Fibre cable maker Yangtze Optics Africa Cable has opened a R160 million facility — the most important optical fibre cable manufacturing plant on the continent — on the Dube TradePort particular financial zone north of Durban. (Lyse Comins/M&G)
Fibre cable maker Yangtze Optics Africa Cable has opened a R160 million facility — the most important optical fibre cable manufacturing plant on the continent — on the Dube TradePort particular financial zone north of Durban.
YOA Cable is a three way partnership between Chinese language-owned Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Inventory Restricted Firm (YOFC) and JSE-listed Mustek Restricted. It moved to the state-of-the-art 14 000m2 manufacturing unit from a smaller rented facility the place it has operated within the zone since 2016.
The corporate initially invested R150 million to ascertain an area presence in optical fibre cable manufacturing, YOA Cable chief govt Pieter Viljoen stated on the launch.
“This newest strategic transfer is about to remodel our operations, considerably improve manufacturing capability of regionally manufactured optical fibre cable and discover new alternatives for progress throughout the Southern African area,” he stated.
The power has a manufacturing capability of greater than three million fibre kilometres yearly, the most important in Africa. The corporate employs 155 individuals however it will rise to 210 this 12 months, with 25% of newly created positions being learnerships and internships.
Viljoen stated the growth of the ability was in response to the rising demand for high-speed web connectivity, fuelled by fast digital transformation throughout industries, together with training, healthcare, e-commerce and authorities companies within the area.
“The expansion initiative will allow YOA Cable to faucet into new alternatives past South Africa, together with neighbouring international locations the place it has beforehand seen success, and additional improve efforts to contribute in direction of the nation’s abilities growth efforts on this extremely specialised sector,” he stated.
He stated the corporate was working with its companions to regionally provide the important materials, pure polyethylene, wanted to supply its optical fibre cable.
“That is the primary regionally produced polyethylene product used within the manufacturing of optical fibre cable in South Africa, in additional than 20 years,” Viljoen stated.
“Native optical fibre cable manufacturing and experience will allow direct collaboration with telecom operators and fibre community house owners to develop fit-for-purpose merchandise provided affordably. In flip, this might be vital in increasing broadband entry, bridging the connectivity gaps, and notably offering connectivity in distant and rural areas to allow nice financial participation.”
YOFC senior vice-president Jan Bongaerts stated optical fibre cable was the “spine of the trendy digital financial system” enabling sooner web speeds and enhancing telecommunications.
“By establishing this plant, we’re not solely strengthening South Africa’s place within the international telecom trade, but additionally making certain that thousands and thousands have entry to dependable, excessive pace web,” Bongaerts stated.
“By producing top quality optical fibre cables regionally, we’re decreasing the reliance on imports and making certain that South Africa, and Africa as a complete, has entry to world class infrastructure that may drive progress and inclusivity within the digital financial system.”
KwaZulu-Natal financial growth, tourism and environmental affairs MEC Musa Zondi stated the corporate had generated R66 million in exports over the previous three years and 80% of its upkeep funds supported native companies.
The growth marks a pivotal second within the push in direction of attaining digital inclusivity, stated Yunus Hoosen, the appearing deputy director common on the division of commerce, trade and competitors’s funding promotion company, Make investments SA.
“There are a number of key drivers behind this funding and the continued progress of the fibre optic sector, together with the fast progress in digital demand,” he stated.
He famous that the nation had seen an exponential improve in demand for prime pace web connectivity, due to the rising reliance on digital platforms for work, training and leisure, the growth of e-commerce, the digital financial system and cloud-based companies and the rise in the usage of information centres.
“Fibre optic cables are the again wall of recent telecommunications because the world strikes in direction of 5G networks, good infrastructure and the Web of Issues. South Africa should place itself as a key participant within the digital financial system.”