Entrepreneur makes history

The project loan of about R100,000 was granted to support him with the execution of a tender that was awarded to him by Assmang's Beeshoek mine. It entails the construction of a fence around a local school - the HTT Bidi Primary School. Maruping needed the money for petrol and his employees' salaries.

He successfully completed the job on time and complied with the terms and conditions of a project loan by paying it in full at the end of the project or on a specified date. The result was that he received an additional project to spray paint the fence. This time round he could fund the project with the profit of the first project.

They applied for funding for the first time from Anglo American's Zimele last year. They needed a vehicle to streamline the company's operations and to expand the business. The application was successful, the company received its vehicle and Maruping never skipped an instalment on the loan since it was granted. It is this good track record that opened the door for a second loan.

They specialise in general construction. They receive regular projects from TFMC, Kolomela and Beeshoek mines, but their main goal is to secure a fixed term contract to sustain the company.

Maruping and his wife Mary formally registered their company, Matisel 2 Construction and General Trading (Pty) Ltd in 2010. Since the inception date the company grew rapidly due to all the new developments and business opportunities taking place in the Tsantsabane municipal area.

Zimele is Anglo American's enterprise development initiative to provide funding and support to previously disadvantaged people.