FOCUSImpala
FOCUSImpala empowersSMMEs in theNorth WestThe Impala Peo Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund has committed R50-millionover five years across the Rustenburg region.Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) is a leading platinumgroup metals (PGMs) producer with a significant interest in theeconomic development of the North West. Our Impala WesternLimb assets, located near Rustenburg, are on the world-renownedBushveld Complex, which is rich in these precious metals.The Impala Western Limb operations include a 12-shaft miningcomplex, as well as beneficiation capabilities in the form of fiveconcentrators and three furnaces. Our operations in the North Westare essential to global PGM supply and contribute almost a quarter ofSouth Africa’s total mined PGM volumes.These operations also play a vital role in local economicdevelopment, employing more than 50 000 people and contribute tobroad-based economic participation – the assets are 13% owned byemployees, local communities and black entrepreneurs, who all sharein the value we create.Creating a better futureWe believe the long-termviability of our business is linkedto the wellbeing of our localcommunities. Our socioeconomicinvestments towards minecommunitywellbeing includeinitiatives defined in our social andlabour plans, as well as “beyondcompliance” corporate socialinvestment projects. Our activitiescontribute to communities inwhich we operate – both directlyand indirectly – through the jobsNORTH WEST BUSINESS 2025/2618
FOCUSwe create, the local workforces we upskill, thelocal business opportunities we generate, theinfrastructure we build and the education andcommunity health initiatives we support.The Impala Western Limb operations recentlylaunched the Peo Enterprise and SupplierDevelopment (ESD) Fund, an initiative aimedat empowering small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) across the Rustenburgregion.The fund has committed R50-million overfive years to provide accessible, low-interestfinancing to black-owned businesses withinthe mine-host communities surroundingthe operations, with a focus on women- andyouth-led enterprises. The Impala Peo ESDFund also supports enterprises through accessto market opportunities, infrastructure and arange of business services, equipping them forsustainable self-growth.These efforts to empower SMMEs are shoredup by the R8.6-million Impala invested intoan Economic Inclusion Centre that serves asa small-business hub for mine-communitySMMEs. The multi-functional venue providesSMMEs with services including enterprise andsupplier development, assistance with marketaccess and funding facilitation, as well as variousshared business facilities. The initiative formspart of our ongoing commitment to collaboratewith stakeholders and communities to ensurethe growth of robust mine-community SMMEs.To maintain strong relationships with thelocal business community, Impala also has animpactful, mutually beneficial and outcomesbasedengagement platform with severalcommunity business forums. ■The Economic Inclusion Centre is an R8.6-million Impalainitiative to provide a venue and a hub where services areprovided for local SMMEs.CONTACT DETAILSAlice Lourens, Group Head: Corporate Relations and CommunicationTel: 011 731 9000Email: alice.lourens@implats.co.zaThe Acting Executive Mayor ofRustenburg Local Municipality,Karabo Phutu, speaking at thelaunch of the fund.19 NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2025/26
