Anglo American’s commitment to enterprise development and the Group’s support for the 2012 Enterprise Development (ED) Conference, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is making a real difference in fostering best practice in ED sector across South Africa.
Anglo American’s commitment to enterprise development and the Group’s support for the 2012 Enterprise Development (ED) Conference, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is making a real difference in fostering best practice in ED sector across South Africa.
The Anglo American Group is recognised as a thought-leader and champion in the enterprise development arena, with the company’s enterprise development arm, Zimele, having funded over 1,000 companies over the last four and a half years.
During the next two days, around 350 delegates will learn first-hand how best to use their resources for entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. The conference features practical exercises and real-life examples of on-the-ground enterprise development successes.
In addition, the Minister of Human Settlements, Tokyo Sexwale will address delegates on the topic of Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) as a key to economic growth. The DTI Deputy Director General Sipho Zikode will also share government policy and initiatives around the role of Enterprise Development and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) in transforming the South African economy.
Lia Vangelatos, acting head of Zimele, says that the conference will make an important contribution to facilitating wide-ranging positive economic and social impacts for South Africa.
“Anglo American is proud to support the 2012 ED conference, and maintains that this is a critical platform on which to raise standards, heighten awareness, share experiences in enterprise development, and educate all stakeholders on the various complexities that are prevalent in the sector.
“Ultimately, the practical exercises and knowledge shared over the course of the next two days will help develop the growth of ED in South Africa, and help to create a positive legacy for our country by generating numerous positive socio-economic spin-offs.”
The conference runs from Wednesday, 7 November until Thursday, 8 November 2012 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
South Africa
Hulisani Rasivhaga, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 4401
Notes to editors:
About Anglo American:
Anglo American is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American’s portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals – copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe. www.angloamerican.com
About the Enterprise Development conference:
Previously called the Serious Leading Enterprise Development Conference, the 2012 ED Conference is receiving support for the third consecutive year from Anglo American. Anglo American’s involvement over the last few years in this conference has not only been driven by the recognition of the importance of enterprise development in the economic spectrum, but is also strongly linked to our Group’s firm commitment to wider social obligations.
About Zimele:
Since 1989, Zimele has successfully empowered numerous black Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, and generated sustainable job creation and socio-economic development in predominantly peri-urban mining communities.
Zimele enables the companies it invests in to stand on their own feet and to grow, through a strategic blend of financial support and incubator-style mentorship.
This is achieved through four funds which provide business opportunities, training, capital and networking hubs for historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) and SMEs. These funds are the Anglo American Khula Mining Fund, the Supply Chain Fund, the Community Fund and the Green Fund.