Photo by: Duane Daws
Power cable manufacturer Aberdare Cables has launched a new production line within its existing plant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, designed to manufacture locomotive cables for State-owned enterprises Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and Transnet.
The company invested R20-million into the expansion of its plants in Pietermaritzburg and Gauteng to enhance production, create additional jobs and drive skills development within this crucial economic sector.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) advanced manufacturing director Nomfuneko Majaja welcomed the investment, which would bolster South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
The line was supported by the DTI’s designation programme.
“This is significant [as] it supports the National Development Plan’s (NDP’s) 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,” she added.
South Africa was currently undertaking one of the largest wholesale renewal and general overhaul rail programmes in Africa, valued at R100-billion, which served to cement its position as a strong manufacturing hub for rolling stock. The national locomotive and rail projects would be completed over a ten-year period.
“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 infrastructure,” Aberdare CEO Keith Edmond said.