Exxaro empowers GaNala entrepreneurs with
business support equipment
Efforts to diversify GaNala’s mine-dependent economy begin with empowering youth-owned businesses, which serve as the emerging backbone of local resilience and long-term economic transformation.
Matla Coal reaffirmed its commitment to local business empowerment by donating essential business support equipment to two emerging enterprises. These businesses were selected as winners of a funding readiness and compliance workshop aimed at building the capacity of young entrepreneurs in GaNala.
The handover events on 16 April 2025 were moments of celebration for young entrepreneurs in Thubelihle and Rietspruit. In Thubelihle, Nana’s Funeral Home, a trusted community service provider, received event décor and chairs to improve the dignity and quality of its services.
Owner Nana Skosana expressed gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank Exxaro Matla Coal for their support to the Thubelihle community. Now our burials will have dignity.”
In Rietspruit, the spotlight fell on 25-year-old Banele Mashifane, a determined entrepreneur who runs a car wash business. He received car wash equipment and a JOJO tank to ensure water availability – critical tools that will help him grow his enterprise and create local employment.
“Thank you to Exxaro for the support,” said Mashifane. “This is going to help us grow as young people. We will also beat unemployment and stand on our own.”
The initiative supports Exxaro’s Social Impact Strategy, which aims to strengthen the sustainability of SMMEs in host communities, with a focus on empowering previously disadvantaged individuals – especially women and youth.
Lorainne Mofokeng, Stakeholder Management Manager at Exxaro Matla Coal, expressed optimism about the future of youth-led businesses: “We are excited to see young people doing things for themselves, and we hope others will be inspired. As Exxaro, we are also encouraged to continue the work we do – and we will keep doing it.”
Beyond material donations, this support represents a step toward building more self-reliant communities. For businesses like Nana’s Funeral Home and Mashifane’s Car Wash, the new equipment opens opportunities to improve services, expand operations, and contribute meaningfully to local economic resilience.
