Twelve small business owners in the rural Karoo have received a significant boost through a new capacity development programme launched by three wind farm operators in the region.
The Roggeveld, Brandvalley and Rietkloof SMME Capacity Development Programme was officially launched at a gathering in Sutherland earlier this year, bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders and programme partners to mark the start of the 2026 initiative.
Led by Red Rocket Energy in partnership with the Veers Group and JLK Group, the programme responds directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “Thuma Mina” call for South Africans to drive change in their communities. The initiative addresses a critical gap in rural areas where access to business support and funding remains severely limited.
In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa highlighted the potential of small businesses to transform the country’s employment crisis, noting that if every SMME employed just one additional person, South Africa could create 3 million jobs.
The programme targets businesses in Laingsburg, Sutherland and Matjiesfontein, providing mentorship, coaching and grant funding to help existing small enterprises build sustainable operations. Beneficiaries operate across hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and travel and tourism sectors.
At the launch held at the NG Church Hall in Sutherland, the 12 selected businesses received formal contracts and equipment packages including laptops, printers, routers and software licences. Five beneficiaries are based in Sutherland, five in Laingsburg and two in Matjiesfontein.
Executive Mayor of the Karoo Hoogland Municipality, JJ van der Colff, who attended the event, welcomed the investment in local enterprise development.
“This is a moment of pride for local businesses as Red Rocket empowers them to build a better future. Without this kind of investment, opportunities to start and sustain businesses would remain scarce, given the barriers they face,” Van der Colff said.
He expressed hope that the programme’s impact would extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries, creating what he described as a ripple effect of growth and resilience across the Northern Cape.
The programme offers ongoing support focused on financial management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and business automation. Grant funding, administered through JLK Business Consulting, aims to instil accountability and sound governance while tracking business progress.
Ruan Mynhardt, Head of Economic Development and Project Execution at the Veers Group, said the initiative addressed practical barriers that often prevent small enterprises from scaling.
“This programme is far more than business development and mentorship; it’s about strengthening resilience and unlocking potential. Many small enterprises have goals but lack the support needed for them to succeed. Our role is to close that gap,” he said.
During the launch, beneficiaries shared testimonials about their entrepreneurial journeys. Elize Fundakubi of Nomani Enterprises in Laingsburg, which provides passenger and goods transport services, delivered an emotional account of overcoming personal struggles.
“Your current circumstances don’t determine your future. The time is now; get up and reach for your dreams,” she said.
Cheryl Persensie, Economic Development and Compliance Manager at Red Rocket, highlighted the broader economic significance of small businesses, noting that SMMEs employ approximately 60% of South Africa’s labour force, represent more than 90% of formal businesses, and contribute roughly 34% to GDP.
“The funding mechanism we have established is aimed at unlocking opportunities for SMMEs to overcome operational barriers and enable sustainable business growth,” Persensie said.
The businesses supported through the programme range from construction and plumbing services to tourism ventures, water purification, photography and accommodation providers. The diversity reflects the varied economic opportunities in the region, particularly those linked to the growing renewable energy sector and the area’s tourism potential.
Among the beneficiaries are Makoti Construction, which provides mechanical services and equipment maintenance to renewable energy operators in Sutherland; Cape Quagga Adventures, offering adventure tourism and astro-tourism experiences in the Karoo; and Laingsburg Water, which supplies bottled water across the region.
The SMME programme forms part of Red Rocket’s broader socio-economic development strategy. In February, the wind farm operators announced that 38 students from the region are currently receiving support through the Roggeveld, Brandvalley and Rietkloof Bursary Programme.
The 2025-2028 SMME cohort will receive support over the coming years as the programme aims to create lasting local impact by enabling businesses to expand services, improve competitiveness and contribute to employment in communities where economic opportunities have historically been scarce.
For rural areas in the Karoo, where geographical isolation and limited infrastructure present ongoing challenges, the programme represents a practical intervention designed to strengthen local economic resilience and create pathways to financial independence for small business owners and their employees.
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