Speaking at the launch event, Ms Nomfuneko Majaja, chief director: Advanced Manufacturing at the dti commented, "We welcome Aberdare Cable's investment in bolstering South Africa's manufacturing economy. This is especially significant because it supports the National Development Plan's (NDP) priorities in two ways; job creation and a clear focus on creating locally made products that support the revitalisation and upgrading of South Africa's critical rail infrastructure and services."
These national locomotive and rails projects will, in their entirety, equate to a value of around R100 billion over a 10-year period. Currently, South Africa has one of the largest wholesale renewal and general overhaul rail programmes in Africa, and serves as a strong manufacturing hub for rolling stock.
"Aberdare Cables has invested R20 million into the expansion of its plants in Pietermaritzburg and Gauteng in order to enhance production, create additional jobs and drive skills development within this crucial economic sector," says Keith Edmond, CEO, Aberdare Cables. "We are committed to partnering with all stakeholders, public and private, to ensure that South Africa remains self-sufficient in the manufacturing of electrical cables essential to the maintenance, development and expansion of critical transport infrastructures."
