Mondi Zimele: empowering local business development

The program’s name, "Zimele," meaning "to stand on one's own feet," reflects its mission to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing financial aid, business training, and access to new markets. 

One of its flagship programs focuses on supplier and contractor development within the forestry sector. This initiative offers financial support alongside targeted business services that enhance sustainability, productivity, administrative capabilities, and compliance for SMEs. 

Mondi Zimele’s small-scale timber grower program aims to nurture emerging forestry growers by facilitating skills development, financial backing, access to secure markets, and high-quality seedlings. Since its launch, the program has supported over 3,800 small growers (1-30 ha landholdings). In 2024 alone, Mondi sourced around 190,000 tonnes of timber from small rural holdings, roughly equivalent to 10% of Mondi South Africa’s wood requirements. Over 64,000 tonnes were certified by FSC™ (Forest Stewardship Council). Additionally, 5,3 million seedlings were distributed, and participants were offered training, mill visits, and field days focused on knowledge-sharing. Currently, 840 small growers supply FSC-certified pulpwood timber to the Mondi Richards Bay mill, with ongoing efforts to increase this number. 

Beyond the forestry sector, Mondi Zimele extends its support to SMEs and community-based enterprises near its operations. The goal is to unlock economic opportunities, drive sustainable development, and create jobs within these local communities. 

In 2024, Mondi Zimele supported 13 businesses within Mondi’s value chain and 27 community businesses, providing over €850,000 in discounted loans. Since 2012, it has disbursed around €11.2 million in loans, benefiting over 300 businesses and creating more than 6,200 jobs in the local communities. These enterprises collectively generate over €25 million (this includes revenue generated by small growers) in annual revenue, contributing to the economic growth and resilience of South African rural areas.