Phakamani Impact Capital, a holding company committed to transforming workforce development, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth and economic upliftment, has disbursed R1-billion on behalf of its clients to about 1 423 SMEs across South Africa, with sustained backing from partners such as multinational mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater.
Described as a landmark achievement by Phakamani, the R1-billion was distributed through 3 211 transactions to local SMEs in mining communities over the past decade, sustaining over 23 000 jobs and recording a 93% recovery rate on Phakamani’s loan book.
The company said this milestone reflected Phakamani’s commitment to fuelling economic growth, creating jobs and empowering communities.
“The journey is a great achievement,” Phakamani CEO Nick Janse van Rensburg noted during the celebratory event on September 19.
Among the hundreds of SMEs supported are women-led businesses working in industries such as mining, construction, logistics and wellness.
This includes TosogoMath founder Refilwe Mamogale; Annah Manugu from Mamoja Trading and projects; Sindi Bhembe from Bhembe Unlimited Group Africa; Duduzile Mbele from Maaroganye Projects; and Lillian Wolmarans from Phehla Umsebenzi Construction & Road Freight.
“We're particularly proud that a disbursement of the magnitude that we see today has really come out of a non-banking solution,” said Phakamani chairperson Butana Khoza.
He highlighted the issue of access to finance in South Africa, particularly for businesses such as vendors and startups.
“What we're creating here is the businesses of the future. Financial literacy, as well as access to capital, is a very powerful weapon,” he expressed. 
