Khethowakho offers nutritious culinary excellence at Phalanndwa

The opening of a canteen at Phalanndwa Colliery forms part of Canyon Coal’s drive to empower local communities, particularly women-owned businesses

Canyon Coal opened a new canteen operated by women-owned catering company, Khethowakho Trading and Projects, at its Phalanndwa Colliery in Delmas, Mpumalanga on 23 March 2021. Khethowakho was among 98 companies that responded to the mine’s advertisement to bid for the opportunity.

Canyon Coal Procurement Manager Carmia Pretorius welcomed guests by explaining that Canyon Coal provided the fully equipped canteen facility comprising a fully containerised kitchen with appliances. The canteen employs four people from the local community.

Phalanndwa Colliery General Manager Kgotso Mongalo said that the canteen has not only given the local company opportunities to expand its business but has also added significant value to the mine as it would allow for staff to access healthy, affordable meals easily.

Selinah Motshabi - Khethowakho Trading and Projects Manager

Representing local government, Councillor Ezekiel Sekhukhune congratulated Canyon Coal for actively supporting and empowering a local businesswoman by appointing Khethowakho to run the canteen. Selinah Motshabi, a resident of the Botleng township near Delmas, is the Manager of Khethowakho.

Menar Group Social Licensing Manager Xolile Mankayi explained that: “Despite the challenges the country has faced dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Canyon Coal has kept up its commitment to supporting local community development.”

Motshabi thanked Canyon Coal for giving her business an opportunity to expand. “We are committed to providing the mine with affordable, nutritious meals for all employees and contractors,” she said.

The launch of the canteen was held in strict accordance with COVID-19 Alert level 1 regulations which included the wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distances of 1.5 metres and observing social gathering number limitations.