Glencore Coal continues to invest local economies, one business at a time. This year’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Training Academy graduations took place in Witbank, Mpumalanga on 15 April 2026, where 22 local entrepreneurs were celebrated for successfully completing the programme.
Now in its fifth year, the ESD Training Academy remains an important part of Glencore’s strategic approach to building stronger, self-sustaining communities around its operations. United by a shared vision of growth, a mix of entrepreneurs from sectors like engineering services, small scale mining, plant hire, environmental services civil construction formed part this group of graduates.
Reflecting on the impact of the programme, keynote speaker and Glencore Coal CFO, Willie du Plessis, said, “Programmes like this are about building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Success is not accidental; it is achieved through discipline, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning. The real opportunity lies in how these skills are applied to build resilient businesses that can grow and compete over time.”
The programme, in partnership with Regoapele Capital; an enterprise development consultancy which equips SMMEs with the tools to thrive; supplied each recipient with hands-on training in financial planning, operational management, leadership, compliance, pricing and costing (Gamification); critical skills needed to grow successful businesses in competitive markets. All graduates were provided with certificates of completion and tablets to assist them in running their business more efficiently and be exposed to more opportunities.
Gerald Motau, CEO of Regoapele Capital, encouraged the graduates by saying, “Your success today reflects your ability to both fit in and stand out; to build strong foundations while defining your own identity in the market. The journey will not always be easy, but you only lose when you stop. What matters is that you continue, adapt, and keep moving forward.”
Following on the success of previous years, the 2025 group of trainees were divided into two groups: Enterprise Development, which is aimed at supporting early-stage businesses with strategic and operational guidance; and Supplier Development which is designed to help more established enterprises integrate into formal value chains, including those within Glencore’s own operations.
Mpokeleng Molefe, Supplier Development Graduate and CEO of IVE Engineering Services, former ED graduate now SD Graduate noted that the programme has been instrumental in unlocking growth; not only by strengthening technical capability, but by providing access to opportunities, ongoing support, and the confidence to position her business as a reliable partner in a competitive industry.
Congratulating the graduates, Noel Pillay, Glencore Coal GM: Regulatory and Community Affairs, said, “While this programme equips you with the skills and capability to succeed, the real opportunity lies in how you apply it. Build your track record, remain patient, and focus on consistent delivery; that is what will position you as credible, competitive partners, not only within Glencore, but across the broader industry.”
Glencore continues to advance the future of local economies through impactful initiatives such as the ESD Training Academy that is rooted in driving sustainable progress that inspires innovation.