The awards recognise the world's most impactful development projects across 30 countries, says the duo.

The ceremony, which was attended by Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the PUM office in The Hague, honoured the enterprise and supplier development programme that has supported 175 businesses in South Africa's Northern Cape region, resulting in 250 jobs saved and 300 new jobs created within a 12-month period, adds the duo.

Out of approximately 1 500 projects implemented globally by PUM in 2024, the Zimele-Sigma partnership was selected as one of the six highest-impact initiatives, demonstrating exceptional results in its contribution to energy resilience, inclusive growth and a just transition in one of South Africa's most energy-constrained regions, says the duo.

In 2024, Zimele invested approximately R4-million in seed capital to participating businesses in their Kumba Iron Ore host communities, enabling them to acquire equipment including solar panels, generators, batteries, gas equipment and Wonderbags, adds the duo.

The programme addressed unemployment and energy challenges simultaneously by equipping small and medium enterprises with energy-saving equipment and training. PUM, a Dutch organisation operating in more than 30 countries around the world including 18 African nations, brought experienced volunteers to South Africa for two-week visits to provide hands-on technical advice to participating businesses. PUM, mainly funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, covered travel costs while Zimele funded equipment purchases tailored to each enterprise's needs, says the duo.

"This recognition on a global stage validates our approach to enterprise development and demonstrates the extraordinary impact that partnerships can achieve," says Larisha Naidoo, Vice President: Anglo American Zimele. "By combining technical expertise, targeted investment and community engagement, we've not only preserved livelihoods during a challenging economic period but created new opportunities for growth."

The award ceremony, which was livestreamed to PUM's global network, including PUM representatives and clients across 30 countries, positions the programme as a model for sustainable enterprise development and demonstrates how corporate social investment can deliver measurable impact at scale, concludes the duo.

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*Image courtesy of contributor