Category: Business Guides

  • Mondi Zimele Business Development, ongoing in Richards Bay in 2025: What South Africans Need to Know

    The Current Reality on the Ground

    Last year, Mondi pulled in 190,000 tonnes of timber from small rural growers across South Africa – that’s 10% of their total wood needs, with over 64,000 tonnes certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Picture families in northern KwaZulu-Natal tending their 1-30 hectare plots, turning seedlings into steady income. This isn’t some distant dream; it’s happening now, and it rolls right into 2025 with fresh momentum at the Richards Bay mill, where 840 growers already supply FSC-certified pulpwood.

    Mondi Zimele kicked off back in 2007 to push rural communities towards standing on their own – the name means just that in Zulu. Today, it channels financial aid, training, and market links straight to small and medium enterprises. They zero in on the forestry sector, backing suppliers and contractors with cash injections and services that boost productivity, admin skills, and compliance rules. Growers get high-quality seedlings, skills workshops, mill tours, and field days to swap tips. In 2024, they handed out 5.3 million seedlings and kept the flow of certified timber strong. Beyond trees, they lift community businesses near Mondi’s ops, sparking jobs and growth in spots like Richards Bay. Last year alone, they backed 13 value-chain businesses and 27 community ones with over R17.3 million in low-interest loans. Since 2012, that’s R228.1 million loaned out, touching over 300 outfits and firing up more than 6,200 jobs. These ventures now rake in over R509.2 million yearly, including grower earnings, fuelling rural resilience from KZN to Mpumalanga.

    The Personal Impact

    I chatted with a contact in Piet Retief once – a guy running a small nursery who started with Mondi’s help. He described how a low-interest loan bought him equipment, and suddenly his team grew from five to 25, supplying seedlings to local farms. That pride in his voice? It stuck with me, showing how these programs turn everyday hustles into solid livelihoods.

    Take ordinary South Africans hit by this. Job seekers in rural KZN, where work’s scarce, land roles in silviculture crews or nurseries. One grower I heard about through reports started with a 10-hectare plot; now his family harvests timber for Richards Bay, covering school fees and home upgrades without migrating to cities. Professionals like quantity surveyors spot openings in construction arms tied to Mondi – think building infrastructure for forestry ops. Families benefit too: a mum in Wakkerstroom turned mushroom picking in plantations into a business hiring 50 seasonal workers, putting food on tables during lean months. It’s raw emotion when you see kids in these areas getting better nutrition or education because a parent’s enterprise took off. Unemployment bites hard here, over 25% nationally, but Zimele chips away at it by creating spots for mechanics, drivers, and admins in supported firms. I’ve seen friends in similar setups gain confidence, no longer relying on handouts but building legacies.

    What This Means for Your Money

    Financially, it packs a punch. Discounted loans mean startups avoid crippling interest – one business got funding to buy a vehicle, slashing transport costs and boosting profits. Jobs from these? Entry-level forestry roles might pay R5,000-R8,000 monthly, scaling to R15,000 for skilled supervisors, based on industry norms. Growers earn from timber sales: a small plot could net R50,000-R100,000 per harvest cycle, depending on yields. Community trusts like one in KZN manage 1,500 hectares, employing 45 and generating steady revenue streams. Costs? Initial setups like seedlings run low thanks to subsidies, but compliance training saves fines down the line. Overall, it’s a gateway to financial stability, with collectives hitting R1.06 billion in turnover across supported SMEs.

    What You Can Do

    Here are five steps you can take right now to tap in. First, head to mondizimele.co.za and fill out their enquiry form – specify if you’re a grower or contractor near Richards Bay for quick response. Second, join a local forestry co-op; in KZN, contact the South African Forestry Contractors Association via their site safca.co.za to link up with Mondi networks. Third, apply for funding through the Development Bank of South Africa (dbsa.org) – they partner with Zimele on job-focused grants, so mention forestry ties. Fourth, attend free workshops; check forestry.gov.za for upcoming field days in Richards Bay or Piet Retief. Fifth, network on LinkedIn with Mondi South Africa – search for their page and message about supplier opportunities, attaching your business plan.

    Looking Ahead for South Africa

    South Africa stands to gain stronger rural economies as these programs expand. More certified timber means exports grow, jobs multiply beyond 6,200, and communities like those around Richards Bay thrive with less poverty. It builds a cycle where locals supply, produce, and consume, strengthening the whole chain without outside dependence.

    At AK035, we guide you through these opportunities with tailored research – drop me a line if you’re eyeing a shift into forestry or business.

    Lungelo Shandu helps South Africans make informed career decisions through data-driven research at AK035. Connect with him on WhatsApp: +27 84 821 9166

    References:

    Mondi Zimele

    https://www.mondigroup.com/news-and-insight/2025/mondi-zimele-empowering-local-business-development

    https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/publicity/159556/from-seedling-to-shelf-paper-that-builds-futures

    http://docs.wbcsd.org/2014/10/Mondi_Zimele.pdf

  • Your Guide to SETAs: What South Africans Need to Know About SETAs

    We’ve all seen the numbers. South Africa’s unemployment rate is a tough reality, especially for young people. According to the latest data from Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate was 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025. This means that far too many people are looking for work, often holding a diploma or degree but lacking work experience to support it. It can feel like you’re standing still while the world moves on.

    But what if there was a way to jump the queue? What if there were a system designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, creating a path for you to gain real, on-the-job skills? The government created this system with the Skills Development Act of 1998, which established a network of organisations called Sector Education and Training Authorities, or SETAs. Think of them as a crucial link connecting learners, training providers, and businesses to build a more skilled and competitive workforce.

    There are 21 SETAs in our country, each focusing on a specific economic sector. For instance, the FASSET SETA handles finance, accounting, and banking, while the merSETA focuses on manufacturing, engineering, and related trades. Their main job is to identify what skills are missing in their sector, and then create and fund training to fill those gaps. They do this by overseeing learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes that lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

    How You Can Use SETAs to Advance Your Career

    You don’t need to be a business owner to benefit from a SETA. These organisations are designed to help you, the individual, get your foot in the door.

    • Learnerships: This is a great place to start. A learnership is a paid opportunity that combines structured theoretical learning with practical work experience in a company. You sign an employment contract, get a monthly stipend, and at the end of the programme, you have a qualification and real experience. This is not a debt-creating opportunity. It’s a way to get paid while you learn the skills an employer actually needs. The MICT SETA, for example, helps people find learnerships in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis—fields that are in high demand and offer great long-term career potential.
    • Apprenticeships: If you’re interested in becoming a qualified artisan, an apprenticeship is the right path. This is a structured technical training programme that combines practical and theoretical training, leading to a trade test and a national trade certificate. This is how you become a professional motor mechanic or an electrician.
    • Skills Programmes: These are shorter training interventions that give you credits towards a full qualification. They’re perfect if you need to acquire a specific skill to make you more employable quickly.

    How Businesses Can Use SETAs to Grow

    If you’re a business owner, SETAs provide a clear financial incentive to train your staff and hire new talent.

    • Reclaim Your Investment: All businesses with a payroll over R500,000 must pay a 1% Skills Development Levy (SDL) to SARS. This money is then sent to the relevant SETA. By submitting a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and an Annual Training Report (ATR) each year, you can claim back a portion of that levy as a mandatory grant. It’s money you’ve already paid in, and you can get it back to invest in your people.
    • Access Discretionary Grants: Beyond the mandatory grants, SETAs offer discretionary grants to fund specific, in-demand projects like learnerships and apprenticeships. The Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA), for example, can give a grant to a small shop owner to train their staff on new point-of-sale systems, making the business more efficient. By participating, you not only improve your workforce but also get a tax rebate and boost your B-BBEE score.
    • Customise Your Workforce: The biggest benefit is the ability to train someone to meet your exact needs. Instead of hoping to find a perfect candidate, you can create one. This is especially useful for filling scarce and critical skills.

    Your Step-by-Step Guide

    Using the SETA system can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to get started:

    1. Find Your SETA: The first step is to identify which SETA governs your industry. You can find a list of all 21 SETAs, their contact details online or here ak035.co.za. This will give you a clear starting point.
    2. Look for Their Plan: Once you’ve found your SETA, go to their website and find their Sector Skills Plan (SSP). This document is a goldmine. It will tell you exactly what skills are a priority in their sector and where they will be allocating funding.
    3. Search for Opportunities: Use the SETA’s website to search for open learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes. Businesses will also often advertise these opportunities on their own career pages or on job portals. When you see an opening, you will know exactly what the company is looking for and what you will be trained to do.
    4. Connect with us: For more South African career guidance, check out ak035.co.za.

    The entire system, from the Skills Development Act to the grants and programmes, is about building a capable workforce, one skilled person and one strong business at a time. It’s a powerful tool to match people who need skills with the jobs that need to be filled.

    Attribution:

    1. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
    2. The Skills Development Act 97 of 1998

    About the Author:

    Lungelo Shandu helps South Africans make informed career decisions through data-driven research at AK035. Connect with him on WhatsApp: +27 84 821 9166

  • Empowering Your Business: South Africa’s Top Platforms for Entrepreneurs and SMEs

    In today’s dynamic business environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the engine driving South Africa’s economic growth. However, managing day-to-day operations, accessing funding, and expanding your network can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, several innovative platforms are here to help you overcome these challenges—providing everything from expert advice and free resources to robust networking opportunities. In this post, we explore five leading South African business platforms that empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to thrive.

    1. National Small Business Chamber (NSBC)

    The National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) is Africa’s leading SME organization dedicated to nurturing small business growth. With a membership exceeding 230,000, NSBC offers:

    • Networking & Mentorship: Regular events and forums connect you with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts.
    • Expert Workshops & Webinars: Learn essential business skills and access tailored advice to drive your growth.
    • Cost-Effective Membership: Enjoy a range of services—from business showcases to strategic guidance—without breaking the bank.

    NSBC’s comprehensive approach ensures that whether you’re looking for funding or mentorship, you have a robust support network at your fingertips.

    2. BBN Business Network

    For entrepreneurs who value face-to-face interactions and genuine relationship building, the BBN Business Network is an excellent choice. This vibrant community helps you:

    • Connect in Person: Attend free, well-organized meetings where you can showcase your company and build lasting relationships.
    • Expand Your Horizons: With a diverse membership across various sectors, BBN is the perfect platform for exploring cross-industry opportunities.
    • Foster Trust & Collaboration: BBN’s culture of trust, merit, and respect means every meeting is a chance to unlock new possibilities for your business.

    BBN Business Network is ideal for those who prefer a personal touch to networking and collaboration.

    3. MTN SME Hub

    The MTN SME Hub provides a robust support system specifically tailored to the needs of small and medium enterprises. Key features include:

    • Business Advice & Insights: Gain access to expert guidance and practical resources on funding, growth strategies, and operational efficiency.
    • Funding Options: Explore various funding avenues—from loans to grants—to keep your cash flow steady.
    • Digital Tools: Leverage a suite of online tools designed to streamline your business processes and drive productivity.

    MTN SME Hub is a one-stop solution for entrepreneurs seeking reliable advice and actionable strategies in a competitive landscape.

    4. Visa Small Business Hub

    The Visa Small Business Hub is dedicated to delivering practical solutions that enhance your everyday business operations. This platform features:

    • Comprehensive Business Directory: Discover and connect with local small businesses to build mutually beneficial relationships.
    • Operational Tools: Utilize digital resources to streamline payments, manage cash flow, and optimize daily business tasks.
    • Growth-Focused Content: Stay ahead with regular expert insights and updates that help you navigate a rapidly changing market.

    With its user-friendly interface and focus on operational excellence, the Visa Small Business Hub is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs looking to maximize efficiency and drive growth.

    5. SimplyBiz

    SimplyBiz is a comprehensive business solution powered by Nedbank that equips small businesses with everything needed to start, manage, and grow their operations. Key offerings include:

    • All-in-One Business Resources: Access free advertising, over 170 business templates, and step-by-step guides that help transform your high-level concept into a concrete business plan.
    • Business Registration Services: Get help with company registration and navigate the formalities of setting up a business using the CIPC online BizPortal service.
    • Financial Management Tools: With tools like MoneyTracker, SimplyBiz allows you to track finances, set budgets, and manage invoices—all integrated with Nedbank’s online banking.
    • Ecommerce Integration: Expand your market presence by signing up for Avo Business, Nedbank’s ecommerce platform, to reach over one million registered users.

    SimplyBiz is your go-to platform for everything you need to grow your business, offering a seamless blend of educational resources, practical tools, and robust financial services.

    Conclusion

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale an established enterprise, these platforms provide a diverse range of services designed to tackle your unique challenges. From the extensive mentorship and networking opportunities at NSBC and BBN Business Network, to the operational support and funding insights offered by MTN SME Hub and Visa Small Business Hub, and the comprehensive business management tools available via SimplyBiz—South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rich with resources.

    Explore these platforms, leverage their unique strengths, and join a community of forward-thinking business leaders who are shaping the future of South African enterprise.