Total South Africa last month handed over 11 trucks to two beneficiaries of the Total South Africa Siyakhula Enterprise Development Programme.

The handover was part of an official ceremony, which took place in Johannesburg. The tankers, worth R16-million in total, excluding the capital investment for the truck and tractors, will add existing fleets to the two companies’ transport and logistics network – Anax Logistics and Makwande Supply & Distribution.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Total South Africa is constantly looking for innovative ways to support and grow small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa.

“We are delighted to fulfil a vital role in assisting Anax Logistics and Makwande Supply & Distribution with the means to expand their fleet network. It is essential for vibrant economies that corporates, such as Total South Africa play an active role to support their customers, clients and communities in achieving their ambitions,” said Total South Africa CEO Christian des Closières at the ceremony.

Siyakhula, which means ‘we are growing’, is part of Total’s commitment to growing the businesses of black entrepreneurs and enterprises. Through the project, the selected individuals and companies are empowered with the tools they need to develop into medium to large business owners, and will help them to establish themselves in their respective markets and expand their networks.

“Enterprise development programmes are vital to encourage small businesses to grow in a sustainable manner. We believe that projects such as Siyakhula will create more employment opportunities and contribute to a stronger South Africa going forward,” Des Closières added.

Makwande Supply & Distribution MD Nona Chili and Anax Logistics CEO Eric Mgqibelo expressed their gratitude to Total South Africa for providing them with the necessary assistance in securing the financing they needed.

Makwande Supply & Distribution was founded in 2009 and provides transportation of fuel for oil companies. Since 2006, Anax Logistics has administered the fuel inventory control
of various companies, such as the manufacturing plant for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, in East London, and other companies in the surrounding area.

“Over the long term, we will continue to prioritise enterprise development as one of our strategic objectives through our Siyakhula Enterprise Development Programme,” con- cluded Des Closières.