Minerals mine digs deep to aid entrepreneurs

OF Richards Bay Minerals’ R4-billion total annual contestable spend, the company aims to spend 30% to empower local businesses.

This was according to RBM managing director Mpho Mothoa speaking at the company’s contractor awards ceremony held on Tuesday.

It is a significant target increase from this year’s 20%.

The company has so far spent 14% by contracting 12 community enterprises and establishing five joint ventures.

‘Five years ago, we spent 5% on host community vendors – we have tripled the figure since then,’ said Mothoa.

‘This is a clear demonstration that RBM is serious about economic development in our community.

‘We now support around 130 local enterprises.

‘It should also be considered a large chunk of the total contestable spend go to Eskom and Transnet, so this truly is a noteworthy target from the whole sum.’

As a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest multinational metals and mining corporations, Rio Tinto, Mothoa added SA will always be RBM’s first priority to benefit from its operations.

‘We spend 99% of the total in SA, and 80% of that in KZN.

‘About 70% go towards BEE (black economic empowerment) businesses.

‘We also take joint ventures very seriously.

‘They are a critical part of community empowerment as they involve the transfer of skills without compromising RBM standards and operational requirements.

‘The support of local enterprises creates sustainability over the long term and true economic empowerment in communities, ensuring the benefits are felt widely and long after the life of operations.’

Word of warning
But Mothoa said the company will not tolerate any ‘dirty business’.

‘We have high standards and procedures to comply with, including the way we work and the way we procure.

‘We will not stand for those who try to force or threaten our procurement department to contract them.

‘RBM certainly will not go corrupt.

‘The playing field must be level for all to be considered in an equitable and fair manner.

‘We have rules of engagement that must be respected.’

RBM acting General Manager for Communication and Community Relations, Moses Thokwane urged the contractors to ensure their relationship with the company remains mutually beneficial.

‘Like a marriage, we must have a strong partnership, or else it means hardships.

‘See it in the way that if I die, your grave goes next to mine.

‘We are all RBM, not only the guys wearing yellow.’

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