The 2020/21 edition of Limpopo Business is the 12th issue of this essential publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Limpopo Province.
Limpopo has been attracting significant investments in the mining sector in recent years and the green light for the creation of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone in the province’s far north has attracted several billion dollars. A metallurgical and energy cluster will inaugurate the SEZ, after which investments in agri-processing, logistics and manufacturing are expected to follow. In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there are special features on transport and logistics, and specific plans that are in place to promote manufacturing in Limpopo. News related to mining, agriculture, tourism, construction and property, water, education and development finance is carried in overviews of the main economic sectors.
OVERVIEW Development
OVERVIEW Development finance and SMME support Small-scale farmers are getting support to connect to the value chain. Large companies in Limpopo support new business ventures by allocating service functions to local businesses and through training and mentoring. All of the province’s big mining concerns have significant budgets set aside for procurement from small businesses and work such as cleaning and transport is routinely allocated to small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). The Implats Group spent 36% of its procurement budget with Limpopo companies in 2017/18. During the 2018 financial year, the Marula Mine spent R101-million on goods and services purchased from local companies in the Sekhukhune District. The Supplier Development Programme of Implats (pictured) aims to make SMMEs more competitive and offers accredited training and mentoring. De Beers Consolidated Mines plays a big role in the economy of northern Limpopo through its Venetia Mine. The company has launched two business incubators in local Enterprise development. Image: Implats municipalities, Blouberg and Musina. The De Beers Zimele Venetia Mine Business Hub has created more than 495 jobs since it was established to support entrepreneurs through low-interest loans, mentorship, coaching and skills development. Local procurement has given chances to 15 local companies, in fields such as road maintenance, the canteen, small civils work and the supply of tyres and batteries. Anglo American Platinum has extended the contract with Online Resources Black Umbrellas: www.blackumbrellas.org Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism: www.ledet.gov.za Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za Sector Insight Over R100-million went to local business from one Implats mine. Zizwe Batlase for the provision of strip-mining services at its Amandelbult Complex. Zizwe Batlase is 51% owned by the local community of Baphalane through the Baphalane Community Trust, named Batlase. Since 2016, Zizwe Batlase has been providing employment, SMME development, infrastructure development and business opportunities to local and small businesses in the community. Vodacom reports that Limpopo has seen doubledigit growth in smartphone penetration, which undoubtedly benefits SMMEs. An investment by Vodacom’s Polokwane region of more than R170-million in the network in the 2019/20 financial year helped small business in that data speeds were increased and 3G and 4G network coverage was increased. The major banks all have SMME offerings. Standard Bank runs a Community Investment Fund and Nedbank offers an enterprise development product for businesses with turnovers up to R35-million. ■ LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2020/21 58
