The Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA), in partnership with Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Sibanye-Stillwater, has launched a new Digital and SMME Hub in Welkom, Free State, a catalytic project designed to equip former mineworkers and local youth with future-ready digital and business skills.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the MDA’s mission to drive inclusive growth in mining regions. Working with RMA and Sibanye-Stillwater, the Agency continues to evolve its mandate from post-mining support to long-term regional development, building pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption in mining communities.
Developed in collaboration with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, the Digital and SMME Hub offers training in digital literacy, coding, artificial intelligence, drone technology and other 4IR-related skills. It also provides enterprise development and incubation spaces for local entrepreneurs, helping communities transition from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy.
Through its targeted programmes, the hub is empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities to gain critical skills and participate meaningfully in high-growth sectors. The initiative aligns with the South African Digital Economy Masterplan and contributes directly to national priorities around skills development, industrialisation, and local enterprise growth.
Speaking at the launch in Matjhebeng, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe said, “The MDA continues to embody transformation in action. It is deeply encouraging to see the Agency’s evolution from supporting mineworkers after retrenchment to driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology access. The establishment of this Digital Hub reflects the social compact between industry, labour, and government, and gives practical effect to our shared commitment to inclusive economic renewal.”
“This hub demonstrates the power of partnerships that turn policy into progress,” said Tshimane Montoedi, Chief Executive Officer of the Mineworkers Development Agency. “It represents a bridge between mining’s past and South Africa’s innovation future, one where former mineworkers, their families, and local youth can participate meaningfully in a modern economy built on skills, entrepreneurship, and dignity.”
The Minister’s remarks were echoed by Sibanye-Stillwater, which underscored the importance of partnerships that translate transformation into tangible opportunity.
“This hub represents transformation in action as it connects mining’s past to South Africa’s digital future,” said Thabisile Phumo, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at Sibanye-Stillwater. “Through digital infrastructure and practical skills development, we are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the life of the mine and ensuring that mining communities remain active participants in a changing economy.”
Sibanye-Stillwater invested in the hub as part of its broader commitment to socio-economic regeneration in host communities. To date, the facility has trained 60 young people through internationally accredited programmes such as Cisco’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and IBM SkillsBuild Fundamentals, and introduced virtual-reality-based training in areas including beekeeping, health and safety, and professional skills. It also houses robotics and 4IR demonstration labs, SMME pods, co-working spaces, and technology-enabled classrooms.
The infrastructure itself has transformed a previously underused site into a fully operational, modern, and accessible space featuring energy-efficient systems, security technology, and inclusive access ramps for persons with disabilities.
Beyond digital training, the hub is nurturing entrepreneurship through incubation and acceleration programmes. Local enterprises receive mentorship, workspace access, and business development support to help them grow and compete in the market. Three small businesses are already operating from the hub, an LPG gas enterprise promoting alternative energy solutions, a community internet service provider expanding online access for local companies, and a farmhouse outlet supplying fresh produce from the nearby Agri Hub to Welkom residents.
“This is more than infrastructure, it is a spark of possibility,” said Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. “The hub supports our vision to position Matjhabeng as a future metro, attracting investment, technology, and opportunity. It reflects the kind of catalytic partnership that helps turn Welkom into a centre of digital innovation and inclusive growth.”
“Sibanye-Stillwater didn’t make a pledge at the investment conference we hosted in October this year, it did something more powerful. It invested in something real and tangible that supports long-term value creation,” said Bongani Kupe of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, who attended the launch.
“Supporting initiatives like this forms part of our mandate to improve livelihoods for mineworkers and their families,” said Adam Letshele, Head: Corporate Stakeholder Partnerships at Rand Mutual Assurance. “Through digital upskilling and enterprise creation, we are restoring dignity and helping communities chart a new economic path.”
