Platinum firm Pelawan Investments has become the first South African empowerment company to list in North America.

The company undertook a reverse listing into Anooraq of Toronto, with experts predicting the move could be a precursor to similar approaches from other empowerment ventures.

The new listed vehicle is co-chaired by former North West province premier Popo Molefe and has Tumelo Motsisi as its deputy chief executive.

Mr Motsisi told Business Day that all the paperwork was now finished and said that the company was up and running.

"Pelawan is effectively listed on the Toronto and US stock exchanges, with Pelawan shareholders having effective control, through a 63 per cent stake in Anooraq," he said.

The company will now send some of its members on a tour of North America in a bid to raise awareness of the outfit's activities.

Platinum is one of the merged firm's primary interests but Mr Motsisi said he would be looking to diversify given the right opportunities.

"At this stage, our focus will be primarily in South Africa," he commented, but stressed that development could take place in any area.