Glencore Coal proudly recognises the achievements of graduates from its Enterprise Supplier
Development (ESD) program, marking another milestone in its commitment to fostering local
entrepreneurship and economic growth. Launched in 2021, the program has been instrumental
in equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources to enhance their
businesses, thereby contributing significantly to local economies.
On Wednesday, 13 March, 2024, Glencore hosted the Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD)
Training Academy Graduation to acknowledge the outstanding performances of 21 local
entrepreneurs who enrolled in the program to further advance their business skills. Thys Marx,
Glencore Coal ESD Manager, expressed the company’s excitement and commitment to support
youth-owned and black women-owned businesses for the past three years.
In partnership with Regoapele Capital, a development consultancy specialising in enterprise
and supplier development solutions, Glencore Coal has facilitated the empowerment of over
200 small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) across three provinces over the past nine
years. Otukile Moshori, COO of Regoapele Capital, emphasised the enduring success of this
collaboration, which has facilitated opportunities for numerous SMMEs to thrive and expand
their operations.
The annual ESD program is designed to support emerging local businesses with core strategic
planning, the use of strategic tools, and understanding the tendering process to secure new
business opportunities. In addition, the program also addresses critical gaps that local SMMEs
must effectively run their businesses, such as management and leadership skills, finance and
accounting, as well as occupational health and safety business processes.
To further support the graduates, Glencore provided the graduates with tablets to ease the day-
to-day operations of their businesses.
Pamella Buckland, ESD Superintendent at Glencore Coal stated that the ESD program seeks
to unearth black women-owned and black youth-owned businesses in and around their
operational communities. The aim is to bring these businesses into Glencore’s value chain and
to see them grow and thrive within the greater South African economy.
Graduate and keynote speaker, Dorcas Malefetse, Managing Director of Thatego Holdings,
started her business journey as a landscaper, doing her neighbour’s gardens. Her ambition
later pushed her to dream bigger and seek help to grow her business, where she now finds
herself in mining rehabilitation. Malefetse highlighted the program’s emphasis on financial
management as instrumental in her business growth.
Reflecting on her experience, Nompilo Sindane, Operations Director at Dwala Mining,
commended Glencore for facilitating access to essential tools and connections vital for industry
entry and growth.
“We joined the ESD program to acquire the essential tools and skills needed to enter the mining
sector. I must admit, the journey hasn’t been easy, having been in the industry for almost ten
years. However, with Glencore’s assistance, we obtained vital support and connections. The
ESD program has facilitated exposure to other companies, enabling us to secure contracts and
demonstrate our capabilities,” said Sindane.
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The success stories of these graduates exemplify Glencore’s unwavering commitment to
empowering local businesses and strengthening local economies through sustainable SMME
development.
Glencore extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates for their dedication and looks
forward to continuing its support for future candidates, enabling them to achieve their business
objectives and effect positive change within their communities.
