Africa-Press – Eswatini. Construction of Ndzevane factory, which is expected to bring 1 700 jobs, will commence soon.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, officially handed over the factory to Stefanutti Stocks (SS) Construction yesterday.
Stefanutti Stocks will be for responsible for constructing the Ndzevane factory shell earmarked to house a clothing manufacturing plant.
“The Ndzevane factory will offer closer proximity to the Durban port and it intends to employ 1 700 people when it reaches it full production capacity,” said the minister.Khumalo further stated that this was the second factory shell to be constructed in the area and would be occupied by Sigma Clothing, which is a textile company based in South Africa.
“The company currently runs other operations in Matsapha and it started its operations in 2016 and has employed 700 Emaswati,” said Khumalo.
The minister went on to state that the handover ceremony marked a milestone in the country because it was aligned with the strategic goals that were made to help in the growth and recovery of the economy.
“The factory shell construction programme, which received allocation from the current financial year, is of vital necessity to allow smooth settlements of investors in the country. It enhances our competitive position in the region as the race to attract investors is still on,” the minister further stated.
He added that the occupancy of the Ndzevane factory fits into their expansion plans as they seek to export to South Africa and overseas.
He said the commissioning of the project was the result of months of hard work and thanked the various stakeholders who made it possible for the project to move forward.
“I would like to wish Stefanutti Stocks every success as they begin the execution of this important endeavour for the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
Khetsiwe Simelane, the deputy director of Micro-Projects thanked the minister for trusting them with the responsibility of awarding tenders to deserving companies.
“I would like to believe that Stefanutti Stocks will work to their level best and I plead with the residents to maintain peace and take care of the employees as they engage in this project,” said Simelane.
When making their remarks, Stefanutti Stocks representative, Thandiwe Hlatjwako, expressed her gratitude to the ministry and government for choosing them among other capable companies.
She further promised the ministry of commerce industry and trade that they would do the job perfectly and as expected.
She also added that they would stick to the budget and time frame given to them by Micro Projects to complete the job.
“We also promise as Stefanutti Stocks to employ Emaswati and locals in this project and if anyone from the community has the skills that we need, they must come forward even if they are in Matsapha, tell them that it is high time they came back home,” stated Hlatjwako.
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