Edge Growth Invests R3.5m in Woman-Owned SME to Expand Mining Sector Operations
Edge Growth Invests R3.5m in Woman-Owned SME to Expand Mining Sector Operations. South African investment firm Edge Growth has provided R3.5 million in growth debt financing to uNotho Holdings, a 100% black woman-owned business operating in the mining and waste management sectors, enabling it to fulfil a commercial opportunity with Seriti Power.
The funding was secured through the Ignite Fund, an SME financing initiative managed by Edge Growth Fund Management and supported by several investors, including mining and energy group Seriti Holdings.
Founded in 2018, uNotho Holdings provides integrated waste management solutions, bulk hauling, commodity transportation and machinery rental services to the construction, mining and industrial sectors.
Headquartered in Mpumalanga, the company also operates branches in North West and Gauteng.
The R3.5 million financing will support the delivery of two waste trucks for Seriti Power, strengthening the company’s capacity to fulfil its supply requirements and expand its operations.
uNotho Holdings founder and managing director Makhosi Khoza said the funding provided important support in executing the supply and delivery of the vehicles.
She also credited Edge Growth for its assistance throughout the transaction, describing the process as transparent and professionally managed despite the coordination and execution challenges involved.
Funding for mining sector SMEs
The investment comes against the backdrop of challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises seeking financing to participate in South Africa’s mining value chain.
According to the information provided, only around 5% of formal South African SMEs have access to credit, despite the mining industry contributing approximately R477.1 billion to the country’s GDP in 2025.
Edge Growth Deal Maker Khanye Nene said the investment was informed by uNotho Holdings’ entrepreneurial leadership, industry experience and demonstrated ability to secure and deliver commercial opportunities.
Nene said the transaction required co-funding with other lenders because of the Ignite Fund’s R3.5 million mandate limit.
Seriti Holdings inclusive procurement and enterprise development manager Nyaniso Rapiya said the company recognised the importance of developing sustainable local businesses and helping entrepreneurs access the funding needed to fulfil commercial opportunities.
Supporting business development
Established in 2023, the Ignite Fund provides early-stage capital and developmental support to SMEs that fall outside traditional financing categories.
Edge Growth Ventures, which manages more than R2.44 billion in funds under management, provides financing instruments and development support to small businesses.
Khoza said the company’s priorities include operational excellence, innovation and environmental responsibility as it continues providing plant hire, truck hire and waste management services to the mining sector.
The investment provides uNotho Holdings with financing to execute its Seriti Power contract while supporting its capacity to pursue further opportunities in the mining and industrial sectors.
