Three Anglo American Zimele beneficiaries have taken delivery of 19 new vehicles in August
2022, to deliver on their multi-million rand staff transportation contract at the Kolomela
operations.
The contract, which is a five-year contract and is part of Kumba Iron Ore’s efforts to
substantially increase participation of host community suppliers in the provision of services to
the mine.
The contract was awarded to Sizanani Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Immanuel Transport (Pty) Ltd and
Loading Techniques (Pty) Ltd, to ensure that the staff is provided with safe, secure and reliable
transportation.
Head of Supply Chain, Kumba Iron Ore, Vusi Maseko said: “This is yet one of those
transactions that attest to Kumba Iron Ore’s commitment to building an inclusive supply chain,
through development, incubation and mentoring of our host community enterprises and
suppliers.”
“Not only do we collaborate internally with our Zimele programme to identify entrepreneurs and
afford them the skills to take on and deliver on large scale projects, but we also work closely
with local business forums in the host communities to support and facilitate access to markets
for these small businesses,” he says.
The fleet on order comprises 19 vehicles – 11 mini-buses and 14 buses which are to be used
for transporting staff both inside and outside the mining operations.
The beneficiaries formed part of Zimele’s supplier development programme at the Kumba Iron
Ore – Kolomela hub where they went through a rigorous training as well as mentorship and
coaching programme that would enable them to access markets and procurement opportunities
both inside and outside of Anglo American.
In addition, they were also selected to participate in the Zimele Financial Excellence
programme, which is implemented in partnership with the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants
– Enterprise Development (SAICA-ED).
The programme is aimed at empowering SMMEs within the mining sector to improve their
financial management systems, run effective business operations and grow holistically to
become economically sustainable.
Through its loan funding programme, Zimele has granted about R15 million loan funding
specifically to be used for purchasing of these vehicles, an additional R14.4 million was
approved by Absa through their Enterprise and Supplier Development programme to bring the
total funding to R29.4 million. The loans were processed and approved through ABSA, the
programme implementation partner, and they bring the total loan funding amount granted
through Zimele for Kumba Iron Ore suppliers to R22.7 million in 2022.
The three beneficiaries will join Benleg Technical Services, the 100% black owned host
community company that has been a supplier of transportation services at the mine, and now
businesses through their localised procurement programme.
All the four suppliers are 100% black owned local suppliers with more than 50% women
participation.
Larisha Naidoo, Head of Anglo American Zimele said: “This deal demonstrates collaborative
efforts with Kumba Iron Ore Supply Chain, Kolomela mine, and banking partners to develop
local suppliers to create sustainable livelihoods in these host communities. This is one of
several ways in which Zimele assist Anglo American business units to achieve their
sustainability goals.”
Leslie Rans, business owner of Immanuel Transport said he was sincerely grateful for “for the
privilege and honour of being awarded the contract from Kolomela mine and the subsequent
financial support to acquire the busses”.
“I feel blessed because you blessed me to be a blessing to others,” he said, in emphasis to the
significance of the contract in the creation and sustenance of employment in the host
communities around the Kolomela mine.
The General Manager of Kolomela mine, Masala Mutangwa had the following to add: “The
awarding of the contract, demonstrates our commitment and the trust we have in our local
suppliers. We as a business are willing to go the extra mile to support our local suppliers to get
the necessary funding needed to enable them in setting up their businesses.”
