Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa, a division of the Barloworld Group, continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to inclusive economic growth by backing youth-led, and women-run businesses.

Through the Barloworld Siyakhula Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, the company is actively building a transformed and resilient South African economy, one entrepreneur at a time.

Siyakhula enables companies within the Barloworld Group to contribute to the promotion of enterprise development and entrepreneurial growth through supplier diversity. From its inception, it has assisted several companies and works closely with them. 

More than R144m has been spent in direct empowerment intervention in SMEs over a six-year period to 2023. Last year, R16m was disbursed through the Siyakhula Programme to support 46 SMEs, collectively sustaining nearly 900 jobs. The programme places special focus on youth entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and businesses owned by people with disabilities and those in rural communities.

But Siyakhula goes beyond funding. It offers holistic support, including mentorship, business development services, market access strategies, and compliance and governance training. This approach equips SMEs not just to survive, but to grow and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic transformation.

Real Stories, Real Impact

One of the businesses flourishing under Siyakhula is QOS Consulting, led by Bernadette Momple. Originally a two-person team, QOS now supplies and services standby generators, with expanded capabilities in safe oil disposal and parts supply. With Barloworld’s support, providing workshop space, storage, and access to market, QOS has grown into a medium-sized business. “Barloworld helped catapult our operations. We are now better equipped to scale and empower others,” says Momple.

Similarly, Robon Electrical Services, founded by Sibongile Ndebele, has seen significant growth through its work with Barloworld Equipment. The black-owned electrical company provides solar power installations, battery storage systems, and electrical compliance services. “Barloworld’s support allowed us to expand, train interns, and grow our impact,” Sibongile explains. “Their commitment to transformation isn’t just talk, they’ve walked the journey with us.”

Barloworld Equipment’s enterprise development efforts are aligned with the government’s policy, which recognises SMEs as vital to job creation and long-term growth. Through Siyakhula, the company is developing suppliers and is building sustainable businesses that contribute to national goals.

As Barloworld Equipment looks to the future, its commitment to empowerment, shared value, and economic inclusion continues to shine through.  “Our mission is to ensure that black-owned SMEs have the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive,” concludes Lebo Molokwane, Executive for Human Capital at Barloworld Equipment.

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