A just energy transition for South African SMMEs

The Northern Cape Solar & Energy Transition Programme – South Africa, was designed to enable a just energy transition in one of the regions most affected by load-shedding and constrained economic opportunity. Through the programme, PUM equipped local SMMEs with the technical skills, tools, equipment and market access needed to access and participate in a fast-growing green economy. By building practical solar expertise and improving energy resilience, the initiative set a national benchmark for inclusive and sustainable development in mining communities.

PUM Impact Awards 2025

In 2025, the Northern Cape Solar & Energy Transition Programme – South Africa was honoured as one of the six winners of the PUM Impact Awards. The awards spotlight PUM collaborations that stand out for meaningful, scalable progress in sustainable economic development. This strong partnership distinguished itself through its contribution to energy resilience, inclusive growth and a just transition in one of South Africa’s most energy-constrained regions. PUM trained more than 170 companies and coached over 70 SMMEs individually, enabling them to adopt solar technologies, improve energy efficiency and secure more reliable power access. The programme created an estimated 300 new jobs, safeguarded around 250 existing positions, and expanded opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities. By combining technical expertise with access to equipment funding, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were able to translate new knowledge into real, implemented solutions.

Programme set-up

The programme was built on a close collaboration between PUM experts, Sigma International’s local team,  and Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore’s investment in practical implementation. This partnership ensured that training was connected to real-world applications from the outset. Training combined virtual Masterclasses with on-site coaching in Kuruman, Postmasburg and Kathu, ensuring that learning was grounded in real operating conditions. SMMEs from a wide range of sectors, including guesthouses, art workshops, construction firms, agricultural producers and transport operators, took part. Entrepreneurs gained both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. As the training deepened, selected local companies completed rooftop solar installations of three to five kilowatts, supervised by PUM experts, which were essential for developing their businesses.

PUM’s contribution covered specialist knowledge, customised training materials and long-term mentoring, enabling SMMEs to improve both their technical capabilities and business performance. Experts conducted diagnostic assessments, advised on efficiency opportunities and supported enterprises exploring new service models in the solar sector. Thanks to Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore’s financial support,  participating enterprises also accessed sustainable energy solutions such as solar panels, batteries, insulation and solar powered pumps, enabling them to prepare for future challenges.

Lasting impact

The impact of the programme was felt socially, economically and ecologically. Many participating SMMEs reported greater operational continuity and reduced expenditure, particularly those in hospitality and accommodation, where energy savings significantly improved competitiveness. Even during the height of the national energy crisis, participating businesses stabilised and, in many cases, began to grow again. Some enterprises repositioned themselves and entered the expanding solar-services market, creating new revenue streams and increasing their long-term resilience. A 40% revenue growth was noted for the top-performing SMMEs. The creation of an estimated 300 new jobs and the safeguarding of 250 more demonstrated how climate action can be directly linked to improved livelihoods.

Social inclusion was a central focus throughout the initiative. Women-led (50%) and youth-led (30%) enterprises were actively engaged, and three SMMEs involving persons with disabilities received tailored support to ensure full participation in both training and implementation. Hundreds of individuals expanded their knowledge of renewable energy, strengthening local capacity and creating a stronger foundation for future employment and enterprise development. A noticeable shift in mind-set emerged as entrepreneurs began to see renewable energy not merely as a means to keep operations running, but as an opportunity for innovation and strategic growth.

Ecologically, the adoption of solar PV and energy-efficient technologies reduced reliance on a coal-based grid and introduced small-scale renewable infrastructure across mining communities. These changes contributed to local climate objectives while demonstrating what a cleaner, more decentralised energy system could look like in practice.

Brighter future

Building on its success, the Energy Programme is currently, in 2025, being expanded with another cohort of 70 SMMEs undergoing a similar intervention. Future phases will continue to blend virtual learning with practical installations, guided by PUM experts and supported by Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore’s funding. With Sigma International’s increasingly capable of delivering similar programmes independently, the approach developed in the Northern Cape is set to inspire replication across other mining host communities. The programme has laid a strong foundation for sustained economic, social and environmental benefits, proving that a just and inclusive energy transition is achievable when technical expertise, local engagement and investment come together.