GLENCORE COAL INVESTS IN 23 LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS WITH ESD PROGRAMME
By Thulane Madalane
Emalahleni:By investing in the skills, ambitions, and ideas of local entrepreneurs, Glencore Coal continues to empower local economies, one local business at a time. This was evident at the 2025 Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Training Academy graduations which took place in Witbank, Mpumalanga on 28 May 2025, where 23 local business owners were celebrated for successfully completing the programme.
Now in its fourth year, the ESD Training Academy has become an important part of Glencore’s strategy to build stronger, self-sustaining communities around its operations. This year’s graduates represented a diverse mix of sectors from contract mining, engineering services, telecommunications and electrical services, all united by a shared commitment to growth.
The programme, in partnership with Regoapele Capital; an enterprise development consultancy which equips SMMEs with the tools to thrive; supplied each recipient with hands-on training in financial planning, operational management, leadership, and compliance; critical skills needed to grow successful businesses in competitive markets.
Otukile Moshori, CEO of Regoapele Capital, encouraged the graduates by saying, “It is possible to achieve the goals that you have set for yourself beginning today; you must apply the knowledge that has been imparted. You must make difficult decisions to remain a trading and viable business. This program is designed to match you with what the market requires; let us ensure that you follow through on the journey that you have started.”
The 2024 group of trainees were divided into two fields: Enterprise Development, aimed at supporting early-stage businesses with strategic and operational guidance; and Supplier Development, designed to help more established enterprises integrate into formal value chains, including those within Glencore’s own operations.
“My journey with Glencore started with a vision to build a business that will stand the test of time and provide employment to the Emalahleni community. The programme has provided me with the necessary support needed as I now feel better equipped and confident that Nkosana Enterprise can go to the next level. Thank you to the Glencore ESD team for your commitment to uplifting entrepreneurs like us.” said Siphiwo Thabethe, Founder of Nkosana Enterprise and ESD Graduate.
To support their transition from training to implementation, graduates were each provided with tablets to enable them to run their businesses more efficiently and access new digital opportunities.
Thys Marx, ESD Manager from Glencore Coal shared his pride in the graduates’ achievements, “The experience from this group of graduates has been amazing. Your success today is not just a personal victory; it is a true testament to the power of vision and collaboration. This day is a celebration of hard work and new beginnings, not only for you but also the communities in which you live.”
Through initiatives like the ESD Training Academy, Glencore is helping to advance tomorrow’s economy by unlocking potential, inspiring innovation, and driving sustainable progress in the communities it calls home.
