Enterprise development

In September 2008, the Royal Bafokeng Administration’s department of Local Economic Development (LED) became an RBH subsidiary and was renamed Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development (RBED). The early part of 2009 saw the constitution of a new board, internal reorganisation and capacity building. In addition, RBED’s mandate was defined and its focus will continue to be on supporting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The company’s financial management and reporting structures were also tightened.

In 2009, RBED’s database of Bafokeng-led businesses grew from 288 to 486. Of these, 307 businesses are operational and are spread across various sectors, particularly the areas of construction, engineering, mining, hospitality, crop and livestock farming, catering, cleaning and landscaping.

RBED has also teamed up with The Business Place Network in Phokeng, a partnership which ensures that The Business Place Network plays a leading role in the development of start-up, very small, survivalist and micro businesses. At Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine and Impala Platinum, business linkage managers have been appointed to facilitate the access of SMMEs to procurement opportunities.

The RBED challenges include management of stakeholder expectations, and developing skills and capacity within Bafokeng businesses that can meet market-related pricing and quality demand. RBH’s investee companies have demonstrated a willingness to participate and have partnered with RBH as part of their preferential procurement policy.

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