The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province.
Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
INTERVIEW MASISIZANE
INTERVIEW MASISIZANE FUND Boosting local business BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES THROUGH SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS The Masisizane Fund invests in SMMEs that have a registered business, in addition to a clear marketable product or service, and that create and retain jobs. What opportunities does Limpopo offer? There are vast opportunities in the province for SMMEs, as trading long in grain as and dairy prod focused on development of value they keep their ears and eyes on the ground and take the opportunities as they become available. There are areas in the partnerships province with Omnia, Gra mechanization, storage and micro without malls, therefore this creates opportunities for mall Association development and municipalities, th and franchising. Companies such as Broll, Twin City their planting significantly in 2014 Maphala Mosomane channeled and the towards Grain Co as Moolman Group are expanding their property portfolio, within rural The Masisizane Fund (NPC), is an initiative towns of and Old this Mutual further South creates Africa, employment, established business opportunities Masisizane opera in 2007 following the closure of the Unclaimed and uplifts Shares Trust. the local This was economies. done in consultation nationally with it with the National Treasury of South Africa. The mandate of the Fund at inception was Agro-processing and manufacturing are other business sectors Gauteng and r and remains to contribute meaningfully to employment creation, poverty eradication with growth opportunities. We have an abundance of rain offices in the in KwaZu and reduction of inequality, economic growth and the attraction of investment. This is province and we’ve got good soil conditions, so agriculture Limpopo, offers Eastern done mainly through promotion of entrepreneurship, enterprise finance and support to many opportunities. For example Limpopo produces less than 10% small, BIOGRAPHY micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s). Western Cape. of its maize consumption and if we go back to the basics we can The process to follow when apply Maphala Mosomane is the reclaim our position as the bread basket of South Africa. from the Masisizane Fund is: The Fund provides loan finance in the following sectors: Provincial Manager: Limpopo Submit the following documents fo • Agriculture & Mpumulanga of the Old Mutual Masisizane Fund. Maphala There are parts of the province with high concentrated sun projections; heat What is the potential in terms of solar energy? relevant provincial office: • Manufacturing • Comprehensive business plan • Supply Chain • Franchising started his career at Ga-Segonyana and we should look at exploiting such opportunities and • linkages For established businesses – • Commercial Enterprise Municipality working as a to Eskom to provide solar energy. Areas like Phalaborwa, Giyani, three years) and the latest man Non-financial value adding services include capacity • For start-up businesses – financ Local Economic Development Vhenda, Moletjie and Matlala can play a catalystic role in the provision financial of solar education, energy. market development and product/ • Off take agreements and/or l development, business management and technical support, • Tax clearance certificate; Officer before joining ABSA Bank as an Enterprise Development service quality standards and compliance. A Business • Signed consent for a credit ch Consultant. From there he moved to Standard Bank as an Acquisition Manager. In 2013, Maphala joined the Masisizane Fund as Provincial Manager of Limpopo and Mpumalanga What are the hallmarks of a successful SMME? It’s important for entrepreneurs to be committed and focused, but managing your cashflow is essential, otherwise you will get into serious difficulties. It’s also important to continuously develop your product range and to keep on marketing your business. If you get that right you will make money and have a successful business. Provinces. He has a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics degree in addition to a Certificate in Project Management. Are there any clients you are particularly proud to have helped? Every funding proposal presented to us and approved gives me The target market is enterprises that are 51% or more owned by the previously disadvantaged individual(s) giving priority to rural and peri-urban/township areas. Masisizane funding is biased towards 51% plus owned women, youth and people with disabilities. Masisizane will target productive and labour absorbing sectors as approved by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Fund’s success is driven through a focused approach on high impact industry sectors, coupled with a comprehensive SMME finance solution that includes business support. Acceleration Program has been e clients receive training and suppo eligible to receive financial suppo The growth of the Masisizane Fu inception. Although the initial foc the fund has gradually grown to b fund with the vision of being able as a sustainable entity and thereb for many years to come. The fu R1b and it plans to invest R420 SMME’s by the end of 2017. The development of agri-clusters Masisizane Fund’s approach in entail the clustering of small sca the farmers benefit from economi on value chain financing, agro-p partnerships. In 2013 the Fund initiated a p Harry Gwala municipalities co LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17 42
INTERVIEW great joy, as we would have made a meaningful contribution to entrepreneurship, employment and have made an impact on the economy. Having said that, I’m happy for all my clients and happy to have facilitated change in their lives. What is the ideal SMME company or cooperative you would hope to be able to help over the next year? I want to leverage the agricultural clusters that are currently doing well in the province. There is a cluster of maize growers doing around 2 000 hectares of maize, and my plan in 2016 is to get them to 5000 hectares and assist them to become commercial. For the 2016 and 2017 financial year I would like to help clients to develop a franchise group within the province and assist PDIs to gain ownership with the franchising space. There’s a lot of groundwork that needs to be done, you need to make sure that you’ve done your research and you are informed by the facts. Access to finance is much easier when you have thought it all through and based your numbers on facts. You need to have your ducks in a row if you want to take it to the next level. CONTACT INFO Limpopo & Mpumulanga Physical address: 5th Floor, Old Mutual Building, 70 Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane Tel: +27 15 287 4279 Website: www.masisizane.co.za 43 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17
