Empowering SMMEs. Strengthening Communities. Building South Africa’s Industrial Future

What Is USIZO?

USIZO is Macsteel’s flagship Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, designed to remove the structural barriers that hold early-stage and growing SMMEs back.

Through accessible trade credit, industry-specific training, and market access support, USIZO creates a practical, sustainable pathway into South Africa’s industrial economy.

The programme is intentionally inclusive — with a strong focus on supporting youth-, women-, and Black-owned businesses that have historically been excluded from formal economic participation.

Why Macsteel?

With more than 120 years of industrial leadership, Macsteel is Africa’s leading manufacturer, merchandiser, and distributor of steel and value-added steel products.

USIZO is deeply integrated into our operations. This means entrepreneurs receive:

• Financial support backed by a proven industrial partner
• Access to mentors and technical specialists
• Real opportunities to supply into manufacturing projects.

More than simply an initiative at Macsteel, transformation is central to our strategy, and USIZO is one of the strongest drivers of that commitment.

Scrutable Impact

USIZO delivers measurable, meaningful change across South Africa:

• 2,000+ jobs created between 2015 and 2023
• R222 million contributed to the economy
• A pioneering financial model offering access to credit where no comparable product existed
• National recognition in 2019 for job creation and poverty eradication

Every USIZO entrepreneur becomes part of a growing network of SMMEs successfully entering — and thriving in — the financial mainstream.

What SMMEs Gain

Financial Support

• Accessible trade credit
• Cash-flow-friendly payment terms
• Discounted Macsteel products and services.

Non-Financial Support

• Business mentorship and strategic guidance
• Technical training and skills transfer
• Assistance with compliance and customer requirements
• Partnerships with organisations such as Thuthukisa, People Dynamics, SO Mokhoba and Macsteel Product Specialists
• Direct linkages to clients, communities, and industry networks.

Social Value and Market Opportunities

Through Macsteel’s Space Renewal Programme, USIZO entrepreneurs access real manufacturing opportunities that create community impact — from building stages for special needs schools (RP Moodley Primary), to Solar Lithium battery cages for Kids Haven children's safe homes, and water tank stands for Roundabout Water Solutions.

Success Story

Launched in 2023, Black-owned steel supplier DBN Mettle SA faced limited capital and low brand awareness. After joining the Macsteel Usizo Programme, its fortunes transformed.

Within two years, the company’s annual turnover skyrocketed from ~R500k to R20.5 million. It expanded from 6 to 14 employees, secured a R350k credit facility, and grew its fleet from one bakkie to five vehicles.

Founder Derona Hoosen credits the mentorship and support from Usizo for unlocking this rapid, sustainable growth.

Kick-Start-Up

USIZO participants connect monthly with Macsteel specialists through structured one-hour online sessions.

These engagements help entrepreneurs:

• Strengthen business strategy
• Understand the manufacturing value chain
• Build confidence in supplying to the sector.

Macsteel’s USIZO is a partnership designed to unlock potential, create jobs, and power South Africa’s industrial growth.

Ready to Grow Your Business?

USIZO is ready to back you. Apply Now