MAFUBE COAL CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF 39 LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
By Thulane Madalane
Middelburg– Mafube Coal, a joint venture with Exxaro, proudly hosted a graduation ceremony for 39 beneficiaries of its skills development program aimed at revitalizing livelihoods within resettled communities in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. This initiative, backed by a significant investment of R5.2 million, is designed to aid community members in rebuilding their lives and achieving economic independence.
During the ceremony, Shepherd Nkadimeng, the general manager of Mafube Coal, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “This initiative is centered around helping community members acquire practical skills that serve as a foundation for earning a sustainable livelihood. Participants received business development training and earned a level 4 accredited qualification in freight logistics, while gaining invaluable exposure to real-world business environments. This sets them up for both employment opportunities and the potential for self-employment.”
Among the graduates, Portia Mbuyane shared her experience, noting, “The logistics program gave me more than just a certificate; it gave me confidence and professional direction. Being exposed to real companies during the training helped me understand where I can fit in the job market.”
The program also focused on entrepreneurship, equipping participants with essential skills for starting and managing small businesses. Beneficiaries learned about budgeting, business planning, financial literacy, and income-generation strategies. Several participants have already successfully launched their own businesses, contributing to their families’ well-being. Notably:
– Tsepo Jele has established a rapidly growing ice supply business.
– Audrey Mtsweni and Amanda Sikudo co-founded a laundromat, secured contracts with local clients, and have since expanded into cleaning services.
– Friddy Mahlangu leveraged her beadwork skills to start a small business, gaining traction beyond her village.
– Sinenhlanhla Mngomezulu recognized the potential in her cultural heritage and began renting traditional woven grass mats for ceremonies.
– Matshidiso Motsapi launched an internet café, offering vital services such as printing, photocopying, and internet access. Matshidiso remarked, “The training opened my eyes to possibilities I didn’t think were available to someone like me. For the first time, I have a plan to start my own business and the knowledge to make it real.”
Sherperd Nkadimeng further highlighted the growing opportunities in sectors such as freight forwarding, stating, “With the right skills, people from mining communities can take advantage of opportunities beyond the mine. This training initiative is about opening doors and empowering individuals with the essential tools to thrive on their own terms. This is how we fulfill our mission to responsibly create value together for a shared future with our communities.”
The graduation ceremony not only marked a milestone for the graduates but also inspired hope and ambition among the resettled communities, showcasing the transformative impact of targeted skills development and training.
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