By Ntombi Mhlongo
Residents of Nhlangano are set to reap the economic benefits of a government and private sector initiative which is set to create thousands of job opportunities.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo handed over a 23 000 square metre site for the construction of the Jonsson Workwear Factory. The site was handed over to Construction Associates (CA) on Monday. Upon completion, the project is expected to create over 3 000 jobs and 200 during the construction phase.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Khumalo said: “This investment comes at a time when the country is in dire need to create jobs and also increase productivity. I believe the establishment of the investment will improve the livelihoods of emaSwati in this town and surrounding areas as well as open up other business opportunities”.
He highlighted that the aim is to address social and economic development challenges through synchronising planning across all Government spheres; in practical terms, local government planning to build factory shells and provide services that will realise improved livelihoods across the country.
“The joint product will uplift the broader populace. The presence of the decentralisation of firms and other Government services to the other minor towns outside of the Mbabane and Manzini corridor, informs and improves the whole country’s business ecosystem.”
The minister said the government is committed to working with the Nhlangano citizens.
“We urge the town to embrace this factory shell as their own and protect it. It will please me after 12 months to return here and find a completed factory shell. I also urge MSMEs to provide and supply some goods and services that may be required by the main contractor.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was CA Managing Director Wayne Levendale who said: “May I take this opportunity to thank His Majesty for his vision to revive the factory shell program. It is evident that His Majesty’s Government is committed to the rolling out of the new factory as this will also create new job opportunities for local entrepreneurs including cleaning services, food services etc. and upskilling local labour.”
