“Thuma Mina” in the Karoo: Red Rocket Wind Farms Answer the Call with SMME Programme

By Red Rocket

What happens when clean energy meets local enterprise? Communities begin to thrive. As business landscapes shift towards inclusivity, sustainability, and shared value, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and partners came together in Sutherland this month for the 2026 launch of the Roggeveld, Brandvalley, and Rietkloof SMME Capacity Development Programme and Grant Funding initiative.

Rooted in the presence of Red Rocket’s Roggeveld, Brandvalley, and Rietkloof wind farms, the programme positions small business development as a powerful driver of economic resilience – enabling Karoo towns not only to grow, but to become self-reliant and future-ready. Answering the “Thuma Mina” call by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the initiative places local businesses at the heart of lasting regional development.

The programme was established to strengthen the small business landscape in Laingsburg, Sutherland, and Matjiesfontein, contributing to local economic resilience and job creation in the rural communities where access to opportunities is severely limited. This local impact echoes the national vision, as the role of small businesses remains a key focus for Ramaphosa. In his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reaffirmed the importance of SMMEs in driving growth and employment, noting that if every SMME in South Africa employed just one additional person, the country could create three million jobs.

He also recognised the everyday challenges entrepreneurs encounter – from limited access to funding and restricted market opportunities to the weight of complex regulations and licensing requirements.

Led by Red Rocket in partnership with the Veers Group and the JLK Group, the initiative provides business development assistance designed to equip existing small businesses with the tools, systems, and knowledge required to build sustainable enterprises. The current beneficiaries are part of the 2025–2028 cohort, operating in sectors ranging from construction and plumbing services to tourism ventures, water purification, photography and accommodation providers – sectors that play a significant role in uplifting rural economies.

Executive Mayor of the Karoo Hoogland Municipality, JJ van der Colff, attended the launch held at the NG Church Hall in Sutherland and welcomed the continued investment in local enterprise development. He acknowledged the role of SMMEs in sustaining households and strengthening community stability, and referenced complementary initiatives such as the Roggeveld, Brandvalley, and Rietkloof Bursary Programme supporting students from the region.

“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,” said Van der Colff.

“These businesses can make a big impact within their municipality, and we hope that the rest of the Northern Cape can share in these benefits, creating a ripple effect of growth and resilience across the Northern Cape.”

The programme offers mentorship and ongoing coaching focused on financial management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and business automation. Grant funding is administered through JLK Business Consulting and is intended to instil a culture of accountability, sound governance, and to track 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.

“Being entrusted with this programme is not something we take lightly. 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. A successful programme is measured by businesses that grow,” he said, supported by Veers Group Managing Director, Hasveer Singh.

George MacDonald, of JLK Business Consulting, outlined the structure behind the funding mechanism and the importance of strong business ethics. He encouraged honesty, credibility, and sound financial management as key pillars of sustainable entrepreneurship, advising beneficiaries to prioritise good governance and long-term planning.

At the launch, 12 SMME beneficiaries were formally presented with their contracts and received equipment packages to use for their businesses. The packages included laptops, printers, routers, software licences, and other essential IT tools. Five beneficiaries are based in Sutherland, five in Laingsburg, and two in Matjiesfontein.

Some beneficiaries also shared testimonials, reflecting on their entrepreneurial journeys – from starting their businesses to navigating challenges. One entrepreneur, Elize Fundakubi of Nomani Enterprises in Laingsburg, shared an emotional account of overcoming personal struggles, citing witnessing a man without arms, who was undefeated by his reality. “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 wider economic importance of small businesses: “SMMEs play a crucial role in driving growth and development, not just in South Africa but globally. They provide employment to approximately 60% of the labour force, represent more than 90% of formal businesses, and contribute roughly 34% of GDP.

“The funding mechanism we have established is aimed at unlocking opportunities for SMMEs to overcome operational barriers and enable sustainable business growth,” she said.

The SMME programme forms part of Red Rocket’s broader socio-economic development strategy across its project communities. In February, the Roggeveld, Brandvalley, and Rietkloof Bursary Programme announced 38 students currently receiving educational support. The ceremony was well attended, with awards presented to last year’s top achievers.

Beyond supporting individual enterprises, the SMME programme aims to create broader local impact by enabling businesses to expand services, improve competitiveness, and contribute to employment within their communities. By investing in entrepreneurship, the initiative supports longer-term economic participation and financial independence.