Komatsu South Africa and Impact Catalyst partner to enhance business operations for 10 SMMEs in South Africa

The high unemployment rate in South Africa has been identified by Komatsu South Africa as threatening the future of millions of young people in the country, as well as the stability and economic prospects of the country.?

In response to this, Komatsu South Africa formed a partnership with the Impact Catalyst, to contribute to reducing the unemployment rate in South Africa by supporting 10 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with business improvement services, including capital assets, mentoring, coaching, and labour process enhancements.

Supporting SMME’s in South Africa is considered by the state as crucial for fostering economic growth and job creation. Unlike large corporations and state entities, which can only absorb a limited number of job seekers, SMME’s offer diverse opportunities across various sectors, which is crucial for fostering economic growth and job creation.

Komatsu South Africa is committed to its host communities and commissioned the Impact Catalyst as its implementing partner to drive enterprise development and supplier development programmes in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Gauteng, which are provinces where Komatsu South Africa has operations.

One of the beneficiaries, Dalinjebo Group which is a 100% black, female-led and owned business based in Ekurhuleni which transports equipment, including mining machinery, received a low-bed trailer and helper dolly, as well as a cash grant to enhance their business operations.

“On behalf of the Dalinjebo Group team, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Komatsu South Africa and the Impact Catalyst for the programme. Being a part of the Enterprise and Supplier Development programme made it possible to create jobs for several people and give hope to a number of families. It has also empowered us to penetrate the logistics sector which is a predominately male industry. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with Komatsu and the Impact Catalyst,” said Managing Director of Dalinjebo Group, Pheladi Bhengu

Out of the 10 SMMEs selected to form part of the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programme, two other 100% black-owned and female-led SMMEs were identified in Gauteng. The first one is called Moshabe Trading. Like Dalinjebo Group, they provide services in earth-moving equipment. They have a staff compliment of 22 employees and 5 contract workers with operations in Emalahleni and Mokopane. Another beneficiary is Kgothatso Innovation, also based in Ekurhuleni.? This company provides geospatial consultancy services to various mining contractors. They have hired a team of two permanent employees and four contract employees.

Moshabe Trading received a truck horse, a flat deck trailer and an 8-ton truck while Kgothatso Innovations received an Isuzu bakkie, remote sensing software and training on how to use the technology as well as a cash grant.

The remote sensing software awarded to Kgothatso Innovations will enable them to provide geological data to clients in the mining, engineering and environmental sectors. Through the remote sensing software, the SMME will be able to monitor environmental impacts, such as land disturbance and water quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The software can also track ground stability, detect subsidence, and predict potential hazards, enhancing operational safety. Additionally, it supports mine planning and rehabilitation efforts by providing detailed terrain and vegetation mapping.

“Enterprise and Supply Development is more than just a compliance exercise—it’s about creating competitive, sustainable supply chains that benefit both the community and the economy. This collaborative initiative between Komatsu South Africa and the Impact Catalyst is a true reflection of how collaborating to utilise ESD spend can create bigger impact and much more competitive economies in the regions that we operate," said Impact Catalyst CEO, Charl Harding.

The President and Managing Director of Komatsu Africa Holdings, Mike Blom acknowledged the partnership between the organisation, Impact Catalyst and the 10 ESD beneficiaries across the country as a defining moment that exemplifies Komatsu’s commitment to society and the communities they operate in.

He emphasised: “The ESD support we provided in collaboration with Impact Catalyst presents a new chapter for our beneficiaries that will contribute towards sustainable business growth, job creation and hopefully, a better life for many families.”