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Mpumalanga Business 2025-26

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A unique guide to business and investment in Mpumalanga, the 2025/26 edition of Mpumalanga Business is the 16th issue of this successful publication that since its launch in 2008 has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the province. Global Africa Network is pleased to carry a message from the CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) in which the investment climate in this resource-rich province is outlined. Ongoing work on infrastructure such as roads, water works, schools and hospitals, supported by the establishment of one of South Africa’s newest and most dynamic universities, makes this an attractive destination for investors in a wide variety of sectors. In this journal MEGA also presents the Mpumalanga Trade & Investment Profile, a 12-page booklet which surveys the provincial economy and gives specific details about what investment opportunities are available. The creation of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency is a sign of the times, and a further invitation to investors to consider this forward-looking province. The rapid development of the province’s first wind farm, Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni, is covered in full in this edition, as are other developments in the energy field. The latest updates in all the most important sectors of the provincial economy are covered, including news that Sasol has a plan to avoid a looming “gas cliff”. To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com. Updated information on Mpumalanga is also available through our monthly e-newsletters, which you can subscribe to online at https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/ and https://www.southafricanbusiness.co.za/, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces, our flagship South African Business title and the new addition our list of publications, The Journal of African Business, which was launched in 2020.

FOCUSSappi:Powering

FOCUSSappi:Powering progress in MpumalangaFor decades, Sappi has been an integral part of Mpumalanga’s economic andenvironmental landscape. As one of South Africa’s leading producers of renewablewoodfibre-based solutions, the company continues to drive industrial growth whilechampioning sustainable forestry practices. Through its strategic operations, communityinitiatives and commitment to innovation, Sappi has cemented itself as a cornerstone ofprogress in the province.A legacy of industrial excellenceMpumalanga’s economy thrives on diverse industriesand Sappi stands out as a key player in shaping itsdevelopment. The Ngodwana Mill, which has beenin operation since 1966, is a pivotal manufacturingfacility that produces dissolving pulp, unbleachedchemical pulp, mechanical pulp, newsprint and kraftlinerboard and other essential materials for bothdomestic and international markets.The scale of Sappi’s forestry operations is equallyimpressive. With 235 000 hectares of responsiblymanaged plantations in the province, the companyensures a balance between commercial viabilityand ecological integrity. Around one-third of itsland remains unplanted, serving as conservationareas that protect local biodiversity and preservenatural habitats. These protected sites – includingthe Ngodwana River Valley, Mount Morgan, Oosterbeekand Angle Ridge Nature Reserves – are vital formaintaining Mpumalanga’s rich ecological tapestry.Sustaining communities and the economyBeyond its industrial footprint, Sappi fuels economicprosperity by generating employment and fosteringentrepreneurial growth. More than 1 500 people aredirectly employed by the company in Mpumalanga,while more than 5 500 additional individuals benefitfrom indirect opportunities in the region. The rippleeffect of its operations ensures that countlessfamilies rely on Sappi-driven industries for theirlivelihoods.Recognising the importance of economicinclusion, the company has invested in Enterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD) programmesdesigned to uplift small and medium enterprises(SMEs). By providing technical and business training,Sappi empowers local entrepreneurs, enabling themto contribute meaningfully to the economy whileintegrating into broader supply chains.The company’s commitment to education isequally noteworthy. The Ngodwana Skills Centreand Learning Hub offers specialised trainingprogrammes for apprentices, engineers-in-trainingand tradespeople. Whether individuals are learningbasic life skills or mastering trades like electricalwork, plumbing and bricklaying, Sappi equips themwith practical expertise to enhance employability andself-sufficiency.Pioneering sustainability and innovationAs industries worldwide shift toward greeneralternatives, Sappi remains at the forefront of biobasedsolutions. The Ngodwana Mill optimisesresource use by maximising energy recovery fromits production processes, while reducing waste andlowering operational costs.MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2025/2642

FOCUSThe Ngodwana Energy biomasspower plant, located within the mill’scompound, harnesses 25MW of electricityfrom sustainably sourced biomass. Thisinitiative reduces reliance on fossil fuelswhile ensuring that waste materialsfrom manufacturing processes arerepurposed for clean energy production.Sappi’s focus on renewable energyextends to its forestry nurseries aswell. The Escarpment Nursery, along with thenurseries based in KwaZulu-Natal, collectivelyhouse over 1 000 solar photovoltaic panels,generating nearly 965 000kWh annually, a significantreduction in grid dependency. Meanwhile, theNgodwana Nursery utilises thermal-paneltechnology to maintain optimal conditionsfor seedling propagation without resorting toconventional, carbon-heavy energy sources.Investing in food security and community growthIn its quest to create holistic value, Sappi hasventured beyond traditional industrial operationsand established the Ngodwana Aquaponics Project,in conjunction with Standard Bank. The projectproduces Tilapia Rendalli, a high-protein fish farmedthrough eco-friendly aquaponics, alongside freshvegetables and artisanal food products. Theselocally grown goods are available at the farm stall,supporting the community and showcasing theproject's commitment to sustainable solutions. Witha strong focus on skills development and responsiblefarming, the initiative is unlocking opportunities foreconomic growth and environmental stewardship.At the grassroots level, Early ChildhoodDevelopment (ECD) remains a focal point of Sappi’ssocial impact strategy. Its ECD Centre of Excellencein Elandshoek, developed in partnership withPenreach, ensures that hundreds of children receivequality early education. Through structured trainingprogrammes, ECD practitioners are equippedto foster holistic child development, laying thefoundation for future generations to thrive.A vision for the futureSappi’s commitment to Mpumalanga transcendseconomic contributions – it embodies a philosophyof innovation, sustainability and communityempowerment. As the company continues torefine its processes, explore renewable alternativesand enhance skills development programmes, itspresence will remain synonymous with progress inthe province.While rooted in tradition, Sappi’s future is shapedby forward-thinking initiatives that pave the wayfor a greener, more prosperous Mpumalanga.By unlocking the full potential of woodfibre,advancing ecological conservation and upliftinglocal communities, the company ensures that itslegacy will endure for generations to come. ■www.sappi.com43 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2025/26

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