Impala Platinum Pty Limited (Impala) has launched the Impala Peo Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Fund, a major initiative aimed at empowering local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across the Rustenburg region. The fund has committed R50 million over five years to provide accessible, low-interest financing to black-owned businesses — with a focus on women- and youth-led enterprises — located in the communities that host the Impala Rustenburg and Impala Bafokeng’s operations. The initiative seeks to build economic resilience, fuel job creation and drive inclusive economic growth.
To address the funding barriers faced by small businesses, the Impala Peo ESD Fund is structured around two funding streams to meet the specific needs of local suppliers:
- Short-term funding: R25 million is dedicated to helping SMMEs fulfil short-term orders. This funding stream offers low-interest loans of between R50 000 and R2 million, enabling businesses to deliver confirmed orders with a quick turnaround time. Loan repayment will be expected on successful delivery and payment by Impala clients.
- Medium-term funding: R25 million is allocated to supporting enterprises with medium-term contracts. Loans from R250 000 to R5 million will be made available to enable businesses commit to and complete larger, sustained projects, which take place over 12 to 36 months.
Loan financing is set at a 5% interest rate and is designed to cater for both short- and medium-term projects. As such, the fund empowers businesses by providing much-needed cash flow solutions over the life of the project.
The Impala Peo ESD Fund will also support enterprises by providing access to market opportunities, infrastructure, and a range of business services, equipping them for sustainable growth. Each business applying for a Peo Fund loan will undergo a due diligence process to confirm eligibility, with criteria including geographical focus, black ownership, an annual turnover below R50 million, and compliance with community and regulatory standards. Priority will be given to black-owned SMMEs led by women and youth.
At the fund’s launch on 7 November 2024, Impala Rustenburg’s Head of Sustainable Development, Martin Pieters, said the Impala Peo ESD Fund represented a groundbreaking move for the company, one that is rooted in a commitment to uplift and empower local communities. “Our goal is to create socioeconomic opportunities where they are most needed. By facilitating access to finance and opening market opportunities, we’re fostering the right conditions for local enterprises to thrive and contribute to the regional economy.”
Acting Executive Mayor for the Rustenburg Local Municipality, Karabo Phutu, praised the fund as a vital force for economic empowerment, especially for women and young entrepreneurs. “The Impala Peo ESD Fund is creating pathways for local business growth, job creation and skills development, and positioning these enterprises to become cornerstones of our community and economy,” he said.
Moses Motlhageng, Chief Executive of the Implats Group’s Western Limb operations added, “Impala’s social commitments extend beyond mining — we are building resilient communities that can sustain themselves economically. This fund is an essential part of our commitment to create and share lasting benefits for local suppliers and the greater Rustenburg region.”
The Impala Peo ESD Fund will target SMMEs in communities within the sphere of influence of the Impala Rustenburg and Impala Bafokeng operations, including Bafokeng communities, Freedom Park, Meriting, Seraleng, Phatsima and Boshoek, bringing a focused approach to economic inclusion and.