Limpopo Business 2019-20 edition

FOCUS Turning dreams

FOCUS Turning dreams into lasting realities Zimele improves the sustainability of SMEs. Development Agency (Seda) more than 150 SMEs from Musina and Blouberg benefitted from business courses. • The relationship with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) resulted in five local youth-owned businesses gaining access to equipment worth R50 000. • 27 local businesses employing more than 84 people were supported through Enterprise Development Programmes. • AWOME (Accelerated Women Owned Micro Enterprises) was launched in partnership with the UN Women organisation which aims to reach 500 women. Zimele, which means “stand on one’s own feet” was introduced to local communities near mines to bring about sustainable black economic empowerment through the creation and support of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). In 2017, De Beers Zimele changed its strategic focus from being a funding initiative to one that targets capacity-building and improving the sustainability of SMMEs. Over the last three years, De Beers Zimele at Venetia Mine has made huge strides in supporting and developing sustainable enterprises though the Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes. Measures were introduced to make available procurement opportunities from the mine to local businesses. Enterprise Development • 52 SMEs have enrolled on an SME incubation programme with the focus on operational and financial management and marketing. • Through partnership with the Small Enterprise Local procurement and supplier development There are now 34 locally owned companies doing business with Venetia Mine and they employ in excess of 340 people. The Bussing Empowerment transaction led to community members now owning 40% of each of the newly established companies called Hope Diamond Transport and Millennium Diamond Transport. They employ more than 120 people. Chibadura Trading was appointed as the supplier for Venetia Mine LDV tyres, EMV rims and LDV batteries. Strategic partners Bridgestone and Global Wheel are providing training. Aucor Limpopo was established in partnership with the biggest auction company in Africa. In 2018, Aucor opened its doors in Bochum. Two locally owned construction companies were appointed to do construction on the Venetia Underground Project. De Beers Group is committed on the journey of “turning diamond dreams into a lasting reality” for the communities in which it operates. LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20 82

New crèche brings joy Madimbo community receives new facility from Venetia. FOCUS On Friday, 26 July 2019, De Beers Venetia Mine handed over the keys to the newly-built community crèche in the small village of Madimbo. The project was undertaken in partnership with Basil Reed, with the core focus of providing adequate infrastructure to support childhood development. The children have now moved from an old fourroomed house into a big, bright, modern, fullyequipped building, which is kitted out with a variety of educational toys and learning resources. Catering for 126 children between the ages of two and five, the crèche is also furnished with small plastic tables and chairs. Run by principal Precious Mahada, the crèche strives to educate preschoolers despite a lack of resources. Mahada said that she could not believe that the facility is now theirs to operate in. “As you can see, there are no playgrounds for our children in our community. Many parents cannot afford to buy toys for their children, yet toys can play a big role in a child’s development. This new crèche will offer them that opportunity, all thanks to thanks Venetia Mine and their partnering contractor Basil Reed. Today, I am completely overjoyed and speechless,” she said. The new facility is a much safer environment in which to play and learn. The upgrade is allencompassing, with everything from the kitchen to the ablution facilities and classroom being newly furnished. Bonani Nyabane, Social Performance Specialist at Venetia Mine, said, “As De Beers, we are excited to hand over such a beautiful facility to the most important members of our society, our children. We are committed to the development of our children and will continue to work to ensure that there is an improvement in the level of education in communities in which we operate.” For Mahada, what started as a small request for a few blankets and toys, turned into something much greater. “I don’t think there is anybody here who is not happy about this development. Thank you to Venetia; I promise to take care of this facility and will continue to raise these children, care and protect them,” she said. The toddlers were visibly excited as they enjoyed their new play areas and toys. 83 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2019/20