BELFAST DIGITAL AND CONNECTED MINE CREATES BIZ OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Our Belfast Mine actively seeks out opportunities to support enterprise and socio-economic development in its host communities, helping individuals like Ntombi Mthimunye to reach their full potential.

In 2019 Belfast-born, Ntombi Mthimunye, started working at Belfast Mine as a Lab Analyst at Inspectorate Laboratory on a three-year contract under their business partner, Bureau Veritas. It was here that Ntombi received the training she needed to advance in her career field, including SHE Rep (safety), analysis of samples, fundamentals of risk assessment, and material safety data sheet training. She also benefitted from computer skills, as well as planning, critical thinking and coal testing. As a result, Ntombi has big plans for her future.

“The skills I obtained at Belfast Mine have influenced my thinking to further my studies and obtain a diploma in analytical chemistry and a certificate in coal preparation,” says Ntombi. Ntombi is part of Belfast Mine’s vision to identify and create more opportunities for local community members.

“Our local community members remain our priority when issuing job opportunities. This is a responsibility we share with our business partners, as we curb the unemployment crisis faced by many of our communities,” said Lesta Makhabela, Acting Business Unit Manager at Belfast Mine.

GROOTEGELUK CAREER EXPO OPENS DOORS FOR GRADE 12 LEARNERS

Our flagship mine – Grootegeluk recently hosted its annual Career Expo, helping Grade 12 learners select their career path, while giving the learners key insights into the mining industry.

The expo, which was held in three circuits (Palala South, Palala North, and Ellisras) covered all secondary schools in Lephalale, namely Matshwara Secondary School, Mananye Secondary School, and Tielelo High School.

Various departments from the mine, including Mining, Engineering, Geology, HR, I&IM and Stakeholder Affairs, gave the learners career guidance on the different roles they can expect from a career in mining. Some young professionals from Grootegeluk also shared their experience of working at Exxaro and encouraged learners on the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance.

The event was supported by the Department of Education, UNISA, the University of Limpopo, and various key educational bodies in the area.

WOMEN-OWNED SUPPLIERS PRAISE MATLA COAL

Matla Coal is helping more women-owned supplier businesses to grow from strength to strength. Five women from the Local Women Business Owners recently met with Matla Supply Chain Manager, Nico Nel, and Procurement Manager, Wandile Basson, to share their success stories and thank Matla Coal for supporting their businesses. The women also handed over a certificate of appreciation to Nico and Wandile.

Four of the women shared their success stories:

Mahlodi Mokwena’s company, Hlodi & Jacza, offers cleaning services at Mine 3. She started the business in 2020 with just eight employees. Today she employs 36 people and counting.

Tumi Shipalana’s company, Muruwo Trading, built the road at the new Mine 1 LOM Project, thanks to Matla Coal, who helped shape her business plan and create a network of mentors for her.

Portia Mtombeni’s company, Misezana Trading, oversees the Hostel Kitchen at Matla. She plans to have her own brand of chicken and prepacked vegetables to make preparing food easier for fulltime workers. She was also given the opportunity to go to Dubai to represent South Africa and won the award for the Female Founders Initiative Middle East and Africa 2022.

Sindi (Goodness) Gumbi who, along with Ruth Ngomane, owns Senatla Trading wants to write a book about how this opportunity has changed her life. Sindi came from an abusive relationship and started the small business to support herself and her children. She now earns a good income and has a stable workforce, thanks to Coupa, who she praised for making sure her employees received their salaries on time.