The optical fibre cable manufacturing plant located within the within Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, in KwaZulu-Natal, is now operational after six months of construction.
In May, it was announced Chinese-owned Yangtze Optics Africa Cable would invest R150 million in the operation. The facility has commenced functional testing of its production lines, ensuring they meet the international standards set by parent company, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable, before commercial production begins in early 2017.
The plant is set to boost local manufacturing of a range of new generation optical fibre cable products for the South African ICT market. The company says it has a manufacturing capacity of more than one million kilometres of optical fibre cable per year.
KZN MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, Sihle Zikalala, says: "In line with the National Development Plan goals, the government has set itself a target of achieving 100% broadband penetration and the deployment of a full range of government, educational and information services by 2030.
"This has given us the impetus to commit ourselves to continue to drive the mass roll-out of ICT infrastructure."
Zikalala says government wants to ensure no citizens are left behind and all have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.
Dube TradePort Corporation CEO Hamish Erskine says: "The opening of this world-class optical fibre cable manufacturing facility is a part of Dube TradePort's strategy to attract a cluster of electronics manufactures into the Special Economic Zone. This strategic location will allow Yangtze Optics Africa Cable to service their local, regional and international clients through King Shaka International Airport, which has over 900 connections to destinations; while at the same time, the strategy creates further opportunities for local jobs."
When fully operational in 2017, the manufacturing facility will create sustainable jobs for 100 people in the surrounding communities.
This is in addition to the high-level technical skills development that will take place over the next four years.
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