Seriti Green was cited as an example of how energy infrastructure investment can support economic diversification, job creation and local business participation in South Africa’s coal-producing heartland.

Delivering the address to the provincial legislature on Thursday, March , 5 Premier Ndlovu stressed the importance of collaboration between government, industry and civil society in addressing structural economic challenges.

“Solving complex socio-economic issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, gender-based violence, crime and infrastructure is not a sole responsibility of government. It requires a collaborative, all hands-on-deck approach by government, the private sector, labour and civil society,” he said.

In this context, the Premier highlighted Seriti Green’s social and economic development initiatives, noting their alignment with provincial priorities. “Seriti Green’s social and economic development portfolio has committed to align its programmes with the Mpumalanga government priorities,” he said.

READ | Seriti Green and Eskom mark handover of Vunumoya Main Transmission Station

“Central to this commitment is enterprise development, focused on supporting SMMEs alongside structured entrepreneur programmes designed to catalyse sustainable job creation and broaden economic participation.”

Among the programmes referenced was Agri for Change, which supports emerging agricultural entrepreneurs with training, business development support and improved market access.

“Through their Agri for Change programme, Seriti supports emerging agricultural entrepreneurs with technical expertise, business development skills and improved market access,” the Premier said.

AD | @Seriti_Green recognises local contractor for exemplary safety standards. pic.twitter.com/vfAcspoHyS

— Mpumalanga Mirror (@MPMirror) March 9, 2026

According to the address, the programme has already produced measurable outcomes. “The programme has contributed to 41 permanent agricultural jobs and enabled measurable entrepreneurial growth.”

The initiative has also helped unlock new capital for participating businesses. Premier Ndlovu said the results illustrate the potential of coordinated enterprise development initiatives. “This reflects the transformative potential of structured enterprise development when supported by financiers, mentors and government partners.”

The Premier also referred to Seriti Green’s broader role in South Africa’s energy transition, particularly within Mpumalanga, where coal remains central to the provincial economy. “Seriti and Seriti Green are advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition through a delivery-focused model rooted in South African ownership, capital and operational capability,” he said.

“To safeguard energy security, coal and renewable energy sources are being developed in parallel. This approach enables decarbonisation, creates new economic opportunities and jobs, and ensures continuity for communities historically dependent on coal.”

ALSO READ | Seriti Green appoints first Chief Operating Officer

A key project cited in the address is the Ummbila Emoyeni renewable power development, currently under construction in the Gert Sibande district.

“Seriti Green, the renewable energy arm of the Seriti Group, has been in operation for three years and is currently constructing the 900 MW Ummbila Emoyeni wind and solar farm, with the first 155MW phase scheduled for completion in mid-2026,” the Premier said. “Investment to date totals approximately R15 billion, with a further R25 billion planned over the next two years.”

Employment creation linked to the development was also highlighted. “Job creation remains central to the company’s work. More than 1,700 jobs have been created, with 53% allocated to local residents within a 15 km radius.”

Construction activity associated with the development has also created opportunities for local contractors. Among them is HMI Projects, an electrical and civil engineering firm led by Mpumalanga entrepreneur, Freddy Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi founded the company 15 years ago after gaining operational experience at Columbus Stainless Steel, where he spent seven years as a production flow coordinator focusing on production efficiency and quality assurance. He holds a Diploma in Electrical and Civil Engineering.

Under his leadership, HMI Projects has developed into an established contractor delivering electrical and civil engineering services, with strong safety compliance and disciplined site management.

The company currently employs 82 workers on the Ummbila Emoyeni site, with 25 more expected shortly, many of whom are drawn from surrounding communities, illustrating the growing participation of local enterprises in large-scale infrastructure developments in the province.

Commenting on the recognition in the Premier’s address, Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn said the development of projects such as Ummbila Emoyeni depend on collaboration between communities, local contractors and infrastructure investors.

“Projects like Ummbila Emoyeni are not only about generating renewable energy. They are about building capability in the places where we work. Companies like Freddy Mkhwanazi’s demonstrate what is possible when local entrepreneurs are able to participate in the construction of world-class infrastructure.”

The post Seriti Green local enterprise development highlighted in SOPA appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The entity says this strategic appointment underscores the company’s growing focus on operational delivery as the company advances South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET).

“Chabisi brings over 25 years of leadership experience across mining and metals, including senior operational roles at Glencore, Jubilee Metals Group, Samancor, Kumba and the Afarak Group. His track record spans operational excellence, safety leadership, culture transformation and strategic execution – expertise that will now be leveraged to scale Seriti Green’s renewable energy projects from development to operation,” reads Seriti Green’s statement.

READ | Premier commits to prioritise mining in Mpumalanga

Chabisi will oversee day-to-day of the operating facilities, manage recurring electricity revenue and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. The company also said that he will closely work with the company’s CEO, CFO and CTO.

“Joining Seriti Green is an exciting opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. My goal is to ensure that our projects not only deliver renewable energy but also create meaningful socio-economic impact, through disciplined execution, ethical leadership and strong stakeholder partnerships,” said Motloung.

READ MORE | Seriti Green and Eskom mark handover of Vunumoya Main Transmission Station

Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green, added, “Chabisi’s appointment is a key milestone in our JET journey. As we move from project development to full-scale operations. Operational excellence becomes critical. Chabisi’s cross-industry experience. He’s proven leadership will help us translate strategy into tangible energy outcomes for South Africa.”

The post Seriti Green appoints first Chief Operating Officer appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

This investment of more than R1 billion, delivered over 18 months, represents a major grid-enabling asset that will support one of South Africa’s largest renewable energy developments.

The handover confirms that the Vunumoya MTS is fully energised, operational and integrated into the national grid. It also enables the first 155MW of wind energy from Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni One Wind Energy Facility to be fed into the system ahead of schedule, marking the beginning of a 900MW programme that will progressively add further renewable capacity.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Seriti Group CEO Mike Teke said the milestone demonstrates what coordinated delivery can achieve for South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

“Today’s handover of the Vunumoya Main Transmission Station demonstrates what effective partnership can achieve. This is a meaningful milestone for South Africa’s energy transition and for Mpumalanga’s future as a renewable energy hub. Seriti is proud to be playing a role in building the infrastructure that supports a more secure and sustainable national energy system,” Teke said.

READ | Seriti Green achieves financial close and breaks ground on third phase of flagship Ummbila Emoyeni wind project 

The Vunumoya MTS forms a central element of the broader Ummbila Emoyeni Renewable Energy Project, providing the critical infrastructure needed to feed renewable energy into the national transmission network. The station includes advanced 400kV and 132kV infrastructure, a 500MVA transformer, and additional capacity for future feeders and transformers.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane welcomed the handover, noting the importance of the project in strengthening grid capability to support South Africa’s clean energy trajectory. “This achievement is a clear demonstration of what collaboration and innovation can deliver. It accelerates South Africa’s energy transition and reinforces Eskom’s commitment to a sustainable future. Projects like Vunumoya are vital for modernising our grid and ensuring reliable, low-carbon power for generations to come,” Marokane said.

Originally scheduled for commissioning in March 2026, the project’s first phase has been accelerated and will now deliver energy into the grid from 28 November 2025. The power produced in this first phase will be wheeled to Seriti Resources as part of the mining group’s commitment to decarbonising its operations.

NTCSA CEO Monde Bala highlighted the role of the Vunumoya infrastructure in expanding grid capacity and enabling future renewable integration. “The Vunumoya project forms part of the commitment to enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy projects into the grid, strengthening grid reliability and supporting South Africa’s transition to a diversified, low-carbon energy mix,” he said. “I express sincere gratitude to our partners Seriti Green, the NTCSA teams and all stakeholders for the diligent execution of the project,” added Bala.

For Seriti Green, the handover concludes its delivery phase of the MTS, a strategic anchor for unlocking large-scale renewable supply from one of the most ambitious wind and solar projects under development in the country.

Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn said the energisation of the MTS marks the start of a multi-year renewable roll-out with long-term benefits for Mpumalanga and the national grid.

“The successful energisation of the Vunumoya MTS and the first phase of Ummbila Emoyeni positions one of South Africa’s largest renewable projects for long-term impact. This milestone shows what coordinated effort can deliver and underscores Seriti Green’s commitment to developing clean energy at the scale required for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition,” Venn said.

Located in Mpumalanga, the Vunumoya MTS represents an important step in ensuring the region remains central to South Africa’s economic and energy future. By enabling new renewable energy to enter the grid, it supports national decarbonisation objectives and a more diversified, secure and modern power system.

ALSO READ | Electricity Minister visits Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni renewable energy project

Eskom is committed to enabling South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, which aims to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring energy security and socio-economic development.

The NTCSA remains committed to providing a robust and efficient transmission network, delivering system operator services, and facilitating dynamic energy market operations for the benefit of South Africa and designated electricity stakeholders.

The post Seriti Green and Eskom mark handover of Vunumoya Main Transmission Station appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The mine was officiated by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe on 14 March in a ceremony hosted by Seriti’s CEO, Mike Teke and graced by MEC, Cathy Dlamini who was acting premier, Gert Sibande District Municipality mayor, Walter Mngomezulu, Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality mayor, Mbuso Magubane and other stakeholders.

During the ceremony, Teke said it was Seriti’s responsibility and commitment to empower and advance communities they operate in through their Corporate Social Investment and Social and Labour Plan Investment.

“We have Corporate Social Investment, those are things we do to empower and improve the lives of the people when we get approached by communities to help. We also have the Social and Labour Plan Investment. We don’t do these things because they are legislated or policy, but we do it because we have a responsibility to recognize communities and their need for advancement, empowerment and a better life,” said Teke.

READ | Premier commits to prioritise mining in Mpumalanga

Furthermore, Teke added that Seriti was also committed to contribute to community development through Seriti’s Community Trust funded by the dividends of the company. The Trust has already funded the construction of seven Early Learning Centres in various communities in the province.

Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality currently faces an unemployment rate of 48%. Magubane said that the opening of the mine was an opportunity for development and unemployment reduction in the municipality.

“We hope that the mine will also benefit the people of Chief Albert Luthuli and help improve their lives,” said Magubane.
Allan Bullock, the director of POMS, a company contracted by Seriti, revealed that 76 percent of its workforce at the mine were residents of Carolina.

“The mine will bring forth some upliftment to the area. In support of Seriti, we have initiated an incubation program. There’s also local supply opportunities and benefits. Not to forget Seriti’s development fund which includes an initiative to support women in mining to bridge the shortage gap,” said Bullock.

PICTURES:

Mantashe said that in 2024, the South African mining industry employed 484 837 mineworkers, a significant decrease of 0.9 percent from 2023.

“Changing this reality for the better, will require all social partners, including government, business, labour and communities, to put shoulder on the wheel and make it possible to do business in South Africa. This includes opening new mines and create the much-needed employment opportunities,” he said.

The post Seriti Power to create jobs and development in Albert Luthuli appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The National Union of Mineworkers welcomed the settlement agreement between the National Prosecuting Authority and Liberty Coal ordered by the North Gauteng High Court.

The NPA and Liberty Coal negotiated a R462 million forfeiture settlement over mining rights under the agreement signed last week. Liberty Coal takes ownership of the Optimum Coal Mine and its export arm, the Optimum Coal Terminal.

READ | “Mbalula’s Lily Mine visit a cheap PR Stunt” – ActionSA

“NUM calls on the Richards Bay Coal Terminal board to immediately give back Optimum’s train allocation. This is to allow for the resumption of Optimum’s export capacity. This will ensure that the re-opening of the mine forges ahead unhindered.”

“The NUM calls for the Liberty Coal to re-employ all the employees who lost their jobs during the time when the Optimum Coal Mine was placed under business rescue. NUM reiterates its position to the NPA. The authority’s preservation order against Optimum Coal Mine asserts was a final nail in the coffin of the workers who suffered at the hands of the Gupta family’s shenanigan,” said Bizza Motubatse, NUM Highveld Regional Chairperson.

READ MORE | Bodies of Lily Mine workers trapped six years later

Matubatse expressed his happiness that former employees will go back to work following suffering due to unemployment. “When the NPA decided to close that particular mine, it had a negative impact to our members who were unable to work for their families. We are saying the grass is greener now. As NUM Highveld Region, we welcome the stance, because this matter has been long overdue. It was very difficult for our members who are working there to feed their families, and to take their children to school. We hope that the NPA will not come back at a later stage and decide to derail this particular process.”

The post Optimum Coal Mine to reopen after court judgement appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The mining conglomerate was in a legal battle to evict the Sindane family, who have resided on the land for 60 years.

Exxaro obtained a mining right in 2013 and identified the Sindane family. 31 other families, were resettled due to the potential health and safety risks posed by blasting and mining activities. The company constructed Phumulani Agri-Village as an alternative settlement for the affected families.

READ | Sasol recognises emerging farmers in Gert Sibande

In 2019, most of the families agreed to relocate to Phumulani Agri-Village. However, the Sindane family resisted. They cited a pending land claim application under the Labour Tenants Act. It grants labour tenants the right to claim land in exchange for their labour. The case has shed light on the challenges faced by labour tenant applicants whose claims are caught up in bureaucratic processes and overshadowed by events such as the granting of mining rights.

Judge Jane Cowen acknowledged the potential impact of delays in realising the promise of land justice as enshrined in the constitution. This, in particularly, the labour tenants whose land tenure was historically insecure due to discriminatory laws and practices.

READ MORE | Partnership with mining companies and farmers to boost vaccine figures

Despite the family’s claims of an unresolved land claim application, the court deemed the resettlement agreement signed by the late Frans Sindane to be valid.

The court ordered the Sindane family to vacate the property by the end of January 2024. However, the judgment specified that this order does not prejudice any rights the family may have as labour tenants or their pursuit of those rights.

These resettlements never sit well with me.

The Sindane’s homestead is situated within 100m of a mining site run by Exxaro and 500 metres from a mining pit.

9 Oct 2013,Exxaro was granted the mining right and had to move 32 families and 150 graves from the mining area.

[Thread] https://t.co/VNaQIIx9Wb

— Madima (@MaanoMadima) December 12, 2023

Judgement:

“This feature of the case brings into focus the potential impact of delays in realising the constitution’s promise of land justice. In this case, to persons who may enjoy the rights of labour tenants. Their land tenure was rendered insecure as a result of racially discriminatory laws and practices over decades,” reads Judge Jane Cowen’s judgement.

“I have reached this conclusion mindful that the Sindane family has resided in their homestead for decades and consider it their home. I have mentioned above the impact of delays in finalising labour tenancy applications. It is mindful of me that these delays are not the fault of the Sindane family, and they are rightly aggrieved.”

“Nothing in this order prejudices the rights of any member of the Sindane family to pursue any rights they may enjoy as a result of their status as labour tenants or the application lodged by the late Mr Frans Sindane in terms of section 16 of the Labour Tenants Act.”

The post Sindane family to relocate following Exxaro judgement appeared first on MP Mirror Online.