Diamond miner De Beers’ Venetia mine, in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency, hosted a graduation ceremony for participants of its Enterprise Coaching Programme on November 11.

The programme enrolled 30 entrepreneurs who went through ten months of intensive coaching and mentorship, enabling them to enhance and sharpen their entrepreneurial competencies, establish new business networks and share their insights.

The coaching sessions were facilitated by master coach practitioner Reuben Rammbuda of business innovations service provider Zwazwiremi and mainly focused on growth strategies and business performance.

This intervention resulted in an overall increase in turnover of R5.7-million for businesses in the programme and 100 new jobs being created.

In addressing the participants, Rammbuda acknowledged that the programme was conducted under difficult circumstances, given the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures.

“Despite these challenges, we succeeded. We brought in experts to help keep these entrepreneurs focused, motivated and empowered to renew their vision, so that they can quickly adapt to the changes within the business ecosystem”.

Seda Limpopo manager Koenie Slabbert highlighted the importance of capacitating enterprises and enabling them to contribute to economic and social development of their communities.

“Our partnership with the Venetia mine really demonstrates our collective commitment to producing well-trained and quality suppliers that meet the mine’s standard. We want to ensure our enterprises are developed well enough so that eventually they can stand on their own feet, whether it is in supplying the mine or any other entity with whichever product of service they specialise in.”

De Beers socioeconomic development senior manager Livhuwani Nwachukwu, meanwhile, said the ceremony was a clear illustration of De Beers working in collaboration with stakeholders and communities.

“It is only through these partnerships that we will strengthen the coexistence of the mine with our communities and ensure that Venetia continues to be seen as a partner in socioeconomic development”.

In sharing his testimonial as the enterprise with the highest turnover, Hlulani Civils’ Peter Dliwayo said he was grateful to the Venetia mine and Seda for empowering him to be able to create employment opportunities for local communities.

Graceland Poultry’s Rabelani Manenzhe also received an additional award for having recorded the highest investment during the programme.