Delmas — The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) has officially launched its Victor Khanye branch and elected its first leadership during a meeting held on Friday, 06 March 2026 in Eloff, Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
The branch aims to promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and local business development by connecting local businesses, government, and stakeholders to foster trade, investment and job creation in the region.
The launch was attended by provincial and regional leaders of NAFCOC, including Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary General Sizwe Dlamini, Provincial Treasurer General Sydney Mamonyane, Nkangala Regional Chairperson Abel Aphane, Nkangala Regional Secretary General Linah Mnguni and Thembisile Hani branch chairperson Daniel Masombuka.
Nthabiseng Shabangu was elected as the first chairperson of the Victor Khanye branch, supported by Deputy Chairperson Phumzile Kgomo, Secretary General Samuel Zola Sindane, Deputy Secretary Africa Masina and Treasurer Sizwe Kamo Mhlongo.
Speaking to Highveld Chronicle, Samuel Zola Sindane said the branch’s main purpose is to promote economic empowerment and development while advancing African commerce and entrepreneurship.
“It’s important to have a NAFCOC structure in Victor Khanye because the organisation provides a collective voice for businesses, allowing them to share experiences and explore collaborations,” he said. “It also provides training, mentorship and helps prepare businesses to access funding opportunities.”
Sindane highlighted that the branch is expected to positively impact the local economy by connecting local businesses, government and other stakeholders, particularly small, medium and emerging enterprises.
He noted challenges faced by local businesses such as limited funding, lack of access to markets and gatekeeping within some business forums.
“As NAFCOC, we plan to maintain cordial relationships with other business formations so that we can work together without misunderstandings,” he said.
The branch aims to foster partnerships to drive economic growth and job creation, promote trade, and encourage investment in Delmas and surrounding areas.
The branch will focus on supporting small, medium and emerging businesses (SMMEs).
“Our role will be to advocate for policies that support black business and SMME development in order to create a more favourable business environment,” he said.
To expand its impact, the branch plans to organise events, workshops and seminars to promote NAFCOC’s programmes and encourage more local businesses to join.
Sindane emphasised the importance of strengthening the township economy, particularly as the mining sector declines in parts of the region.
“We believe the township economy is the way to go. People should begin exploring sectors such as the food industry, retail and manufacturing, which have greater potential to grow the local economy,” he said.
He warned that continued decline in mining could lead to job losses and fewer business opportunities, making economic diversification essential.
Sindane also highlighted NAFCOC’s commitment to good governance, noting that the organisation’s constitution provides clear guidelines on discipline, transparency and accountability.
“As a branch, we will organise training sessions on leadership best practices, governance and ethics to ensure that our leadership operates responsibly,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sindane said NAFCOC’s long-term vision is to promote black economic empowerment, particularly for youth, women and people living with disabilities.
Regional chairperson Aphane urged members to remain disciplined and work towards strengthening the organisation while initiating projects that will stimulate economic growth in Victor Khanye and the broader region.
