Diamond miner De Beers has, through a partnership with tyre manufacturers Bridgestone South Africa (SA) and Global Wheel, facilitated a five-year contract for Chibadura Trading – a women-owned small, medium-sized and microenterprise (SMME) from Musina – to become the local distributor for light-duty vehicle (LDV) tyres, rims and batteries for the Venetia mine.
The Venetia mine’s local procurement and integrated enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programme continues to empower local communities through strategic partners which aim to assist local businesses achieve long-term sustainability and contribute towards the socioeconomic development of Limpopo.
Chibadura Trading was selected following an extensive expression of interest process throughout Venetia mine’s labour sending areas of Musina and Blouberg, in line with the mine’s drive to include local suppliers into its main procurement activities.
The selection process targets local historically disadvantaged South Africans, such as persons living with disabilities, and youth and women SMME owners to ensure a lasting impact where it is needed most.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chibadura Trading director Nkateko Leoneldah Sithole expressed her gratitude.
“The partnership with Bridgestone SA and Global Wheel will allow us to provide a sustainable and professional service to the mine and the broader Musina community.”
As part of the partnership, Bridgestone SA and Global Wheel have provided technical training to Chibadura employees and will also offer after-sales support for the duration of the contract.
De Beers’ ESD programme also provides local SMMEs, both within and outside Venetia mine’s supply chain with business advisory and mentorship support, business skills training, training to support access to markets and access to funding.