OVERVIEW Development
OVERVIEW Development finance and SMME support Building a solid business, brick by brick. From 6 000 bricks a month to 3 000 bricks per day. That’s the story of Tsholofelo Shipalanah and the Kaputeni Mining Company which operates in the Tzaneen area. Armed with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the University of Limpopo, Tsholofelo, pictured, started working as a technician at the national blood service but, inspired by her builder father, she decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge and started mining sand for the construction industry. With the backing of Fetola, an entrepreneurial support programme, and the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, the business has grown in leaps and bounds. The SAB Foundation is one of the entities focused on SMME development with which the Provincial Government of Limpopo has established partnerships. Others include the major mining companies, Impact Catalyst and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. In 2022/23, a total of R4.4-million in loans were allocated to small enterprises and co-operatives. Other provincial government partnerships designed to support small business include the location of a satellite office, with the support of Exxaro, in the Lephalale area where the mining company runs a large coal mine. SMME incubator Black Umbrellas is another collaborator. The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), a joint effort of the Provincial Government of Limpopo, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), assists small companies with compliance, business development services, access to markets and finance. Among the target markets for TREP are bakeries, autobody repairs and mechanics, and fruit and vegetable shops. In partnership with Seda, the provincial government has established a construction incubation centre at Steelpoort in Sekhukhune to train emerging contractors and the jewellery incubation centre in Polokwane is functioning well. Seda also runs the Seda Technology Programme (STP) which helps businesses scale up to the point where their products pass muster in the commercial world. The National Youth Development Agency has allocated R10-million to support established and ONLINE RESOURCES Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za Shanduka Black Umbrellas: www.shandukablackumbrellas.org Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za SECTOR INSIGHT The National Youth Development Agency is active in Limpopo. intended youth entrepreneurs in the province. 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 companies have significant budgets set aside for procurement from small businesses and work such as cleaning and transport is routinely allocated to SMMEs. In addition, incubation and training programmes are available. De Beers Venetia Mine and the Small Enterprise Development Agency run an Enterprise Coaching Programme, a 10-month lineup of coaching and mentorship. A recent course offered to 30 entrepreneurs resulted in an overall increase in turnover of R5.7-million for businesses in the programme and the creation of 100 new jobs.■ LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2024/25 44 PHOTO: Fetola
PROFILE Jewellery Business Incubator Empowering the future of South Africa’s jewellery industry. training in jewellery design, manufacturing techniques and business management, guided by experienced professionals. LJBI Production Manager Siphelele Manqele and members of the South African embassy at NY NOW in the USA. Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator (LJBI) is a jewellery design and manufacturing business incubator established in 2009 to contribute towards creating economic opportunities through developing and supporting emerging jewellery businesses from historically disadvantaged communities. LJBI seeks to reposition itself as an incubator of excellence that is a recognisable and strong brand. LJBI is a non-profit organisation, operates from its main incubation centre in Seshego, Polokwane, and has a current staff complement of 27 employees and an active board of directors. What we do LJBI is committed to supporting emerging businesses in the jewellery industry. Our primary focus areas are: SMME support in the following sectors: jewellery design and manufacturing, clothing and textile, personal beauty care and cosmetics. Support includes assistance with business compliance, facilitation of access to local and national markets, access to infrastructure, provision of business mentorship and coaching sessions and facilitation of access to business funding. Learnership programme: Equips aspiring jewellers with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Participants receive hands-on Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Our partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has been instrumental in our success, enabling us to expand our reach and enhance our services. The dtic has funded international and local exhibitions. Trade Testing Centre for artisans The Trade Testing Centre, one of our most significant initiatives, aims to enhance product quality by providing rigorous testing and certification, boosting innovation, consumer confidence and demand. Certification can open doors to new markets. The Trade Testing Centre represents a significant leap forward for the jewellery industry. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this exciting journey as we work together to elevate the South African jewellery sector to new heights. Achievements Since its establishment, LJBI has celebrated numerous achievements, including: three SMMEs were sent to China by the dtic for jewellery skills training offered by the Hunan International Business Vocational College in 2017; LJBI became an official sponsor and manufacturer of the crown of Miss Bachelorette South Africa 2019, which is still being used; an LJBI learner took the runner-up position in the 2021 Plat Africa Awards and was the first person to win the Plat Africa competition in Limpopo; securing of space in the form of a kiosk at Lighthouse Mall in Polokwane, where the incubator and SMME products are displayed for sale. By executing strategic initiatives, collaborating with partners and continuous innovation, we aim to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem for South African jewellers. ■ Contact details Address: No 7 Freedom Drive, Seshego Industrial Park, Zone 6, Seshego 0699 Tel: +27 15 293 0214 | Fax: +27 86 232 7348 | Email: info@ljbi.org.za | Website: www.ljbi.org.za
