nelspruit and the planned Nkomazi SEZ
(Special Economic Zone) are other priorities.
Steel and associated manufacturing remains
one of the province’s strong suits and Mpumalanga
has rich and varied mineral resources and fertile
soil that support diverse farming operations, agroprocessing
and forestry. The province also hosts
large companies in the manufacturing sector such
as Middelburg Ferrochrome and the Manganese
Metal Company.
The province’s rich agricultural produce is used
by companies such as McCain, Nestlé and PepsiCo
and there are also pulp and paper plants (Sappi
and Mondi), with PG Bison greatly increasing its
production capacity at its Mkhondo particleboard
plant after two investment injections of R600-
million (on a press and forming line) and R560-
million (on a front-end dryer).
York Timbers is another forestry company and
the sugar mills and refinery of RCL Foods (formerly
TSB Sugar) along with fertiliser facilities and textile
manufacturing concerns are all contributors to the
provincial economy.
The southern half of the eastern limb of the
platinum-rich Bushveld Igneous Complex runs
south towards the towns of Lydenburg and
Machadodorp. Deposits of chromite, magnetite and
vanadium in this area are the basis of the ferro-alloy
complex in Witbank-Middelburg and Lydenburg.
The town of eMalahleni is the centre of the
coal industry. Other minerals found in the province
include gold, platinum group minerals, chromite,
zinc, cobalt, copper, iron and manganese.
Middelburg is home to Columbus Stainless,
South Africa’s only producer of stainless steel, and
several big engineering works. It is about 130km
from Pretoria and less than three hours’ drive from
the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park remains the province’s
most-visited asset but the decision by UNESCO to
afford World Heritage Site status to the Makhonjwa
Mountains near Barberton will boost geological
tourism to the province and supports the efforts of
the province to diversify its offerings. Major projects
to improve tourist experiences are underway at
the Graskop Gorge (where a transparent lift takes
tourists into the depths of the gorge), a Skywalk is to
be built at God’s Window and a cable car is planned
for Three Rondavels.
The international body’s decision has also
had the effect of expanding the curriculum at the
University of Mpumalanga. On the basis of the
UNESCO ruling, UMP has a new offering in geology
as part of a BSc degree. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
10
PHOTO: Cape Fruit Processors

THE PLACE OF THE RISING SUN
MPUMALANGA
TRADE & INVESTMENT PROFILE
MPUMALANGA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

WHY INVEST IN MPUMALANGA?
• 68% of of land area in in the province is used by agriculture
• Mpumalanga’s three biggest sectors are manufacturing, mining and agriculture
Mpumalanga’s diverse and resource-rich economy makes it one of the most
attractive trade and investment destinations in South East Africa.
A large, growing domestic market and excellent access, supported by worldclass
infrastructure, to the East African and Indian Ocean markets through
Maputo Port makes Mpumalanga an ideal investment location for export-driven
manufacturing and production.
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most productive and important agricultural
regions and through strategic investments in the Mpumalanga International
Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ)
the province is set to become a major force in food production and distribution.
Mpumalanga’s sophisticated and well-segmented tourism and hospitality
sector in a post-Covid world is ripe for investment and expansion.
Mpumalanga’s STRATEGIC LOCATION makes it
a valuable transport and logistics hub
Mpumalanga
UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION
• Abundant resources: minerals and agricultural produce
• Established manufacturing infrastructure: smelters,
petrochemicals, food processing, paper, sugar
• Strategic location, access to regional and
global markets
• Tourism hotspots: the iconic Kruger National Park,
world-class reserves, adventure tourism and new
UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce
Market (MIFPM)
• Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ)
• The new University of Mpumalanga
• Support for Green Economy research and investment
A A province in in eastern
South Africa, bordering
the the nations of Swaziland
and Mozambique
• Maputo Development Corridor enhances logistics
• Preferential access to lucrative EU market
• Proximity to South Africa’s economic heartland
• Access to regional SADC market: 360-million population
• Access to deepwater Port of Maputo
Capital Capital City City Main Main major major towns towns
Mbombela
Ermelo
(Nelspruit)
eMalahleni
Population Population Middelburg
4.7-million
4.5-million people
Secunda
Secunda
people
Airport Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Airport Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
MPUMALANGA’S ECONOMY
The provincial economy of of Mpumalanga is is exceptionally diverse.
Established diverse. Established industries industries the province the include province Mining, include Stainless Mining,
Steel, Stainless Petrochemicals, Steel, Petrochemicals, Pulp and Paper, Pulp and Ferro-Alloys, Paper, Ferro-Alloys, Energy
Energy Generation, Tourism, Agriculture and Agro-Processing.
Generation, Tourism, Agriculture and Agro-Processing.
Companies in these sectors include global giants in their
industries such as Sasol (energy and chemicals), Sappi
(paper, packaging, pulp and forests), Samancor Chrome
(ferrochrome), Sibanye-Stillwater and Glencore (mining).
AGRICULTURE 3% MINING 20%
AGRICULTURE 3% MINING 20%
COMMUNITY
SERVICE COMMUNITY 19%
SERVICE 19%
FINANCE
FINANCE 14%
14%
TRANSPORT 6%
TRANSPORT 6%
MANUFACTURING
MANUFACTURING 15%
15%
ELECTRICITY 7%
ELECTRICITY 7%
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION 2%
2%
TRADE 14%
TRADE 14%
District GVA by by district
38% 39% 34% 28% 27%
Nkangala
Gert
Ehlanzeni
Gert
Sibanda Sibanda
The province’s commercial farmers are among the most efficient in the world,
exporting huge quantities of everything from citrus to macadamia nuts. Columbus
Stainless is the only stainless-steel manufacturer on the continent.
GOVERNANCE
The province has three district municipalities and 17 local municipalities. Several
agencies which promote the regional economy report to the Mpumalanga Provincial
Government. Large parts of the province comprises extensive rural villages that
form part of areas run by traditional authorities.
TRANSPORT
Two Kruger airports Mpumalanga at Hoedspruit International and Mbombela Airport (KMIA) (Kruger in Mpumalanga Mbombela plus International many airfields Airport,
KMIA) such as plus Middelburg. many airfields. Extensive Extensive freight freight rail network, rail network, busiest busiest in South in South Africa. Africa. N4 highway N4
highway (Maputo (Maputo Corridor) Corridor) is an east-west is an east-west spine of spine a highly of a highly-developed road system. road system.

ABOUT MEGA
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) is the official Economic
Development Agency for the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
MEGA’s primary mandate is to foster the sustainable growth and development of Mpumalanga’s economy through
its operational activities of Trade and Investment Promotion, Development Funding, Equity Investments, and
Property and Infrastructure Development. The Agency remains accountable to the Mpumalanga Department of Economic
Development and Tourism (DEDT). MEGA is the foreign investor’s or trader’s first point of contact for doing successful
business in Mpumalanga Province. Through the Trade and Investment Promotion Division, the Agency provides a variety
of services to potential investors and trading partners.
PLANNING THE WAY FORWARD
National government has articulated a Nine-Point Plan which seeks to prioritise projects
that will tackle key economic issues. MEGA is aligned with the plan, which include issues
relevant to growing the provincial economy:
• revitalise agriculture and the agro-processing chain
• advancing mineral beneficiation
• implementing the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) effectively
• unlocking the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives and township and rural enterprises
• resolving the energy challenge
• stabilising the labour market
• upscaling private investment
• investment in science and technology, water and sanitation, transport
and broadband connectivity
The Maputo Development Corridor is South Africa’s leading
Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), linking Mpumalanga Province,
Gauteng Province and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with
the deepwater Port of Maputo in Mozambique. This efficient
corridor provides investors and exporters with good access to the
export markets of South East Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim and
Far East Asia. The Maputo Development Corridor comprises road,
SOUTH AFRICA
MEGA SERVICES
MEGA staff will go out of their way to make the process of investing in Mpumalanga
or starting a business in the province easy. MEGA is focussed on customer needs
and provides innovative solutions with a high level of service. Services include:
• Foreign Trade Promotion
• Investment Promotion
• Funding
• Property Management
and Infrastructure
Development
MAPUTO DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR
Lydenburg
rail, Special Economic Zone, border posts, port and terminal
facilities. The corridor runs through the most highly industrialised
and productive regions of Southern Africa. The Corridor has been
extensively upgraded to international standards and links the
industrial heartland of South Africa to its nearest port in Maputo,
Mozambique, which is one of the fastest-growing countries in
South East Africa.
Sabie
MOZAMBIQUE
Middelburg
Belfast
Mbombela
Komatipoort
JOHANNESBURG
Carolina
SWAZILAND
MAPUTO

KEY SECTORS AGRICULTURE
Agriculture in Mpumalanga is responsible for 3% of the
province’s gross value added by region (GVA-R) and can
be divided into the following categories (see map, right).
AGRICULTURE
SUMMER CEREALS &
LEGUMES
MAIZE Maize meal
SOYA Meal, Edible oil
CANOLA Edible oil
SUNFLOWER Edible oil
TROPICAL &
SUBTROPICAL FRUIT
CANE SUGAR Sugar /
confectionery
CITRUS Juice & concentrate
MANGOES Dried, frozen,
juice & concentrates
LITCHIS Dried, frozen,
juice & concentrates
AVOCADOES Avocado oil
GUAVA Dried, frozen,
juice & concentrates
MACADAMIA NUTS
Processed & confectionery
Mpumalanga Province is one of South Africa’s most productive and
important agricultural regions and plays a key role in the export profile of
South Africa, primarily in fruit and nuts. The province’s economic diversity
extends into the agriculture sector where the natural topography of the
province divides this sector between the Highveld and Lowveld Regions.
The Highveld Region in the west of the province is at
an elevation of between 4 000 and 6 000 feet above
sea level. This allows for the large-scale and commercial
production of cereals and legumes like maize, soya,
canola and sunflower.
The subtropical region of the Mpumalanga Lowveld
plays a key role in the agricultural export profile of the
province, primarily in fruit and nuts.
Mpumalanga Province is one of the world’s largest
producers and exporters of citrus fruit. Duty-free
exports of South African citrus to the USA under the
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) reached a
value of $122.7-million in 2023 and are expected to
continue their strong annual growth as the USA is still
considered a premium market.
REGIONAL PRODUCE
Highveld
Lowveld
HIGHVELD: Summer cereals and legumes:
maize, soya, canola, sunflower.
Animal products: bovine meat, swine,
sheep and poultry.
LOWVELD: Subtropical and citrus fruits,
nuts and cane sugar.
Mpumalanga Province is the world’s largest
producer and exporter of macadamia nuts.
The province earned $232-million in exports in
2023, $32-million of this to the US. There have
been major new investments in processing
facilities in Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga’s rich agricultural produce is
utilised by companies such as McCain, Nestlé
and PepsiCo.
9:1
Mpumalanga’s
ratio of commercial
farmers to
small-scale
farmers
KEY SECTORS FORESTRY
Forestry is a key driver for the development of
Mpumalanga’s rural economy and a major provider
of job opportunities. About 40% of SA’s sustainable
forests are located in Mpumalanga Province.
The industry comprises logging, saw-milling, wood products, wood board, pulp and paper as
well as specialised cellulose. Specialised cellulose is a sought-after natural, renewable fibre
with a wide range of uses in the textile, consumer goods, foodstuff and pharmaceutical
industries and is produced in large quantities at Sappi Ngodwana.
R9.5
billion
Amount invested
in the foresty
industry
PG Bison has recently invested R560-million in
a new front-end dryer for its particle board plant
in Mkhondo (Piet Retief). The company is also
building a new medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
plant at its Mpumalanga plant.
SAFCOL/Komatiland is the state forestry
company with commercial and non-commercial
operations covering a land area of 187 320ha.
Sonae Arauco is an established investor and a
local BEE company, the FX Group, has established
a greenfield particle board plant in Lothair in the
Gert Sibande District.
Mpumalanga has
processing
39
out of 148 in South Africa
plants
MAIN EXPORTS
PULP
PAPER
SPECIALISED CELLULOSE
SAWN LUMBER
WOOD CHIPS
WATTLE EXTRACT
MAJOR COMPANIES
SAPPI
SAFCOL
SONAE ARAUCO
PG BISON
YORK TIMBERS
FX GROUP

KEY SECTORS MINING, MINERALS AND ENERGY
Mining is the province’s largest single sector, providing employment to 5.2% of the
province’s workforce and making up 20% of gross value added by region (GVA-R).
83%
Other minerals: Gold mining takes place in Evander, Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton. Gold is the
of South
Africa’s
coal
production
Mpumalanga is the third-largest coal-exporting region in the world with 83% of South Africa’s
coal production and 50% of national coal reserves. Coal is the lifeblood of the provincial
economy, fuelling 11 Eskom power plants, which produce 80% of South Africa’s electricity.
Coal is Mpumalanga’s single largest export product, shipping mainly to India and Japan.
second-largest export from the province. Platinum and chrome ore mining are located in the Steelpoort
and Burgersfort areas in the north of the province and make up part of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
The mining services and technology industry is an important subsector in Mpumalanga. With over a
century of commercial mining operations in the province, homegrown technologies are now exported
around the globe.
National utility Eskom will spend R3.3-billion on the revival of the Matla coal mine. Exxaro Resources
will manage the project and do the mining while major companies such as DRA, Worley, Sandvik and
WBHO will also be involved.
Other companies engaged in expansion of life-of-mine projects are Pan African Resources and
Evander (Elikhulu tailings), Exxaro Resources (Leeuwpan) and South32, which is spending about
R4.3-billion at Klipspruit.
Platinum is an important mineral for the modern economy. Two Rivers is a joint venture between
Implats (46%) and African Rainbow Minerals which is located on the southern part of the eastern
limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, 35km south-west of Burgersfort in Mpumalanga.
Lydenburg is home to the Lion ferrochrome smelter that is a joint venture between Glencore
and Merafe Resources.
KEY SECTORS GREEN ECONOMY AND JET
Mpumalanga has historically been at the heart of
the South African energy and industrial complex and
is still heavily reliant on the mining and burning of
fossil fuels.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has been proactive in exploring opportunities
in the Green Economy and pursuing a just transition to a low-carbon economy which
secures the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities.
• Building technologies: greener and more energy-efficient
• Transport and logistics: greener and more energy-efficient
• Established the Mpumalanga Green Energy Cluster Agency
Mpumalanga has
11
MINERALS
COAL Waste briquettes
GOLD JEWELLERY
CHROME
PLATINUM
IRON ORE
VANADIUM
MANGANESE
GRANITE Building cladding
& tombstone
CLAY Porcelain & ceramics
Electrical insulators
50%
of South Africa’s
national coal
reserves
ESKOM POWER
plants
Achieving such a just transition would require an integration of economic opportunities in sectors outside of energy and mining.
A Just Energy Transition (JET) to a Green Economy presents th
following opportunities:
• Renewable energy: solar, biomass, natural products
• Gas and associated industries
• Sustainable smart agriculture: environmentally friendly
agriculture and agricultural processing
• Circular Green Economy: waste recycling, water reclamation, land rehabilitation
• Soft infrastructure: reskilling and institutional capacity-building for a
carbon-neutral future
• Hard infrastructure: investment and expertise are needed in urban
planning, water and waste management
Specific opportunities include:
• There are plans for the decommissioning
of 11 000MW of Eskom’s coal-fired capacity
by 2030. Opportunities are presented by
repurposing land.
• The vast new fields of natural gas found off
the coast of Mozambique could have a big
impact on the Mpumalanga economy.
• A Renewable Energy Development Zone
(REDZ) is planned for eMalahleni / Witbank
where coal jobs are at risk.

KEY SECTORS MANUFACTURING
Three primary pillars of the manufacturing sector in Mpumalanga account
for more than 60% of the output of the manufacturing sector, which overall
makes up 15% of gross value added, regional (GVA-R).
MAIN EXPORTS
STAINLESS STEEL
Cutlery
Catering equipment
Surgical instruments
Automotive components
STEEL White & grey goods
Pipes & tubes
Wire
PETROCHEMICALS
Plastic products
Recycling plastics
Artificial rubber products
Paint & vanish
Inks & dyes
FOOD PROCESSING
Maize meal
Machinery
Frozen & dehydrated
VEGETABLES Preserves,
pickles & condiments
Nuts
PAPER Recycling
SUGAR Confectionery
MINING Machinery
& services
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Solar & biofuel
Biomass
Fuel, petroleum and chemical products are manufactured at the Sasol Secunda plant in Secunda, Gert Sibande
District. It is one of the world’s largest synthetic fuels facilities, producing 60-million litres of liquid fuel a day.
Products produced include petroleum, paraffin, jet fuel, creosote, bitumen and waxes.
The ferro-alloy and stainless-steel industries are based in the Nkangala District. Columbus Stainless in
Middelburg is Africa’s only producer of stainless-steel flat products. Samancor Chrome (Ferrometals),
the world’s second-largest ferrochrome producer, has two plants in Mpumalanga.
Agro-processing is mainly based in the Lowveld Region and consists of manufacturing forestry products
(pulp, paper and cellulose), sugar at the Selati RCL Foods plants in Nkomazi and processing subtropical fruit
and nuts.
The province’s flourishing macadamia nut industry has a number
of large processing facilities based around the provincial capital,
Mbombela. Subtropical fruits like mango, banana, papaya and citrus
are processed into juice concentrate or dried for export.
There is a geographical divide in the manufacturing sector. Fuel,
petroleum and chemical production occurs in the southern Highveld
Region clustered around Sasol’s plants.
The northern Highveld area, including Middelburg and eMalahleni
(Witbank), is home to ferro-alloy, steel and stainless-steel concerns.
Creative thinking kicked in when Highveld Steel’s troubles reached
a tipping point. The 1 000ha property in eMalahleni has been
re-purposed as a multi-purpose site for industry and commerce.
Called the Highveld Industrial Park, the project promotes a wide
range of manufacturing enterprises.
In the Lowveld, agricultural and forestry products are processed
while Sappi’s giant mill is close to the company’s forests south-west
of the provincial capital, Mbombela.
KEY SECTORS TOURISM
The Tourism Industry in the Mpumalanga Province
is one of the most strategic sectors and has the
potential to grow the economy and contribute to job
creation. The importance of tourism to the economy of
Mpumalanga cannot be overstated.
Despite the lacklustre global economic growth and the decline in disposable
income, foreign and domestic tourists have been steadily visiting Mpumalanga’s
shores. Over 1.1-million international tourists visited Mpumalanga in 2023 with
international tourists spending R3-billion in the province. The casino industry
2
BILLION
Income from Kruger
National Park
has enjoyed great growth and shows signs of further
potential for additional investment. Mpumalanga
boasts world-class parks and reserves, astonishing
botanical gardens, rivers and lakes. Safaris are a
major drawcard, and the Kruger National Park is the
jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown which brings
in R2-billion annually. Tourism subsectors such as
business travel (including conference facilities),
adventure, heritage and cultural tourism all hold huge
growth potential.
1.1
International tourists
in 2023
million

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TOURISM
Selected Strategic High Impact Projects:
BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES HOTEL
This natural water wonder is a major tourism attraction in the
Mpumalanga Lowveld. This project presents an investment
opportunity for a five-star hotel and a top-quality restaurant.
Feasibility study: completed
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): commenced
Model: Joint Venture (JV), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
CABLE CAR PROJECT
The Blyde River Canyon is the largest and deepest
green canyon in the world and offers a spectacular
opportunity to build a cable car transporting tourists
from the top of the canyon to the peninsula below.
Feasibility study: completed
EIA: commenced
Model: JV, BOT
GOD’S WINDOW SKY WALK
The project to build a “Sky Walk” – an income-generating
tourism attraction off the edge of the 700m God’s Window
cliffs – giving 360-degree panoramic views out and down
through a glass floor.
Feasibility study: completed
EIA: commenced
Investors: secured
Model: JV, BOT
3.6
BILLION
Age of volcanic and sedimentary rock
at Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
500+
Bird species recorded in the Kruger
National Park, including the Kori Bustard,
Martial Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill
and Lappetfaced Vulture
13
Nature reserves are run by the
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
and Kruger National Park is run by
SANParks

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES PRODUCE MARKET
Selected Strategic High Impact Projects: Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market
MEGA is establishing a R1.2-billion fresh produce market facility
located in Mbombela, the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce
Market (MIFPM). To date the province has invested an estimated
R540-million in the project.
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most productive and important
agriculture regions. It is home to predominantly tropical and subtropical
crops and vegetables owing to its conducive climate. The tropical and
subtropical crops consist of avocado, banana, citrus, ginger, granadilla,
guava, litchi, macadamia nut, mango, papaya and pineapple.
The vegetables produced include potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins,
sweet corn, onions, sweet potatoes, beetroot, carrots, green peas,
cauliflower, cabbages and green beans.
Site: The site is in Mbombela on a 248ha plot less than 10km
from the Central Business District. It is situated within the Maputo
Development Corridor (MDC), linking Mpumalanga, Gauteng Province
and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with the deepwater Port of
Maputo in Mozambique.
The market: The market will give local farmers access to local,
regional and international fresh produce markets and will aid in
ensuring food security for the region.
The infrastructure of the MIFPM will attract international as well as
the large domestic food retailers as a key processing and distribution
point. It will also secure Mpumalanga’s position in the regional export
market in fresh produce.
The market will offer:
• Open trading halls for fruit and vegetables
• A meat, fish and flower market
• Complementary cold storage, ripening facilities and pallet handling
• Processing facilities
• An export hall
• Bulk-breaking facilities for retail outlets
• Links with statutory organisations such as customs, PPEBC
and EuroGap
• Transport and logistics enterprises
• Shared collation and pack house facilities for SMMEs
• Commercial services including banks and restaurants
• A food bank for NGOs
Feasibility study: completed
EIA: completed
Bulk infrastructure: completed
Top structures: underway
Model: JV, BOT
Value: R1-billion
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES NKOMAZI SEZ
Selected Strategic High Impact Projects: Nkomazi Special Economic Zone
The Nkomazi Special Economic Zone has been officially designated
and MEGA has been appointed to establish the entity.
SEZs are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically
targeted economic activities that are supported through special
tax incentives. An SEZ aims to be an economic development tool to
promote rapid economic growth by using various support measures
to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments and technology.
The main goal is to support the implementation of South Africa’s
industrial development programme.
Strategically positioned in the border town of Komatipoort,
the SEZ offers a multi-sector base of operations along the H
Maputo Development Corridor which provides exporters with
good access through Maputo Port to the export markets of
South East Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim and Far East Asia.
The Nkomazi SEZ will target investment from the
agriculture, agro-processing, nutraceuticals and fertiliser
production sectors, as having a strong focus on logistics and
trade services.
The NSEZ offers the investor a unique and incentivised
base of operations on the Maputo Development Corridor
running through the most highly industrialised and
productive regions of Southern Africa.
The Maputo Corridor is bound to develop even more as
the Maputo harbour improves its handling and scheduling
Recreation
capacity. In the event that a second rail line to Maputo to complement
the current rail link is developed, the shipment of mining products
and agricultural produce to and from the Limpopo and Mpumalanga
provinces will increase. MPUMALANGA – NKOMA
The NSEZ is set to provide One-Stop-Shop services, incentives,
innovation platform, a competitive and transparent market
environment, and timeous and efficient responses to investors’
market requirements.
Manufacturing
Convenience Retail
Accommodation
Centralised Facilities
Logistics

2023/07/27 15:06
FOREIGN TRADE
Mpumalanga is proving to to be be a a key player in in the the local
economy as well as internationally.
TOP 10 EXPORTS 2022 2023
1. Ferro Alloys
R40.6-billion R 35 US$ 1.9 billion
2. Coal
R9.53-billion R 16 US$ 913 million
3. Gold Stainless Steel R7.79-billion R 9.1 US$ 504 million
4. Stainless Platinum Steel R5.18-billion R 6.9 US$ 385 million
5. 5. Platinum Gold
R5.02-billion
R 5.8 billion US$ 322 million
6. 6. Macadamia Nuts Nuts
R4.17-billion
R 4.1 billion US$ 229 million
7.
7.
Chrome
Chrome
Ore
Ore
R3.73-billion
R 2.4 billion US$ 138 million
8.
8.
Manganese
Manganese
R1.97-billion
R 2.3 billion US$ 129 million
9. Fuel Wood
9. Fuel Wood
R1.02-billion
R 1.5 billion US$ 85 million
10. Citrus Fruit 2022/03/23
2022/03/23 R808-million
ZI SEZ
ZI SEZ
10. Citrus Fruit R 576 million US$ 32 million
TOP 10 EXPORT MARKETS 2023
TOP 10 EXPORT MARKETS 2022
1. Mozambique R24.1-billion
1. Mozambique R 21 billion US$ 1.6 billion
2. China R15.5-billion
2. China R 9.5 billion US$ 529 million
3. Japan
R6.5-billion
3. United States R 8.5 billion US$ 471 million
4. United States R5.3-billion
4. Japan R 5.9 billion US$ 331 million
5. Swaziland
R3.5-billion
5. Korea R 5.5 billion US$ 308 million
6. United Arab Emirates R3.4-billion
6. Netherlands R 5.2 billion US$ 291 million
7. Netherlands
R3.1-billion
7. India R 3.8 billion US$ 210 million
8. India
R2.8-billion
8. eSwatini R 3.2 billion US$ 180 million
9. Republic of Korea R2.5-billion
9. UAE R 3.2 billion US$ 178 million
10. UK R2.1-billion
10. Indonesia R 2.4 billion US$ 135 million
MTIP photo credits. Cover: Top three: Ryan Baker/Pexels; Forestry South Africa; Sasol: bottom four: SA Tourism/Flickr; University of Mpumalanga; Mpumalanga Tourism
and Parks Agency (MTPA); Enza Construction. Body: cutting wood (Ludwig Sevenster); chimney at night (Sasol); tourism opportunities (MTPA); market variety (Jacopo
Maiarelli on Unsplash); furnace (Anglo American); macadamias (SCTIE); timber (Ludwig Sevenster); coal (Thungela Resources); citrus exports (Citrus Growers Association);
truck (Nelson Gono on Unsplash); port (TNPA); fruit pickers (Chris Kirchoff/ Brand SA); red peppers (Omotayo Tajudeen on Unsplash). Outside back cover: Sasol.

THE PERFECT LAUNCH PAD FOR AFRICA
The African Continental Free Trade Area could revolutionise African trade:
Mpumalanga is the perfect launch pad for manufacturers and exporters.
CREDIT: TRALAC
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been agreed
on by almost all African nations and holds the potential to change
the nature and size of trading on the continent in profound ways.
Mpumalanga Province, as a strategically positioned
region with a dynamic manufacturing sector and excellent
logistics and infrastructure, provides the perfect launch
pad for investors looking to take advantage opportunities
that will be created by the AfCFTA agreement.
The burgeoning African middle-class is a global trend that
economists are carefully watching. As more sophisticated
infrastructure is rolled out across Africa, having a base with
good connections to ports and with good air, road and rail
connectivity will be vital. Mpumalanga has all of that, and more.
The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched during the
12th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union on the
AfCFTA in Niamey, Niger, on 7 July 2019. Start of trading became
officially legal under the AfCFTA Agreement as of 1 January 2021.
On 7 October 2022, the AfCFTA Secretariat launched the
AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative in Accra to allow for commercially
meaningful trade under the agreement to commence for eight
participating countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya,
Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania and Tunisia, representing the five
regions of Africa. This initiative was used to pilot the operational,
institutional, legal and trade policy environment under the AfCFTA.
As at August 2023, 47 of the 54 signatories (87%) had
deposited their instruments of AfCFTA ratification (ordered by
date): Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Eswatini, Guinea,
Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Congo, Djibouti,
Mauritania, Uganda, Senegal, Togo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia,
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe,
Burkina Faso, São Tomé & Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,
Mauritius, Central African Republic, Angola, Lesotho, Tunisia,
Cameroon, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Algeria, Burundi, Seychelles,
Tanzania, Cabo Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Botswana, Comoros and Mozambique.
In January 2023 South African President Cyril
Ramaphosa officiated over the first official trade shipment
under the agreement, out of the Port of Durban.

AfCFTA FAST FACTS
Africa’s exports could increase by $560-billion and some
experts predict that continental business and consumer
spending could reach $6.7-trillion by 2030.
$450
BILLION
AfCFTA could
boost regional income
by 7% or $450-billion
(Source: the World Bank)
AfCFTA could lift
30
-million
people
out of poverty, according
to the World Bank
AfCFTA
could
boost
10%
wages
by up to
* World Bank estimate
ABOUT SADC
South Africa is a member of one of Africa’s
oldest regional organisations, the 16-member
Southern African Development Community,
(SADC). This enables duty-free trade within
a growing market of more than 360-million
people. All goods shipped under SADC
Certificate of Origin receive duty-free status.
Duty-free trade
within a GROWING MARKET
of more than
360million
people

SPECIAL FEATURE
Establishing a business
in South Africa
South Africa has eased the barriers to doing business for locals as well as
international companies and individuals.
new legislation, no new Close Corporations can
be created but CCs can convert to companies.
Registration of company
The company must be registered with the
Companies and Intellectual Proper ties
Commission (CPIC) in Pretoria within 21 days of
the company being started. There are a range of
administrative procedures that need to be fulfilled.
With the transition to renewable energy well underway,
Primocane several power Capital stations has due developed for closure a blueberry are going farm to for
Pan become African the Resources, sites of solar farms as they are already
connected the transmission a
Autobody repair a business
thriving that
grid. subsector. will provide Credit: SCATEC Credit: jobs
and revenue streams for residents of the Barberton area.
Seda
South Africa has a sophisticated legal,
regulatory and banking system. Setting
up a business in South Africa is a relatively
straightforward process with assistance
being offered by organisations such as the
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
and provincial investment agencies like the
Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
South African law regulates the establishment
and conduct of businesses throughout the
country. Tax, investment incentives, regulations
governing imports, exports and visas are uniform
throughout the country.
The particular environment varies from
province to province with regard to the
availability of human and natural resources, the
infrastructure and support services, business
opportunities and the quality of life. In this
respect, MEGA can offer specific advice about the
business environment in the province.
Business is regulated by the Companies Act
and the Close Corporation Act, which cover
accounting and reporting requirements. Under
Bank account
A business bank account must be opened in the
company’s name with a bank in South Africa.
Registration with the receiver of revenue
• As a Provisional Taxpayer
• As a VAT vendor
• For Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax payable on
money earned by employees
• For Standard Income Tax on Employees
Registration with the Department of Labour
Businesses employing staff will have to contact the
Department of Labour regarding mandatory contributions
to the Unemployment Insurance Fund
(UIF). Register with Compensation Commissioner
for Compensation Fund. Files with the Compensation
Fund (in the Department of Labour) for
accident insurance (Workmen’s Compensation).
Registration with the local authority
Relevant only to businesses dealing in fresh
foodstuffs or health matters.
Other procedures
• Checking exchange control procedures (note
that non-residents are generally not subject to
exchange controls except for certain categories
of investment).
MPUMALANGA FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021 2022/23
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 2023/24
2620
22 46
PHOTO: Primocane Capital

iiiiiiiissssssss rrrrrrrreeeeeeeennnnnnnnttttttttiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg oooooooouuuuuuuutttttttt 11888 8885000 ssssssssqqmmmmmmmm ssssssssttttttttaaaaaaaannnnnnnnddddddddaaaaaaaalllllllloooooooonnnnnnnneeeeeeee fffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrrryyyyyy iiiiiiiinnnnnnnncccccccclllllllluuuuuuuuddddddddiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg FFFFuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeee
FFFFDDC
MMaaaaaaaacccccccchhhhhhhhiiiiiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyy,,,,,, Eqquuuuuuuuiiiiiiiippppppppmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnntttttttt,,,,,, aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd FFFFuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeee fffffffoooooooorrrrrrrr Buuuuuuuussssssssiiiiiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeeeessssssssssssssss
MMaaaaaaaannnnnnnnuuuuuuuufffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg
2021/22
2018/19
2018/19
MPUMALANGA
SPECIAL FEATURE
• Obtaining approval for building plans
• Applying for industry and export incentives
• Applying for import permits and verifying import
duties payable
• Registering as an exporter if relevant and
applying for an export permit.
Business entities
There are a variety of forms which businesses can
take, including private and public companies,
personal liability companies, non-profit companies,
state-owned companies and even branches of
foreign companies (or external companies).
Branches of foreign companies fall under
Section 23 of the Companies Act of 2008 and are
required to register as “external companies” with
the CIPC. An external company is not required
to appoint a local board of directors but must
appoint a person resident in South Africa who
is authorised to accept services of process and
any notices served on the company. It must also
appoint a registered local auditor and establish a
registered office in South Africa.
Patents, trademarks and copyrights
Trademarks (including service marks) are valid for
an initial period of 10 years and are renewable
indefinitely for further 10-year periods. Patents are
granted for 20 years, normally without an option
to renew. The holder of a patent or trademark
must pay an annual fee in order to preserve its
validity. Patents and trademarks may be licensed
but where this involves the payment of royalties
to non-resident licensors, prior approval of the
licensing agreement must be obtained from
the dtic. South Africa is a signatory to the Berne
Copyright Convention.
Permits for foreign nationals
Work permits
In considering whether or not to grant a work
permit, the Department of Home Affairs will first
evaluate the validity of the offer of employment
by conducting a number of checks to confirm the
following:
• Has the Department of Labour been contacted?
• Has the position been widely advertised?
• Is the prospective employer able to prove that he
or she has tried to find a suitably qualified local
employee prior to hiring a foreigner?
• Is the prospective employee appropriately
qualified and do they have the relevant
IIIIINNNDUSSTTTTTTTRRRRRRIIIIIAAL PPPRRRRRROOOPPPEERRRRRRTTTTTTTY TTTTTTTOOO RRRRRREENNNTTTTTTT IIIIINNN HHAARRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIISSMMMIIIIITTTTTTTHH
FFFFDDC iiiiiiiissssssss rrrrrrrreeeeeeeennnnnnnnttttttttiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg oooooooouuuuuuuutttttttt 11888 8885000 ssssssssqqmmmmmmmm ssssssssttttttttaaaaaaaannnnnnnnddddddddaaaaaaaalllllllloooooooonnnnnnnneeeeeeee fffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrrryyyyyy iiiiiiiinnnnnnnncccccccclllllllluuuuuuuuddddddddiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg FFFFuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeee
MMaaaaaaaannnnnnnnuuuuuuuufffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg MMaaaaaaaacccccccchhhhhhhhiiiiiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyy,,,,,, Eqquuuuuuuuiiiiiiiippppppppmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnntttttttt,,,,,, aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd FFFFuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeee fffffffoooooooorrrrrrrr Buuuuuuuussssssssiiiiiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeeeessssssssssssssss HHAARRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIISSMMMIIIIITTTTTTTHH
IIIIINNN RRRRRREENNNTTTTTTT TTTTTTTOOO PPPRRRRRROOOPPPEERRRRRRTTTTTTTY IIIIINNNDUSSTTTTTTTRRRRRRIIIIIAAL
Oppppppppeeeeeeeerrrrrrrraaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnn........
experience?
Thhhhhhhheeeeeeee fffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrrryyyyyy iiiiiiiissssssss SSSSiiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeeedddddddd aaaaaaaatttttttt SSSSiiiiiiiitttttttteeeeeeee 22227777 iiiiiiiinnnnnnnn Haaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiissssssssmmmmmmmmiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd cccccccclllllllloooooooosssssssseeeeeeee pppppppprrrrrrrrooooooooxiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmiiiiiiiittttttttyyyyyy ttttttttoooooooo aaaaaaaallllllllllllllll aaaaaaaammmmmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttiiiiiiiieeeeeeeessssssss,,,,,, oooooooonnnnnnnn
Oppppppppeeeeeeeerrrrrrrraaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnn........
mmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrtttttttteeeeeeeerrrrrrrriiiiiiiiaaaaaaaallllllll rrrrrrrroooooooouuuuuuuutttttttteeeeeeeessssssss aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd Quuuuuuuuiiiiiiiicccccccckkkk aaaaaaaacccccccccccccccceeeeeeeessssssssssssssss oooooooonnnnnnnnttttttttoooooooo N33 FFFFrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyy....
Business permits
Foreign nationals who wish to establish their own
business or a partnership in South Africa must,
apart from having sufficient funds to support
themselves and their family, be able to invest at
least R2.5-million in the business.
FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND
CORRUPTION The INCIDENTS funds TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE must 0800 212 154 originate overseas, be
transferable to South Africa and belong to the
applicant (ie emanate from the applicant’s own
CORRUPTION INCIDENTS TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE 0800 212 154
bank account). The business must also create
jobs for South African citizens. After six months
to a year, proof will have to be submitted that the
business is employing South African citizens or
permanent residents, excluding family members
of the employer.
Applications for work permits for selfemployment
can only be lodged at the South
African Consulate or Embassy in the applicant’s
country of origin. The processing fee is US$186. The
applicant would also have to lodge a repatriation
guarantee with the consulate/embassy equivalent
to the price of a one-way flight from South Africa
back to his or her country of origin.
This guarantee is refundable once the
applicant has either left South Africa permanently
or obtained permanent residence. Any application
for an extension of a business permit may be
lodged locally. The processing fee per passport
holder is R425. Some countries also need to pay
R108 per return visa.
A list A list of of countries to to which this applies is
available from from the the Department of of Home Affairs.
MEGA MEGA assists assists investors in in applying for the
relevant work permits to to conduct their business.
TTTTTTThhiiiiiiiisss fffffffaaaaaaaacccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrryy ooooooooffffffffffffffeeeeeeeerrrrrrrsss tttttttthheeeeeeee fffffffoooooooolllllllllllllloooooooowwiiiiiiiinnnnng::
22227777 iiiiiiiinnnnnnnn Haaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiissssssssmmmmmmmmiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd cccccccclllllllloooooooosssssssseeeeeeee pppppppprrrrrrrrooooooooxiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmiiiiiiiittttttttyyyyyy ttttttttoooooooo aaaaaaaallllllllllllllll aaaaaaaammmmmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnniiiiiiiittttttttiiiiiiiieeeeeeeessssssss,,,,,, oooooooonnnnnnnn
SSSSiiiiiiiitttttttteeeeeeee aaaaaaaatttttttt SSSSiiiiiiiittttttttuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeeedddddddd iiiiiiiissssssss fffffffaaaaaaaaccccccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrrryyyyyy Thhhhhhhheeeeeeee
SSSSpppppppprrrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnkkkklllllllleeeeeeeerrrrrrrr SSSSyyyyyysssssssstttttttteeeeeeeemmmmmmmm....
aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd Quuuuuuuuiiiiiiiicccccccckkkk aaaaaaaacccccccccccccccceeeeeeeessssssssssssssss oooooooonnnnnnnnttttttttoooooooo N33 FFFFrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyy....
rrrrrrrroooooooouuuuuuuutttttttteeeeeeeessssssss aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrtttttttteeeeeeeerrrrrrrriiiiiiiiaaaaaaaallllllll mmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn
fffffffaaaaaaaacccccttttttttoooooooorrrrrrryy ooooooooffffffffffffffeeeeeeeerrrrrrrsss tttttttthheeeeeeee fffffffoooooooolllllllllllllloooooooowwiiiiiiiinnnnng::
SSSSeeeeeeeeccccccccuuuuuuuurrrrrrrriiiiiiiittttttttyyyyyy *uuuuuuuuaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrdddddddd Hoooooooouuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeee
TTTTTTThhiiiiiiiisss
SSSSyyyyyysssssssstttttttteeeeeeeemmmmmmmm....
Weeeeeeeellllllllllllllll fffffffeeeeeeeennnnnnnncccccccceeeeeeeedddddddd aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd sssssssseeeeeeeeccccccccuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeeedddddddd
SSSSpppppppprrrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnkkkklllllllleeeeeeeerrrrrrrr
Ammmmmmmmpppppppplllllllleeeeeeee ppppppppaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrkkkkiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg
DDoooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrssssssss
Roooooooolllllllllllllllleeeeeeeerrrrrrrr 4
33 pppppppphhhhhhhhaaaaaaaasssssssseeeeeeee ppppppppoooooooowwwwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrrr wwwwwwiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh 11000000 aaaaaaaammmmmmmmppppppppssssssss
Hoooooooouuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeee
*uuuuuuuuaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrdddddddd SSSSeeeeeeeeccccccccuuuuuuuurrrrrrrriiiiiiiittttttttyyyyyy
888 ttttttttooooooooiiiiiiiilllllllleeeeeeeettttttttssssssss,,,,,, 6 ooooooooffffffffffffffiiiiiiiicccccccceeeeeeeessssssss aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd bbooooooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrddddddddrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooommmmmmmm,,,,,, rrrrrrrreeeeeeeecccccccceeeeeeeeppppppppttttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnn,,,,,, kkkkiiiiiiiittttttttcccccccchhhhhhhheeeeeeeennnnnnnn aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd sssssssseeeeeeeeppppppppaaaaaaaarrrrrrrraaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeee wwwwwwaaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeeehhhhhhhhoooooooouuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeee aaaaaaaabblllllllluuuuuuuuttttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnnssssssss wwwwwwiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh
sssssssseeeeeeeeccccccccuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeeedddddddd
aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd fffffffeeeeeeeennnnnnnncccccccceeeeeeeedddddddd Weeeeeeeellllllllllllllll
Ammmmmmmmpppppppplllllllleeeeeeee ppppppppaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrkkkkiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg
pppppppphhhhhhhhaaaaaaaasssssssseeeeeeee ppppppppoooooooowwwwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrrr wwwwwwiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh 11000000 aaaaaaaammmmmmmmppppppppssssssss
OOOccccccccccupaaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnn aaaaaaaavvaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiilllllllaaaaaaaabllllllleeeeeeee iiiiiiiimmmmmmmmeeeeeeeediiiiiiiiaaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeeelllllllyy. PPPllllllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaassseeeeeeee cccccoooooooonnnnnttttttttaaaaaaaaccccctttttttt MMMrrrrrrr TTTTTTTeeeeeeeefffffffoooooooo MMMaaaaaaaattttttttlllllllaaaaaaaa fffffffoooooooorrrrrrr mmmmoooooooorrrrrrreeeeeeee
33
ttttttttooooooooiiiiiiiilllllllleeeeeeeettttttttssssssss,,,,,, 6 ooooooooffffffffffffffiiiiiiiicccccccceeeeeeeessssssss aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd bbooooooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrddddddddrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooommmmmmmm,,,,,, rrrrrrrreeeeeeeecccccccceeeeeeeeppppppppttttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnn,,,,,, kkkkiiiiiiiittttttttcccccccchhhhhhhheeeeeeeennnnnnnn aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd sssssssseeeeeeeeppppppppaaaaaaaarrrrrrrraaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeee wwwwwwaaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeeehhhhhhhhoooooooouuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeee aaaaaaaabblllllllluuuuuuuuttttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnnssssssss wwwwwwiiiiiiiitttttttthhhhhhhh
iiiiiiiinnnnnfffffffoooooooorrrrrrrmmmmaaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnn oooooooorrrrrrr ttttttttoooooooo vviiiiiiiieeeeeeeeww::
888
sssssssshhhhhhhhoooooooowwwwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrrr
4 Roooooooolllllllllllllllleeeeeeeerrrrrrrr DDoooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrssssssss
sssssssshhhhhhhhoooooooowwwwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrrr
Teeeeeeeellllllll 000511 4000000000 888000000 Emmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiillllllll tttttttteeeeeeeefffffffoooooooo#fffffffddddddddcccccccc....ccccccccoooooooo....]aaaaaaaa wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....fffffffddddddddcccccccc....ccccccccoooooooo....]aaaaaaaa
OOOccccccccccupaaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnn aaaaaaaavvaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiilllllllaaaaaaaabllllllleeeeeeee iiiiiiiimmmmmmmmeeeeeeeediiiiiiiiaaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeeelllllllyy. PPPllllllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaassseeeeeeee cccccoooooooonnnnnttttttttaaaaaaaaccccctttttttt MMMrrrrrrr TTTTTTTeeeeeeeefffffffoooooooo MMMaaaaaaaattttttttlllllllaaaaaaaa fffffffoooooooorrrrrrr mmmmoooooooorrrrrrreeeeeeee
iiiiiiiinnnnnfffffffoooooooorrrrrrrmmmmaaaaaaaattttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnn oooooooorrrrrrr ttttttttoooooooo vviiiiiiiieeeeeeeeww::
Teeeeeeeellllllll 000511 4000000000 888000000 Emmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiillllllll tttttttteeeeeeeefffffffoooooooo#fffffffddddddddcccccccc....ccccccccoooooooo....]aaaaaaaa wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....fffffffddddddddcccccccc....ccccccccoooooooo....]aaaaaaaa
FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND
What can MEGA do for you?
MEGA will help new businesses by assisting in
project appraisal and packaging, putting investors
in touch with relevant agencies and government
departments, alerting investors to investment
incentives and setting up joint ventures where
required. ■ mega.gov.za
27
MPUMALANGA FREE STATE BUSINESS BUSINESS 2022/23 2021
23 47 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 2023/24

SPECIAL FEATURE
South African
investment incentives
The South African government, particularly the Department of Trade, Industry
and Competition, has a range of incentives available to investors, existing
companies, entrepreneurs and co-operatives across many sectors.
PG Bison is one of several companies that are ramping up investment into the Mpumalanga
Tourism
economy.
is
A
a
new
popular
front-end
investment
dryer
sector.
has been
Thebe
installed
Tourism
at Mkhondo.
Group has invested Zindoga a luxury Trading hotel and on Projects. the
Skukuza bridge. The Kruger Shalati Development is in the Kruger National Image: Credit: Park. Seda Roger Bosch/Brand SA
South Africa wishes to diversify its economy
and incentives are an important part
of the strategy to attract investors to
the country.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
(the dtic) is the lead agency in the
incentives programme, which aims to encourage
local and foreign investment into targeted
economic sectors, but the Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) is the most influential funder of
projects across South Africa.
There are a variety of incentives available and
these incentives can broadly be categorised
according to the stage of project development:
• Conceptualisation of the project – including
feasibility studies and research and develop-
ment (grants for R&D and feasibility studies,
THRIP, Stp, etc)
• Capital expenditure – involving the creation
or expansion of the productive capacity of
businesses (MCEP, EIP, CIP, FIG, etc)
• Competitiveness enhancement – involving the
introduction of efficiencies and whetting the
competitive edge of established companies and
commercial or industrial sectors (BBSDP, EMIA,
CTCIP, etc)
• Some of the incentives are sector-specific, for
example the Aquaculture Development and
Enhancement Programme (ADEP), Clothing
and Textile Competitiveness Improvement
Programme (CTCIP) and the Tourism Support
Programme (TSP).
MPUMALANGA MPUMALANGA BUSINESS BUSINESS2021/22 2022/23 2024/25 2020/21
28 14 10
PHOTO: PG Bison

Manufacturing
Key components of the incentive programme are
the Manufacturing Incentive Programme (MIP) and
the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement
Programme (MCEP). The initial MCEP, launched in
2012, was so successful that it was oversubscribed
with almost 890 businesses receiving funding.
A second phase of the programme was launched
in 2016. The grants are not handouts as the
funding covers a maximum of 50% of the cost
of the investment, with the remainder to be
sourced elsewhere.
The Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP)
makes targeted grants to stimulate and promote
investment, BEE and employment creation in the
manufacturing and tourism sectors. Aimed at
smaller companies, the maximum grant is R30-
million. Specific tax deductions are permissible for
larger companies investing in the manufacturing
sector under Section 12i of the Income Tax Act.
Other incentives
Other incentives available to investors and existing
businesses in more than one sector include the:
• Technology and Human Resources for Industry
Programme (THRIP)
• Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII)
• Black Business Supplier Development Programme
(BBSDP), which is a cost-sharing grant offered to
black-owned small enterprises
• Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP) that covers
between 10% and 30% of the total development
costs of qualifying infrastructure
• Co-operative Incentive Scheme, which is a
90:10 matching cash grant for registered primary
co-operatives
• Sector Specific Assistance Scheme, which is a
reimbursable 80:20 cost-sharing grant that can be
applied for by export councils, joint action groups
and industry associations.
Incentives for SMMEs
A lot of emphasis is placed on the potential role
of small, medium and micro enterprises in job
creation and a number of incentives are design-
Investments Many incentives infrastructure are available to can support attract small rebates. businesses
The and PG Bison Highveld startups. are investing Established Industrial heavily Park businesses hosts expanding factories are encouraged manufacturing
to
different support Gladtidings capacity. smaller sectors. Credit: Interiors PG entities Bison CC. Image: along their Sedasupply chain.
ed to promote the growth of these businesses.
These include:
• Small Medium Enterprise Development
Programme (SMEDP)
• Isivande Women’s Fund
• Seda Technology Programme (Stp).
• Seda is the Small Enterprise Development Agency,
an agency of the Department of Small Business
Development that exists to promote SMMEs.
Trade-related incentives
The Export Marketing and Investment Assistance
(EMIA) Scheme includes support for local
businesses that wish to market their businesses
internationally to potential importers and
investors. The scheme offers financial assistance
to South Africans travelling or exhibiting abroad
as well as for inbound potential buyers of South
African goods. ■
Online Resources
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition:
www.thedtic.gov.za
Industrial Development Corporation:
www.idc.co.za
Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency:
www.mega.gov.za
Official South African government incentive
schemes: www.investmentincentives.co.za
PHOTO: Seda
29 25 11 15 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 2022/23 2020/21 2021/22

KEY SECTORS
Overviews of the main economic
sectors of Mpumalanga
Agriculture 28
Forestry and paper 32
Mining 34
Energy 36
Transport and logistics 40
Tourism 41
Manufacturing 44
ICT 46
Education and training 48
Development finance and SMME support 49
Banking and financial services 52

Mpumalanga’s agriculture sector is a major contributor to provincial GDP, with grains, fruits,
forestry and livestock all cultivated and reared by large commercial farms and small-scale
farmers in every region. Karan Beef, with operations at several sites in the province, not only
raises cattle but processes and exports beef to many countries. Credit: Karan Beef

Agriculture
The International Fresh Produce Market is preparing to trade.
Mbombela’s International Fresh Produce Market will open new markets for farmers.
With more than 1.5 tons of steel and a design that
encompasses 17 buildings, the International Fresh
Produce Market (IFPM) built for the Mpumalanga
Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) will make a big
impact on the agricultural sector in the province.
As of April 2024, site progress achieved was reportedly 97%
(The Citizen), and the 29 000m² floor area will soon be put to use
trading the province’s produce. Enza Construction, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Crowie Holdings, was the main contractor on the
project, and Orbic Architects designed the market.
The IFPM is in Mbombela, less than 10km from the Central
Business District. It is situated within the Maputo Development
Corridor (MDC), linking Mpumalanga, Gauteng Province and
the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with the deepwater Port of
Maputo in Mozambique.
Agri-hubs throughout the province, led by co-operatives, will
be encouraged to supply produce to the IFPM which will give them
direct access to new markets and opportunities. In this way, small-scale
growers will be better incorporated into the mainstream economy.
Mpumalanga cultivates predominantly tropical and subtropical crops
and vegetables such as avocados, bananas, citrus, ginger, granadillas,
guavas, litchis, macadamia nuts, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.
Among the facilities that the market will offer are open
trading halls for fruit and vegetables, a meat, fish and flower
market, cold storage, ripening facilities and pallet handling,
processing facilities, an export hall and bulk-breaking facilities
for retail outlets. Linked services such as customs, transport
and logistics, banks and restaurants will support the main
activities of the IFPM.
More agricultural infrastructure in the form of an agroprocessing
facility is planned for the area near the Kruger
SECTOR INSIGHT
A market brief on opportunities
in agriculture has been prepared.
Mpumalanga International
Airport (KMIA) and private
investors are being approached.
The Mpumalanga Green
Cluster Agency, a new body
set up to promote the green
economy, has published a
series of briefing documents on
opportunities in various sectors.
The Cluster has representatives
from government, business and
the academic world. With coal
mining and coal-fired power
stations likely to play a reduced
role in the future, Mpumalanga
is looking to its other abundant
resources for economic growth.
The Mpumalanga Department
of Economic Development and
Tourism has initiated the Agency
to look for increased opportunities
in the green economy.
In the Sustainable Agriculture
briefing, the Agency identifies
investment opportunities in five
broad categories within the province:
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
28
PHOTO: Enza Construction

• renewable energy applications
• regenerative agriculture
• controlled environment agriculture
• smart farming
• agri-waste management
The South African macadamia industry produced 83 556 tons
in 2023, a better crop result than 2022 and much better than the
53 000 tons achieved in 2021. Fully 97% of the crop is exported.
Thousands of new trees are being planted every year. In 2022,
Mpumalanga was responsible for 37% of the country’s 6 235
new hectares. There are more than 65 000 hectares planted to
macadamias in the country. Sophisticated machinery is increasingly
being used and data usage is becoming vital for sustainability.
Avocados are not as widespread, but the planting of 800 new
hectares annually suggests that global markets are responding
well to farms in Mpumalanga and elsewhere. The website of the
South African Avocado Growers Association lists 25 companies that
export the fruit.
Mpumalanga accounts for about 21% of South Africa’s citrus
production and a third of its export volumes, with Valencias being
the province’s most popular varietal and Nelspruit being the centre
of the sector.
Litchis, mangoes and bananas also thrive in the province.
Hazyview is an important source of bananas, with 20% of South
Africa’s production originating there.
Phez’ Komkhono Mlimi is a provincial government assistance
programme providing mechanisation and input support to smallscale
and new farmers. Since its inception, the programme has
overseen the cultivation of 199 169ha of land and 12 720 food
gardens. In the five years to 2024, 37 733 farmers benefitted from
the programme, of which 22 505 are women.
Beefing up exports
A major decision for South Africa’s beef exporters was announced
in 2024; Saudi Arabia agreed to import again after a long break.
Exports for the month of January 2024 represented a seven-year
high of 3 225 tons.
Several factors conspired to keep exports down in the years
before 2024, but the conditions to grow the market are very
ONLINE RESOURCES
Citrus Growers Association: www.cga.co.za
Red Meat Producers’ Organisation: www.rpo.co.za
South African Subtropical Growers’ Association: www.subtrop.co.za
Many kinds of cattle thrive in
Mpumalanga, including the
Ankole breed.
favourable. South Africa has
achieved the remarkable feat
of switching from being a net
importer of beef to an exporter
and the beef sector is well
segmented with excellent
infrastructure all along the
value chain.
One of the country’s biggest
beef producers and traders,
Karan Beef, runs an abattoir in
Balfour and in the neighbouring
Gauteng province, the
company’s Heidelberg farm
feedlot is, at 2 330ha, the largest
in the world.
The Mpumalanga
Department of Agriculture,
Rural Development Land
and Environmental Affairs is
supporting livestock farmers
through the Masibuyele
Esibayeni Programme (MESP).
Applicants can receive four
kinds of livestock, including up
to four bulls and 100 heifers for
commercial farmers who meet
the criteria. In the smallholder
category the limit is one
bull and 25 heifers whereas
communal farmers are entitled
to one bull only.
An indication of the
suitability of the province for a
variety of cattle breeds can be
gleaned from the fact that Ntaba
Nyoni Cattle runs studs for five
breeds, Ankole, Boran, Bonsmara,
Nguni and Wagyu. The 5 100ha
farm, located near Badplaas, is
owned by current South African
President Cyril Ramaphosa. ■
PHOTO: Ntaba Nyoni Cattle Farm
29
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

INTERVIEW
Ensuring quality from gate to plate
Consistent dedication to sustainability and high quality underpin KARAN BEEF’S
export drive, as Export Director Matthew Karan explains.
Assessments are diligently conducted as needed to uphold
environmental standards.
Does Halaal certification play a role in assisting you in
exporting to new markets?
KARAN BEEF is Halaal certified and serves a wide array
of Arabic markets both internationally and domestically.
KARAN BEEF is honoured to provide the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia with top-quality Class A South African Beef.
Where are your main facilities located?
Our primary facilities are situated in Heidelberg
(feedmill, pictured below), Nigel (feedlot and feedmill),
Balfour (abattoir), City Deep (distribution offices) and
Albert Falls (feedlot and abattoir), pictured above left.
To what extent is KARAN BEEF involved in the beef
production chain?
At KARAN BEEF, we’re engaged throughout the entire
beef value chain from the initial stages to the final
product. We start by procuring weaner calves, which
we carefully nurture through feeding processes until
they’re market-ready. At that point, we skilfully process
them into premium Class-A-Beef products, ensuring
quality from gate to plate.
What sort of volumes does KARAN BEEF deal with?
KARAN BEEF Balfour processes up to 380 000 head of
cattle annually and KARAN BEEF Albert Falls processes
up to 100 000 head of cattle annually.
Is KARAN BEEF working on sustainability?
Consistent dedication to sustainability remains a
priority for the KARAN BEEF group. It showcases its
environmental stewardship through a range of initiatives.
Maintaining adherence to the National Environmental
Act and securing essential licences are ensured through
a dedicated ISO department. Professional consultants,
including a full-time Environment Consultant, are
employed for expert guidance. Environmental Impact
Where does KARAN BEEF get exported to currently?
All of Africa, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Seychelles, the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People’s
Republic of China, the Republic of Mauritius, the Republic
of Maldives, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the
Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Does KARAN BEEF see other export market
opportunities?
KARAN BEEF is actively engaged in the expansion of its
export operations to the South-East Asian Market. KARAN
BEEF is at the forefront of efforts aimed at advancing
South African beef exports globally.
What is the KARAN BEEF Academy?
The KARAN BEEF Academy is an educational video series
that provides essential cattle farmer training to farmers
of South Africa. The 10-part series aims to educate
aspiring and existing cattle farmers in South Africa with
knowledge and skills to become more profitable and
successful in the ever-growing beef cattle market.
Each episode focusses on crucial aspects of successful
cattle farming and provides valuable insights and
information to support the development of commercially
viable herds that can effectively tap into current and
future markets. All episodes are available in isiZulu,
isiXhosa and English. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

+27 11 995 5000
www.karanbeef.com
Scan here for access to
our digital platforms
KARAN BEEF, Africa's leading
producer of premium beef, was
established in 1974 in South Africa.
The KARAN BEEF Group has gained
global recognition for its exceptional
quality beef products. Committed to
upholding stringent international
standards in health, hygiene, and
food safety, KARAN BEEF holds
certifications including FSSC 22000
and ISO 22000. Additionally, their
operations are Halaal approved by
the South African National Halaal
Authority (SANHA) and the National
Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT).
With the capacity to slaughter up to
2040 cattle per day and debone up
to 300 tons of beef products daily,
KARAN BEEF is also authorised for
export with Plant number ZA71.

OVERVIEW
Forestry and paper
Forestry’s green credentials are excellent.
Eucalyptus is an excellent carbon sink.
One cubic metre of eucalyptus wood removes around
880kg of CO2 from the air, storing around 240kg of
carbon. This is according to Forestry South Africa
(FSA), the industry body that claims to represent 93%
of the forestry industry. This includes all 13 corporate companies,
hundreds of medium-scale forestry farmers and thousands of
small-scale growers.
In the face of growing concern about the climate crisis, bodies
such as FSA and the Paper Manufacturers Association of South
Africa (PAMSA) have been active in promoting the green credentials
of the forestry and paper sectors.
About 30% of Mpumalanga’s plantations are planted to
eucalyptus, with pine representing about 50%. The province has
a higher proportion of its land given over to plantations (6.4%)
than any other province, even KwaZulu-Natal (5%). The province’s
491 000ha of plantation area represents 41% of the national total.
FSA reports that more than 85% of this is certified as meeting the
stringent environmental and social standards set by the Forest
Stewardship Council® (FSC®). In addition, 40% of these plantations
have international PEFC certification through the recently
established Sustainable African Forest Assurance Scheme (SAFAS).
Of the 254 000ha owned or leased by Mondi for plantation
forestry in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces,
approximately 27% are unplanted, with about 80% of these
unplanted areas set aside for conservation purposes. This is mostly
grassland and wetland ecosystems.
Mpumalanga has the ideal climate and topography for
forests. Sabie and Graskop represent the hub of the industry, but
ONLINE RESOURCES
Forestry South Africa: www.forestry.co.za
Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa:
www.thepaperstory.co.za
Sawmilling South Africa: www.timber.co.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
A new sustainability body
has been established.
commercial forests are also
found to the east and south
along the Swaziland border.
Forestry accounts for about
8% of Mpumalanga’s gross
domestic product. The sector
comprises logging, saw-milling,
wood product and pulp and
paper manufacture. Pulp and
paper are the main exports,
along with sawn lumber, wood
chips and wattle extract. Most
sawn timber in South Africa is
used in the construction sector.
One of the biggest operations
in the forestry and paper sector
in Mpumalanga is Sappi’s
Ngodwana Mill. Although it has a
big international footprint, Sappi’s
biggest sales volumes are achieved
in South Africa, making up nearly
50% of group sales. Sappi’s other
large facility in the province, the
Lomati Sawmill in Barberton,
produces kiln-dried Southern
African pine lumber from sawlogs
supplied by Sappi Forests.
The Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) has a stake in
Hans Merensky Holdings and
York Timbers, which has planted
out 40ha in high-value crops as
part of a diversification strategy.
PG Bison, a subsidiary of KAP
Industrial Holdings, is investing
R560-million in a new front-end
dryer for its particleboard plant
in Mkhondo. The company is also
building a new medium-density
fibreboard (MDF) plant. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 32
PHOTO: Mondi Group

Oil and gas
New sources for LNG imports are needed.
OVERVIEW
The announcement by Sasol that it will cut supplies
of natural gas from Mozambique in 2026 has caused
considerable discussion among users of the energy
source, including the Industrial Gas Users Association
– Southern Africa (IGUA-SA), which said that this would have a
significant impact on the manufacturing sector.
IGUA-SA’s website notes that natural gas could bolster socioeconomic
growth, attract investment and render “the mining,
energy and manufacturing sectors more efficient and globally
competitive”. The association has members in the mining,
manufacturing, agricultural and transport sectors.
Sasol, an international chemical and energy company, has
several large plants in Mpumalanga and it has been the dominant
national player in these sectors for decades. With more than 30 000
employees and a presence in 30 countries, the decisions Sasol make
have a big impact on society. A series of partnerships entered into by
Sasol illustrate that the company has decided that the energy future
has to be different to the present.
Subsidiary company Sasol ecoFT is producing sustainable fuels
and chemicals from green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources
via the Power-to-Liquids process and using the Fischer-Tropsch
technology (FT) which has helped set the company apart in its field.
Products manufactured at the Sasol complex in Secunda include
synthetic fuel, petroleum, paraffin, jet fuel, creosote, bitumen, diesel
and lubricants. The primary feedstock for synthetic-fuel production
is coal, and the plant is in the heart of Mpumalanga’s coalfields.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has
published a draft Gas Master Plan which it says, “considers the
complete gas topology ranging from demand, supply, importation,
infrastructure, and distribution networks”. The DMRE is also engaged
with the question of the Sasol decision and is working with the private
sector to explore alternatives. One of the alternative sources being
explored is a Mozambican state-owned hydrocarbon company with
which DMRE agencies are negotiating to buy natural gas.
iGas, a gas development company that is a subsidiary of
the state-owned Central Energy Fund, now jointly owns 80% of
ONLINE RESOURCES
Independent Power Producer Programme: www.ipp-projects.co.za
Industrial Gas Users Association – Southern Africa: www.igua-sa.org
Petroleum Agency South Africa: www.petroleumagencysa.com
Sasol: www.sasol.com
SECTOR INSIGHT
A Central Energy Fund
subsidiary has acquired 40% of
the Rompco pipeline.
the Republic of Mozambique
Pipeline Company (Rompco)
with CMG, the Mozambique state
gas company, after buying an
additional 40% from Sasol. Sasol,
the third partner in the company,
continues to operate the pipeline.
The Liquefied Natural Gas
Independent Power Producer
Procurement Programme
(LNG IPPPP) is part of the
broader programme of the
National Department of Mineral
Resources and Energy which
encourages private investment
in renewable energy, namely the
Renewable Energy Independent
Power Producer Procurement
Programme (REIPPPP). The total
allocated to gas-to-power in the
national power plan is 3 726MW,
of which 3 000MW is for LNG. ■
PHOTO: APO Group
33
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

OVERVIEW
Mining
Acid mine water poses a serious threat.
A massive rehabilitation project is underway at Kromdraai.
Acid mine water is one of the many environmental
challenges faced by resource-rich Mpumalanga.
Daily Maverick puts the number of “abandoned,
ownerless or derelict mines” across South Africa above
6 000. In 2022 one of these, Khwezela Colliery at Kromdraai,
experienced what the current owners describe as an “uncontrolled
release of mine-impacted water” which led to severe environmental
damage downstream. This mine was among the package of coal
assets purchased from Anglo American by Thungela Resources, a
multi-phase deal which was finalised in 2022.
The pollution plume affected approximately 60km of river
ecosystem, threatened aquatic life and created risks for local
communities. Since then, Thungela has invested approximately
R1-billion in various activities. These include:
• Active treatment plant: R380-million
• Wetlands: R80-million
• Passive treatment plant: R18-million
• Kromdraai Phytoremediation Project: R2-million
• Construction of nursery: R4.1-million
• Loskop fish breeding facility: R3.3-million
• Addressing illegal mining: +R500-million
• Dongalocks: R20-million
Dongalock is an environmentally friendly technology used in
wetland and river rehabilitation programmes to manage the risk of
stormwater damage and flooding in vulnerable areas and passivewater
treatment projects.
The Council for Geoscience has highlighted the dangers that oil
and rock subsidence above abandoned coal mines carry, especially in
the Witbank area. Not only can sinkholes occur but water movement
channels can be materially altered, leading to unexpected events.
SECTOR INSIGHT
Exxaro has created a digital
twin of its Belfast mine.
Exxaro has spent R3-billion
on creating a digital twin of its
Belfast mine in Mpumalanga.
Using the example of Exxaro, two
authors from financial services
company Mazars have outlined
the benefits of using AI-powered
technology in mining. They argue
that digital twin enables an
innovative approach to mining
and can create a safer and more
efficient environment.
Predictive maintenance,
improved productivity and the
elimination of downtime are
further concrete benefits that
will come with the increasing
adoption of AI. The Mazars
authors state that a recent survey
conducted by the Minerals
Council South Africa showed
that more half of its members
are already piloting various AIpowered
tools while another
25% are looking to do so in the
next five years.
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
34
PHOTO: Thungela Resources

The acquisition of the liquidated Mintails operations will
increase Pan African Pan African Resources’ gold production by
about 50 000oz once steady production is reached at the end of
2024. The company currently has production capacity in excess of
200 000oz of gold per annum. R400-million of a R2.5-billion funding
arrangement was released by Rand Merchant Bank in March 2023.
Loadshedding in 2023 slowed the process of getting the
Barberton operations running at optimum levels. The company
reported in May of that year that it had lost 10 000oz worth of
production because of power cuts. Tests are proving that the
decision to extend deep mining at Barberton was correct. Pan
African Resources reports “potential high-grade extensions to the
orebodies at Fairview, Royal Sheba and Consort mines”.
Contribution
Mining contributes 25.9% of the province’s gross domestic product
and employs more than 53 000 people. Mpumalanga accounts
for 83% of South Africa’s coal production and is the third-largest
coal-exporting region in the world. Although renewable energy is
catching on in South Africa, there is no prospect of Mpumalanga’s
coal-fired power stations being mothballed soon.
Council for Geoscience (CGS) CEO Mosa Mabuza reports that
research is ongoing into finding ways to capture carbon produced
at coal-burning power stations. The CGS is doing extensive research
into the existing baseline environmental conditions on the ground
so that future activities can be carefully monitored and measured
against something concrete.
Tests done by the CGS indicate that not only are there mineral
resources other than coal in the ground in Mpumalanga, but there
is groundwater too.
Afrimat, previously listed on the JSE in the “Construction
and Building Materials” section, has changed its classification
to “General Mining”, a recognition of the company’s ambitious
buying programme in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga. With
construction and building now contributing just 20% to operating
profit, Afrimat is active in anthracite and iron ore and will further
expand into phosphates, rare earth elements and vermiculite. Among
its new acquisitions, Afrimat now controls the Nkomati Anthracite
mine in Mpumalanga. The mine, which is in the south-eastern
corner of the province, has proven resources of 8.7-million tons
and upwards of 400 jobs were created over the last two years. Local
ONLINE RESOURCES
Council for Geoscience: www.geoscience.org.za
Minerals Council South Africa: www.mineralscouncil.org.za
South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: www.saimm.co.za
Core samples of Mpumalanga rock
are laid out for testing.
communities have a 16.1% stake
in the relaunched mine and the
Mpumalanga Economic Growth
Agency (MEGA) holds 34%.
Platinum
Platinum is an important
mineral for the modern
economy. Two Rivers is a joint
venture between Implats (46%)
and African Rainbow Minerals
which is located on the
southern part of the eastern
limb of the Bushveld Igneous
Complex, 35km south-west of
Burgersfort in Mpumalanga.
Northam Platinum, which has
assets on both limbs of the
Bushveld Igneous Complex,
has purchased the Everest
mine from Aquarius Platinum.
Everest is adjacent to Northam’s
existing Booysendal mine.
Jubilee Platinum has sold its
Smelting and Refining business
in Middelburg to Siyanda
Resources. Sylvania Platinum
now has seven PGM recovery
plants that extract chrome
from tailings on both sides of
the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
Lydenburg is home to the
Lion ferrochrome smelter that
is a joint venture between
Glencore and Merafe Resources.
Assmang, the joint venture
between ARM Ferrous and
the JSE-listed Assore, operates
a chrome mine (Dwarsrivier)
and a ferrochrome plant where
chrome alloys are made. ■
PHOTO: Council for Geoscience
35
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

OVERVIEW
Energy
Four power stations will keep burning coal.
A programme called energyDRIVE, which includes a mobile unit showcasing different technologies,
reached 30 000 high-school pupils in Mpumalanga in May 2024. The initiative is supported by
the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), Eskom, the Danish Embassy and the Durban
University of Technology.
There has been a change of plan. Mpumalanga’s coal-fired
power stations are not going to be closed as quickly as
originally envisioned.
The vast reserves of coal under the soil of the province
are the reason for the concentration of power stations, which in
turn is the reason for high levels of pollution from emissions in
Mpumalanga. It was assumed that an urgent programme of shutting
down coal-fired power stations would be a minimum requirement
for South Africa to receive international funding for its transition
from fossil fuels to cleaner sources.
The commitment to switch power sources has not changed,
but the timeframe has. The experience of closing Komati has given
national planners pause. Komati power station was decommissioned
in 2022 and the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) says that the
sequence of steps taken to close the mine were “back to front”. By
not consulting early enough and not setting up sufficient alternative
economic activities, economic harm was done to locals who were
dependent on the facility.
SECTOR INSIGHT
Wheeling is expanding.
The workshops of Komati
power station have been
converted into a small factory for
the manufacture of components
for containerised microgrids,
but the PCC says that more
should be done. After a 2023
visit to the site, the PCC reported,
“On the one hand, Eskom has
taken a pioneering role in its
conceptualisation of a second
life of a power station, with a
focus on community upliftment
and social development. As
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 36
PHOTO: SAWEA

ENERTRAG: Unlocking South
Africa’s transmission grid
A vision for the future
Containerised mini-grids are being made on the
site of an old power station.
acknowledged by all stakeholders, however, there
were shortcomings in the project.” The PCC is an
advisory body to the President of South Africa.
The decommissioning of the Camden,
Grootvlei, Hendrina and Kriel power stations will
now be delayed until 2030.
Options to get these plants producing energy
again include gas, biomass and hydrogen but it is
possible they might be used for something quite
different. National utility Eskom wants to be a net-zero
company by 2050. With 80 000 jobs dependent on coal
mining across South Africa, the need to try to ensure a
“Just Transition” is a very real one.
One of South Africa’s most successful investment
projects, the Renewable Energy Independent Power
Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP),
suffered a setback in the period between 2015 and
2021. It has since been relaunched and investors
are queuing up to take a stake in greener energy,
but South Africa has now come up against the
constraints of the national grid.
In the most recent round of bidding for projects,
the Northern Cape received fewer projects than
it otherwise would have if the national grid was
keeping up with increased generation potential
of new projects. This gives Mpumalanga a
comparative advantage.
With most of South Africa’s power stations
located in Mpumalanga, the issue of grid
capacity does not arise. Eskom was one of the
first entities to react to this opportunity to build
newer, greener facilities. In July 2022, Eskom
announced 18 winning bids from independent
power producers (IPPs) for renewable projects on
Eskom land, 4 000ha of which the utility has made
An ambitious strategy is needed to transform
South Africa’s existing transmission grid and
integrate renewable energy more efficiently
into the national grid.
There is a critical need for an actionable
plan that would not only hasten the integration
of renewable energy sources but also refine
the operational capabilities of transmission
grid infrastructure. This plan should include
a suite of initiatives designed to propel the
country’s national grid into a more efficient and
sustainable future, particularly unlocking the
growth of the wind energy sector, a critical step
towards a sustainable energy future.
A bold grid strategy for South Africa is
what is required, prioritising prompt generator
connections, allowing grid oversubscription
and curtailment as cost-saving measures,
promoting transparency in transmission data
to optimise capacity use and supporting
producer autonomy in self-consumption and
innovative energy shifting to future-proof the
energy sector.
PHOTO: SAWEA
PHOTO: Eskom
37 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

OVERVIEW
available for this first phase. Eskom owns 36 000ha in the province.
A total of 1 800MW will become available to the grid and it will be
cheaper to transmit because the solar or wind plants will be right
next to the existing Eskom transmission lines.
According to the PCC, the pipeline of REIPPPP projects stood
at R377-billion in June 2024. Applications for the development of
4.5GW were received in 2023, sharply up from the two previous
years, 135MW (2021) and 1.6GW (2022). The establishment of a onestop
shop to deal with registering projects is part of the reason for
the expansion of potential new capacity.
The relaxation by national government of the rules regarding
setting up a power plant of 100MW or less is well suited to the
requirements of big timber-processing companies such as
Sappi and PG Bison and all the large mining concerns that are
active in Mpumalanga.
The second phase of the Strategic Environmental Assessment
(SEA) for wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in South Africa
proposes three additional Renewable Energy Development Zones
(REDZs) for wind and solar photovoltaic energy projects, taking the
total number to 11. In 2021, Emalahleni became the latest REDZ to be
gazetted. Previously known as Witbank, the town is at the centre of
the province’s coal-mining district.
REDZs support the implementation of the Integrated Resource
Plan (IRP 2019). Renewable energy projects that might be developed
in these new REDZs have the potential to make significant
contributions to mine rehabilitation and, by creating jobs, support
a just energy transition in the specified areas including areas where
coal power stations are planned to be decommissioned.
Wheeling is growing
Wheeling is getting power from a generator to an end-user located in
another area through existing distribution or transmission networks.
With the imminent breakup of Eskom into three divisions, including
a distribution unit which will not be required to protect the interests
of Eskom’s generation company, the possibility of other power
generators and users of the grid has opened up.
Big companies like Amazon and Vodacom are signing wheeling
arrangements to have power generated by solar and wind parks
sent to them to help them meet their climate change commitments.
Three 110MW wind farms
being constructed near St
Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape
will supply energy to Sasol and
Air Liquide in Mpumalanga.
Enel Green Power and Red
Cap are building the R9-billion
Impofu project. Amazon is
having power wheeled to
its facilities from a block of
wind farms in Kenhardt in the
Northern Cape.
ENERTRAG South Africa, in
the course of its research into
Mpumalanaga as a site for wind
energy, has stated that the
current environment is creating
an active offtakers market
among Energy Intensive Users
(EIUs) and no place is better
equipped to service that market
and to facilitate wheeling than
the Mpumalanga province,
Emalahleni in particular.
The renewable energy
subsidiary of coal-mining
company Seriti Resources,
Seriti Green, is to build a
150MW wind farm that will
allow the company to receive
75% of the energy it needs
to run its coal mines from
renewable sources. This first
phase of a larger project is
expected to start producing
power in 2025. The wind
farm will cost R4-billion, with
R1.5-billion allocated to new
grid infrastructure. The grid
infrastructure will be partly
owned by Eskom. ■
ONLINE RESOURCES
HyShiFT: www.hyshift.org
South African Independent Power Producers Association:
www.saippa.org.za
South African Wind Energy Association: www.sawea.org
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
38

INNOVATION - FORESIGHT - EXPERTISE
Turning renewable sources into energy
and ideas into reality.
enertrag.co.za

OVERVIEW
Transport and logistics
SANRAL is experimenting with new road technologies.
Several strategic roads within the province have been handed
over to the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
Given the national importance of Mpumalanga’s highways in
terms of transporting coal to power stations and the volumes
of traffic between the province of Gauteng and Mozambique, the
transfer makes sense.
Some of these roads will be the focus of pilot projects in which
SANRAL will trial nano-technology and materials. In recent years,
several interchanges have been constructed or upgraded by the
agency. These include the interchanges at Machadodorp, Karino
and Montrose.
Provincial government programmes in the term of office which
finished with the elections of May 2024 saw 76 projects completed
under the Integrated Rural Mobility and Access programme. These
include 17 bus shelters, 10 footbridges, 29 culverts, 15 bridges,
four walkways and one multi-modal facility. Approximately 75 000
children are transported to school daily through the province-wide
scholar-transport programme.
The performance of the Maputo Corridor has enabled one of
South Africa’s biggest logistical carriers to continue to post good
financial results. With the N3 highway between Johannesburg and
Durban often congested and delays at the ports of Richards Bay
and Durban, Super Group, which operates in 21 countries, reports
that the route through Mpumalanga to Mozambique is functioning
well for its trucks.
Trans Africa Concessions (TRAC), the toll road company, will
spend R248-million on expanding capacity on the bridge over the
Crocodile River and creating an upgraded roads junction at the
Montrose interchange. Two new bridges will be built to provide
access over the Elands Valley section of the road. The Motheo Group,
in a joint venture with WBHO, has been working on the N4 for TRAC,
which has also parcelled out some work to Raubex Construction.
The province’s roads carry heavy traffic that feeds coal mines
and power stations. The Provincial Government of Mpumalanga
has purchased mechanised pothole-patching vehicles in
response. It is expected that many jobs will be created in this
attempt to improve the strategic road infrastructure network,
which includes tourism routes.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: www.kmiairport.co.za
Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative: www.mcli.co.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
Scholar transport assists
75 000 children.
The tunnel at Waterval Boven.
There is more freight rail
traffic in Mpumalanga than in any
other province. This is principally
because of the transport of coal,
but there are also large volumes
of chrome, ferrochrome, forestry
products, chemicals, liquid fuels
and general freight.
The Balfour North to Volksrust
section of the Gauteng to Durban
mainline carries the largest
volumes, most of which is longhaul
freight passing through the
province. Despite these high
rail volumes, a huge amount of
mineral product is transported
by truck around and out of the
province. This puts immense
pressure on Mpumalanga’s
roads network, particularly in
the Gert Sibande District and the
Nkangala District. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
40
PHOTO: Thuvack / Wikimedia Commons

Tourism
Radisson Hotels is opening hotels in Mpumalanga.
OVERVIEW
Radisson Hotels will open the group’s 14th South African
hotel in 2024 when the Radisson Hotel Middelburg starts
welcoming guests.
The R350-million luxury hotel and conference centre
project in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality is a publicprivate
partnership. Akani Properties, a black-owned property
development company, is working with the Radisson Hotel Group
to deliver the 150-bed hotel and convention centre. The recently
launched Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit represents the group’s
first safari hotel on the continent and illustrates the variety of types
of accommodation options on offer by Radisson. Altogether the
hospitality company offers 10 brands.
As of May 2022, Tsogo Sun Hotels again adopted the Southern
Sun brand. With the acquisition of the Hazyview Sun, the group
has a total of seven properties in the province, ranging from two
StayEasys to Southern Sun Emnotweni in Nelspruit.
Tsogo Sun, as distinct from Tsogo Sun Hotels which is no more,
has interests in casinos and gaming and runs two hotels in Witbank.
Protea Hotels by Marriott has two properties in Mpumalanga. At
White River, Premier Hotel The Winkler is 20 minutes’ drive from the
Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park.
Forever Resorts has a big presence in the province, including
the four-star Forever Resorts Mount Sheba. The Graceland Hotel
Casino and Country Club is a Peermont resort in Secunda.
Four nature reserves under the control of the Mpumalanga
Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) now have accommodation
facilities, after upgrades to Songimvelo-Kromdraai Camp, Andover,
SS Skosana and Manyeleti.
In 2024 MTPA signed a strategic partnership with the Aspinall
Foundation to elevate the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve to a Big Five game
reserve. A collaboration with Greater Kruger Environmental Protection
Foundation to fight poaching in Manyeleti has also been initiated. This
collaboration includes establishing new pickets, the maintenance of
fences and the training of field rangers. Tourism Safety Monitors have been
introduced at key points around the province.
In 2024 FlySafair introduced new routes between Kruger
Mpumalanga International Airport and Cape Town. Eurowings
Discover, a division of Lufthansa, has been flying to Mbombela from
ONLINE RESOURCES
Mpumalanga Gambling Board: www.mgb.org.za
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency: www.mtpa.co.za
South African National Parks: www.sanparks.co.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
Four provincial nature reserves
now offer accommodation.
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit
Frankfurt via Windhoek since
2022.
Stats SA’s Tourism and Migration
Report released in January 2024
placed Mpumalanga second in
terms of international tourist arrivals.
The Provincial Government
of Mpumalanga is looking for
more private partners to invest in
a sector that has several superb
tourism assets, ranging from
about 70 parks and reserves to
bird-watching, music festivals, car
rallies and casinos.
A total of R475-million in public
and private investments has so far
been raised for the Skywalk project
at God’s Window in the Blyde River
Canyon Nature Reserve. ■
PHOTO: Radisson Hotels
41

FOCUS
TRILAND brand
reactivation
A three-country tourism initiative has
been reactivated, promising to inject
new life into the sector.
TRILAND is an initiative entered into
between the three tourism entities,
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
(MTPA), Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA)
and the Mozambique National Institute of Tourism
(INATUR), to promote the region as a tourist, trade
and investment destination.
Background to the TRILAND initiative
The relations between these three countries has its
historic origin from 1928 and relations were further
strengthened with the advent of democracy
in South Africa in 1994, especially in areas of
economic cooperation and investment.
The cooperation resulted in the implementation
of multi-billion-rand economic projects, inter alia,
the Maputo Development Corridor and the Trilateral
Spatial Development Initiative with Eswatini. It is
against this backdrop, and many other technical
cooperation agreements and international relations
policy instruments that the tourism entities signed
a Memorandum of Understanding to grow tourism
in the region in 2009 and the TRILAND Regional
Tourism Destination Brand Strategy was launched
in 2011 in Mozambique.
The essential elements of the Brand and
Regional Tourism Routes are packaged on three
unique selling propositions (USPs): NATURE in
Mpumalanga, ROYAL TRADITION in Eswatini and
SEA and WHITE SANDY BEACH in Mozambique.
Collectively, these key product offerings depict
the regional destination presented as the TRILAND.
Key objectives of the TRILAND brand
To develop and position the region as a worldclass
tourism, trade and investment destination; joint
marketing; contribute to the integration of the region
and their common economic development goals
including employment creation and economic growth;
to develop sustainable and responsible tourism; to
enhance joint collaboration in the conservation and
protection of biodiversity, and to preserve cultural
values, heritage and national pride.
Trade promotion: establish a uni-visa; remove
barriers to trade; lobby and advocate for the upgrading
of major trade routes and road networks.
Investment promotion: create a single Investment Forum.
Tours for tour operators
As part of the promotion of the TRILAND initiative,
the tourism agencies from the three countries have
hosted tour operators and media with the aim of
showcasing the different tourism offerings available
in each country.
Six local tour operators and four media from
Mpumalanga were afforded an opportunity to
interact with other tour operators and promote
tourism packages that seek to promote Mpumalanga.
The tour started with a two-day visit to the Kingdom
of Eswatini, which was hosted by the Eswatini Tourism
Authority. Another two days followed in Mozambique,
where the group was hosted by INATUR and the
tour concluded with a final two days enjoying the
highlights of Mpumalanga.
The familiarisation trip was an activation of one the
elements within the Memorandum of Understanding
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 42
PHOTOS: MTPA, INATUR, ETA

Majestic nature, royal tradition and white sandy beaches, the unique selling points of the TRILAND brand.
that was signed at the Africa’s Travel Indaba held
in Durban in 2022. The TRILAND route is about
enhancing regional tourism initiatives, collaborating
and supporting exchange programmes with the aim
of growing tourism.
This is an exciting period for all three tourism
agencies. To be able to take part in the promotion of
the TRILAND route and to expose local tour operators
to the various features and experiences offered by the
route also enhances the ability of all role-players to
create effective packages. This collaboration presents
an opportunity to promote regional tourism and
showcase the variety of products available.
The TRILAND rollout plan
There are five major projects that underpin the
rollout of the TRILAND strategy:
Tourism airlift
Investigate the business case for the establishment
of a tourism airlift strategy between Mpumalanga,
Eswatini and Mozambique.
Key points: Lobbying, feasibility study of
routes, stakeholder engagement, including civil
aviation authorities.
Joint regional marketing and promotion
Establish a programme for an integrated Regional
Marketing and Promotion Programme to jointly
promote the route.
Key points: Establish Tour Operator Exchange
Programme, develop an integrated media plan, plan
for TRILAND integration at trade shows and events,
develop social media pages, develop a revolving
marketing plan, identify markets.
Marketing collateral
Development of joint marketing collateral to
promote the route.
Key points: Develop terms of reference for marketing
collateral, appoint service provider, to include videos,
film, website, images, digital brochures.
Collaboration in mega events
Collaboration in mega tourism events to promote
the TRILAND brand.
Key points: Identify flagship events, agree on
attendance (for example, Maputo Tourism Fair, King’s
Cup in Eswatini and Innibos in Mpumalanga), partners
to include these events in budgets.
Tourism route(s) development
Development of a tourist route connecting
identified unique selling features and points of
the region to create a sustainable demand for the
regional and international market.
Key points: Establish terms of reference
for service provider to map and develop the
TRILAND Route, engage with stakeholders,
develop brochures. ■

OVERVIEW
Manufacturing
The manufacturing potential of trees is under the spotlight.
The manufacturing industry is making more plastic than
the environment can cope with. Many large operations
in Mpumalanga make the kind of chemicals and compounds
that go into plastic.
Forestry South Africa (FSA) believes that wood from responsibly
managed plantations and forests could be part of the solution. With
several companies operating in the forestry and paper sectors in
Mpumalanga, the province could play an increasingly important
role in mitigating excessive reliance on plastics in years to come.
In connection to Earth Day 2024, FSA released information
about how the forestry sector is creating substitutes for energyheavy
materials that are derived from fossil fuels.
The FSA further noted that paper packaging is making a
comeback across the world as shoppers become increasingly more
demanding of sustainability from brands.
From steel to chemicals, petroleum and stainless steel to paper
and fruit juice, Mpumalanga makes a wide variety of products. Fuel,
petroleum and chemical production occurs in the southern Highveld
region clustered around Sasol’s plants.
The Sasol chemicals and liquid fluids complex at Secunda is
a vital component of Mpumalanga’s manufacturing sector but
concern about environmental factors that are increasingly coming
into play around the world are causing the group to rethink many
of its processes.
Also in the southern section is the town of Standerton which
hosts several large manufacturing plants. Chief among these are a
chicken-processing facility and two mills, one for textiles and the
other for crushing soy.
The northern Highveld area, including Middelburg and
eMalahleni (Witbank), is home to ferro-alloy, steel and stainlesssteel
concerns.
In the Lowveld, agricultural and forestry products are
processed while Sappi’s giant mill is close to the company’s forests
south-west of the provincial capital, Mbombela. Timber firm and
board manufacturer PG Bison is in the process of spending more
than R2-billion on increasing capacity at its Mkhondo plant.
SECTOR INSIGHT
Food and forestry are the main
employers in manufacturing.
Laboratory work on lignosulfonate.
TSB Sugar runs two large mills
and produces fruit juices through
a subsidiary company. Nelspruit
is the centre of the province’s
food-processing cluster.
Approximately 70% of jobs in the
manufacturing sector are in food
and forestry.
Middelburg-based Columbus
Stainless is South Africa’s only
producer of stainless-steel products. ■
ONLINE RESOURCES
Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency: www.mega.gov.za
South African Furniture Initiative: www.furnituresa.org.za
South African Iron and Steel Institute: www.saisi.co.za
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25 44 PHOTO: Sappi

TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 946120
Automation
is a no-brainer
#BusinessDoneBetter with
MTN Business IoT
Our connected device platforms provide maximum remote control,
self-activation, real-time monitoring, and self-provision of devices
and SIMs. For IoT connectivity, device management, and vertical
applications, default to MTN Business.
Visit mtnbusiness.co.za
Email getconnected@mtn.com

OVERVIEW
ICT
School pupils are going online.
Esibusisweni Combined School in Iswepe in the Gert Sibande
District Municipality is reaping the benefits of online
technology for pupils studying mathematics and science.
Located between the towns of Mkhondo and Ermelo, and
consequently in the area where Mondi has forestry operations, the
school is one of six across two provinces that is part of a distancelearning
project run by Ligbron e-Learning System and supported
by the paper and forestry company. The two subjects are required
for careers in forestry and engineering, so Mondi also offers bursaries
to aspiring academic performers from its operational footprint.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has since 2022 been
providing Grade 12 pupils and teachers in Quantile 1 to 3 schools
with tablets and laptops. These devices are loaded with e-content
but in 2024 an offline application has been added so that learning
can continue without data or connectivity. Eight schools are leading
a smart-school pilot project in a drive to achieve a paperless school.
In May 2024, MTN announced that it intended rolling out
100 new 5G sites in its northern region, with 40 planned for
Mpumalanga before year-end. In 2023, the company added 65 5G
sites in the province.
The MTN SA Foundation supports several schools in
Mpumalanga as part of MTN’s Back to School campaigns. Eleven
schools have multi-media centres, each with 20 computer desks,
chairs and teacher stations. The computer laboratories have one
server, a multifunctional printer, an interactive whiteboard, a data
projector, a router and data connectivity to MTN for 24 months. One
of the province’s new boarding schools, Izimbali Combined MST, also
has a 40-seater laboratory courtesy of the MTN SA Foundation.
ICT has been chosen as one of the University of Mpumalanga’s
six critical research themes. Operating under the title of Information
and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), it intends
to present easy adoption and use of ICT resources for the betterment
of people’s day-to-day activities. Sub-themes are ICT in education,
cybersecurity, Internet of Things and data analytics. The university
offers a Diploma in ICT in Applications Development, a three-year
course carrying 360 credits and a level-six qualification.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Seda Technology Programme: www.seda.org.za
State Information Technology Agency: www.sita.co.za
Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa: www.usaasa.org.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
5G sites are multiplying.
Glencore Coal and partner
Project Isizwe are celebrating
estimated savings in data costs
of more than R100-million in the
communities where a free WiFi
project is in operation. Having
started with 10 hotspots in Ogies
and Phola in the eMalahleni
Municipality, the initiative was
expanded to the Steve Tshwete
and Emakhazeni municipalities
where 30 hotspots now function.
Communities are consuming
more than 28 000GB of data for
free every month. Project Isizwe
is a non-profit organisation that
partners with Internet Service
Providers to provide equitable
Internet access. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
46
PHOTO: MTN

Visit mtnbusiness.co.za
Email getconnected@mtn.com

OVERVIEW
Education and training
Boarding schools are changing lives.
One of the biggest changes to the educational landscape
in Mpumalanga in the democratic era has been the establishment
of rural boarding schools. Tiny farm schools
were sometimes the only option available to the children
of farm workers but since 1994, the following rural boarding schools
have been built: Ezakheni and Izimbali in the town of Mkhondo in the
Gert Sibande District Municipality; Emakhazeni and Steve Tshwete in
the Nkangala District Municipality, Shongwe (in the town of Malelane)
and Thaba Chweu in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality.
Overall, attendance figures at schools in the province have
reached 98% of all seven to 17-year-olds, with a throughput rate in
2023 of 72%. Hot meals are served to one-million children at schools
and about 75 000 pupils have access to scholar transport services.
To cater for greatly increased numbers, the Fundza Lushaka
Bursary Scheme supports matriculants who want to start a career
in teaching. From 2018 to 2024, 1 200 took up the offer to become
educators.
Since 2022, all Grade 12 pupils and teachers in Quantile 1 to 3
schools are provided with tablets and laptops respectively. These
devices are loaded with e-content and in 2024 an offline application
was added to enable learning without data or connectivity. A pilot
“smart schools” project has been introduced in eight schools. New
public libraries have been built in Sakhile, Thubelihle, Thulamahashe
and Matsamo.
Tertiary progress
On a hill north of the Crocodile River a complex of buildings
has become the University of Mpumalanga. The official launch
was in October 2013 and by 2020, the university was offering 26
qualifications to 4 200 students.
The university currently offers 48 programmes in three faculties:
Education; Agriculture and Natural Sciences; and Economics and
Business Sciences. There are plans to add new programmes at
both undergraduate and post-graduate levels and to establish
the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of
ONLINE RESOURCES
Sasol bursaries: www.sasolbursaries.com
Southern African Wildlife College: www.wildlifecollege.org.za
University of Mpumalanga: www.ump.ac.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
A teaching bursary is
proving popular.
The library at Imzimbali Combined
Boarding School.
Law. By 2024, the plan is to offer
approximately 70 qualifications
to over 8 000 students. That is
the year in which the university’s
first doctoral graduates will be
capped. Research relevant to the
needs of the province can now
be done at local level.
Mpumalanga has three
Technical and Vocational Education
and Training (TVET) colleges, with
an enrolment of over 36 000.
UNISA, the Tshwane University of
Technology and the Vaal University
of Technology also have satellite
campuses in the province.
The TVET colleges are located
in the province’s three District
Municipalities: Gert Sibande (four
campuses and a skills academy),
Nkangala and Ehlanzeni, which
has six campuses, a skills centre
and a satellite campus. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
48

Development finance
and SMME support
Supplier development programmes promote small enterprises.
OVERVIEW
The Provincial Government of Mpumalanga has several
programmes designed to support small business, with a
particular focus on women and young people. For its part,
the private sector uses supplier development programmes
to encourage small businesses along its supply chain.
One example of the latter model is Mondi’s support for
Philasiphile Contractors, pictured, which is based in Amsterdam.
Philasiphile today manages multiple contracts, supplying silviculture
services to Mondi, Sappi and Komatiland Forestry. From having one
bakkie and a staff of 30, the company now employs more than 150
people to tend to 430ha for Mondi alone.
The Mondi Zimele Small Business Development Initiative is a
joint venture with the Jobs Fund putting up matching funding with
the forestry and paper company. The aim is to facilitate sustainable
black economic empowerment by providing business support
services and low-interest loans to emerging businesses. The Jobs
Fund is run by National Treasury.
In the 2023 State of the Province Address, a provincial Job War
Room was promised as a means of tackling the high unemployment
rate. In the 2024 speech, Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said that
by the end of January 2024, a total of 63 478 jobs had been created
through the 21 identified programmes including the Siyatentela Road
Maintenance Programme, Government Nutrition Programme, School
Handymen and Tourism Safety Monitors. She further reported that,
since its inception in 2019, the Premier’s Youth Development Fund
had disbursed R258-million to fund 182 youth-owned enterprises. The
funded beneficiaries created more than 630 jobs.
In partnership with the Presidential Climate Commission, the
Climate Investment Fund and the World Bank, opportunities are being
explored for SMMEs and co-operatives to participate in the green
economy. The Premier’s Youth Development Fund allocated R92.3-
million to 36 companies in the financial year to February 2023 in sectors
such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and transport and logistics.
The provincial government is committed to allocating 30% of the
ONLINE RESOURCES
Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency: www.mega.gov.za
Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative: www.mpstainless.co.za
Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
The Premier’s Youth Development
Fund has disbursed R258-million.
provincial procurement budget
to enterprises owned by women,
youth and people with disabilities.
Research done by the
Small Enterprise Development
Agency (Seda) shows that a
high percentage of SMMEs in
Mpumalanga are in the trade and
accommodation sector. Whereas
the national figure is about 43%,
in Mpumalanga it is closer to 50%.
Seda supports several
incubators in the province: Furntech,
furniture manufacturing, White River;
Mobile Agro-Skills Development
& Training (MASDT), agricultural
training, Nelspruit; Mpumalanga
Stainless Initiative (MSI), stainlesssteel
processing, Middelburg
(with Columbus Stainless); Timbali
floriculture, Nelspruit; Ehlanzeni TVET
College Rapid Incubator Renewable
Technologies, Nelspruit. TVET
stands for technical and vocational
education training. The Gert
Sibande Centre for Entrepreneurship
in Evander hosts a Rapid Incubator in
partnership with Seda. ■
49
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

Middelburg Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
Location, location, location is the secret advantage of
Middelburg, writes MCCI CEO, Anna-Marth Ott.
The current investment landscape
is dominated with buzzwords like
energy security, green energy, carbon
neutral, just transition and equitable
opportunities. In this complex landscape
investors end up asking how they can make lowrisk
investments that offer lucrative returns. The
answer lies in investment areas that offer access
to inclusive environments in close proximity to
customers and suppliers. Middelburg, located
within the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, is
such a location.
The saying that “location is everything” applies
to the Middelburg investment environment. The
town offers businesses access to major national
transport routes, industrial areas in Mpumalanga
and Gauteng, neighbouring countries and ports.
This is especially attractive for businesses that need
to distribute their product reliably. Middelburg is
situated at the intersection of the N4, N12, N11, R104
and R555 highways, thus avoiding any congestion
of the N3. The harbours of Durban and Maputo
are accessible from the region without using the
infrastructure of Gauteng.
Access and competitive advantage
Middelburg also offers direct access for importing
and exporting to neighbouring SADC countries.
With an increasing need for imports, access to these
markets is advantageous for any manufacturing,
distribution or logistics company. The Middelburg
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and
the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) have
Columbus Stainless, part of the Acerinox Group of
companies, is the only stainless steel mill in Africa.
successfully attracted several such major investors to
the region. Historically, investors could either build
their projects on greenfield sites or move into existing
facilities to trade as soon as possible.
A major competitive advantage is that the region
is not reliant on one sector for its economic growth
but has several prominent economic sectors. The
mining sector boasts 150 coal mines in the region,
the energy segment has seven power stations and
the manufacturing sector holds the status of being
the second-largest contributor to the Mpumalanga
economy. The agricultural sector also ranks among
the strongest in the region, with skilled artisans and
engineers in abundance across all sectors.
MCCI invites all companies interested in investing
to get in touch with us. With our business networks
and relationships, we endeavour to make your
investment work for you. ■
CONTACT DEATILS
Address: 292 Walter Sisulu Street, Middelburg, Mpumalanga 1050
Tel: 013 243 2253
Email: info@middelburginfo.com
Website: www.middelburginfo.com
50

Kruger Lowveld Chamber
of Business and Tourism
The voice of business in Ehlanzeni.
As the official representative body of business and tourism in
the Kruger Lowveld (Ehlanzeni District), our main mandates
are to promote the region as a tourism and investment destination,
to provide a diverse suite of networking and marketing
opportunities for our members, and to represent and speak
on behalf of the business and tourism community of our area. We do
this by building and maintaining meaningful relationships with all
spheres of government as well as like-minded organisations, and by
acting as liaison between these entities and the business community.
KLCBT’s president is Professor David Mabunda (pictured).
Area of operation
The Kruger Lowveld covers the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga,
including the following local municipalities: City of Mbombela, Thaba
Chweu, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge, as well as the southern part
of Kruger National Park and the surrounding private nature reserves.
Member benefits
Listing on website, Pay-to-Play participation in various marketing
services and projects, weekly newsletter, invitations to all KLCBT
events, advocacy and representations made by KLCBT on behalf of
members, access to preferential arrangements negotiated by KLCBT
with service providers, brochure display at Crossing Centre office,
various sponsorship options, access to tender information. We are
actively involved in the following advocacy campaigns:
Service delivery:
Public participation in various forums where government engages
with stakeholders regarding budgets, planning and legislation.
Promote home-grown businesses through education processes,
research, maintaining a database, lobbying for stricter regulations
Contact details
Physical address: KLCBT House, Crossing Centre, Nelspruit
Postal address: Private Bag X 11326, Nelspruit 1200
Tel: +27 13 755 1988 Fax: +27 13 753 2986
Email: business@klcbt.co.za and tourism@klcbt.co.za
Website: www.klcbt.co.za
Professor David Mabunda
on large shopping chains,
engaging large chains to buy
local and to spend their CSI
budgets locally.
Local Economic Development:
We are assisting with
incubation in seven main
corridors, mainly adding additional
tourism products.
Anti-corruption: Several
successful initiatives reduced
roadside corruption.
Water: Bulk-water supply faces
a future crisis and lobbying for
the increase of storage capacity
is beginning to show success.
Roads and public attractions:
Require upgrades and
investment.
Safety and security: A concern
for all regions in SA. ■
51
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25

OVERVIEW
Banking and financial services
Public officials are receiving training.
SECTOR INSIGHT
Four new banks will soon open
their doors.
Local government accounting controls are a source of great
concern across South Africa. The Auditor-General’s annual
report routinely notes irregularities or sloppy record-keeping.
Local and district municipalities such as the Gert Sibande
District Municipality, which has its headquarters, pictured, in Ermelo, need
to be ensuring that public money is well spent.
In that context, the work of the Chartered Institute of Government
Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) takes on added significance.
In 2023, CIGFARO held a Young Professionals Conference, Mpumalanga,
under the heading “Iron sharpens iron”. Topics included the role of 4IR in
local government, looking for innovative solutions and how the transition
from fossil fuels to green energy will affect the country and the region.
Presenters included members of the South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants (SAICA).
At national level, four new banks are in the pipeline and have received
regulatory approval: Old Mutual, the Young Women in Business Network
(YWBN) Mutual Bank, Postbank (a state entity) and the SA Innovative
Financial Services Cooperative (SAIFSC), which will be run by the
Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities.
With more than 30 000 employees in 14 countries, Old Mutual is
best known for insurance, but it is now on the path to establishing a fully
fledged bank. For some time, the group has offered the Money Account,
a low-cost transactional account which doubles as a unit trust savings
account. This product was offered by Old Mutual Transaction Services
ONLINE RESOURCES
Financial Sector Conduct Authority: www.fsca.co.za
Public Investment Corporation: www.pic.gov.za
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants:
www.saica.org.za
in association with Bidvest Bank
Ltd and Old Mutual Investment
Administrators.
While South Africa’s Big Four
– Absa, FirstRand, Nedbank and
Standard Bank – continue to play
a big role in the banking sector, a
feature of the 21st century has been
the opening up of the financial
services sector, in large measure
driven by digital offerings from
smaller banks. Capitec was one of
the first, followed by Discovery Bank
and Zero Bank.
TymeBank, one of the newer
entrants onto the South African
banking scene, is taking the concept
of “retail banking” to another
level. TymeBank has signed a deal
with TFG, a group that has a big
presence in the Mpumalanga.
There are no fewer than 24 Exact
stores in Mpumalanga, from Acorn
Plaza to Witbank. In the short term,
TymeBank will have access to 600
TFG kiosks, taking the bank’s total in
South Africa to 1 450.
Agriculture is an important
focus area for banks, and most
have specialised divisions.
Piet Retief-based TWK Agri
offers financing and insurance
together with the usual suite of
agricultural services. Afgri, one of
the country’s biggest agricultural
companies, offers financial
services (financing and insurance)
under the brand Unigro. ■
MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2024/25
52

TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 940004
Out of the office,
but never out
of the loop.
#BusinessDoneBetter with
MTN Business Unified Communications
Enhance collaboration and customer service with cost-effective
technologies from MTN Business. Stay connected with our range of
services, including Fixed voice, SIP trunk, Hosted PBX, Mobile PBX,
Hosted Contact Centres and more.
Visit mtnbusiness.co.za
Email getconnected@mtn.com

TRADE & INVESTMENT
• FACILITATING INTERNATIONAL TRADE
• PROMOTING FOREIGN INVESTMENT
• EMPOWERING BUSINESS SUCCESS
+27 13 492 5818