Strata Mining Services marked a proud milestone with the Grand Opening of its new, world-class workshop facility at 7 York Street, Bestwood, Kathu. Esteemed guests, including the NEF’s CEO and board members, Northern Cape provincial government leaders, clients, suppliers, partners and the Strata team, gathered to celebrate the start of a new chapter.
A journey built on partnership
Chairman Paulos Ngcobo shared the story behind Strata Mining Services. He described the opportunity to acquire the business, the challenges of securing full ownership, and the partners who believed in the company from day one. He then outlined the vision for the Kathu workshop. Strata aims to become the workshop of choice in the Northern Cape, so that mining equipment no longer has to travel to Johannesburg for repairs, and to create skills-transfer opportunities for young people in the area. He thanked the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) for its support and for the speed with which it made the deal possible, noting that the company would not be where it is today without it.
A building blessed for its purpose
Managing Director Chrisna Basson closed the evening with a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving and blessing. She reminded guests that the facility is more than a building. It represents growth, perseverance, opportunity and a vision for the future. She prayed that it would always be a place of integrity, respect, professionalism, teamwork and compassion, where people feel valued and meaningful work is done. In keeping with Strata’s people-centred approach, she asked for protection over everyone who enters the premises, especially those working with heavy equipment in demanding environments. She also thanked employees, clients, suppliers and partners for walking the journey with the company. “As we open these doors, may they open to new opportunities, new relationships, new achievements and continued success,” she said.
Investing in the Northern Cape
Hon. Venus Blennies-Magage, MEC for Finance in the Northern Cape, said that the occasion was “not just the inauguration of a new building but the realization of a vision rooted in partnership, rooted in transformation, and a vision of growing the economy in the province.”
The NEF’s R23.529 million investment supports 162 jobs, including 25 new permanent positions. Speaking at the launch, an NEF representative said the region’s “ambition cannot be limited to extracting minerals and sending them elsewhere.” Instead, the region’s mineral resources should create opportunities for local businesses, workers, young people, women and communities.
At Strata Mining Services, that is exactly the future we are building: one workshop, one team and one opportunity at a time.
