South Africa: Engineered for the Next Wave of Growth and Job Creation in the Mining Sector

The Abadali Fund, which currently manages over R300 million in assets, has awarded a significant investment to a black woman-owned engineering company as part of efforts to drive industrial growth and job creation in South Africa’s mining sector.

The investment has been extended to Siyanqobangamandla Engineering Services, a 100% black woman-owned and managed engineering firm based in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.

The facility will enable the company to acquire specialised mining equipment, expand operational capacity, and create additional employment opportunities in the province.

Expanding a women-led industrial group

Founded in 2013 by Nqobile Valentia Mkhabela, Siyanqobangamandla has evolved from a single engineering entity into a diversified group with three subsidiaries spanning engineering, mining and logistics, and energy services.

Each business unit is led by women, and the group has created more than 530 permanent jobs under Mkhabela’s leadership.

Her work in building the company earned her the Job Creator of the Year award at the 2024 Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, as well as finalist recognition in both the 36th Annual Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and the 2025 Richard Fletcher Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Strong track record in mining services

Siyanqobangamandla serves Tier 1 mining houses including Seriti Resources, Thungela, and Glencore, building a 12-year track record in conveyor systems engineering, plant maintenance, and mechanical and electrical services.

This operational foundation has positioned the company as a strong fit for the Abadali Fund’s investment strategy, which targets high-growth, majority black-owned SMEs with strong job creation potential in industrial sectors.

Funding strengthens operational confidence

According to Mkhabela, the funding process also strengthened the company’s internal capabilities.

“The process of the application was very educational for me as an entrepreneur and for my colleagues… our business acumen has been sharpened, helping us achieve our strategic outcomes and deliver positive results,” she said.

She added that the funding has improved operational stability and client confidence, particularly among key revenue-generating mining clients, while also strengthening compliance and supporting revenue growth.

Investment aligned to inclusive industrial growth

The Abadali Fund is part of South Africa’s broader Economic Inclusion Programme under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and managed by Edge Growth Ventures.

Established in 2021, the fund provides medium- to long-term debt financing to black-owned and majority black-controlled businesses in industrial, green economy, and township sectors—segments that often face limited access to traditional finance.

Driving mining sector transformation

Industry stakeholders say investments such as this are critical to strengthening localisation in the mining sector, particularly as companies seek to improve operational efficiency and expand supplier development within South Africa’s industrial base.

With a strengthened balance sheet and growing order book, Siyanqobangamandla is positioning itself for further expansion in mining services while maintaining its focus on job creation, women empowerment, youth development, and community upliftment in Mpumalanga.