By Silindzelwe Nxumalo
New Coca-Cola Limited Eswatini General Manager (GM) Mandla Mahlobo has revealed that there are projects in the company’s pipeline that would bring their supply chain to Eswatini and subsequently create jobs for emaSwati.
Mahlobo who was appointed the GM of the multinational conglomerate about a month ago was officially unveiled by the Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo during a press conference at the minister’s office on Wednesday.
The GM said that his appointment and his take-over of this prestigious company is testimony that there is talent in the country.
“We are so fortunate that we are based in this country and that the government has been helping us quite immensely when it comes to any support that we require,” he said.
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Mahlobo further assured the minister that there were some projects which they are looking at to further bring all their supply chain partners closer to Eswatini.
“As soon as those start having traction, we will let the nation know what those mean and we are excited and believe that they will make a difference in the Kingdom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khumalo said Coca-Cola Eswatini is one of the biggest employers in the country.
“We are happy to have a liSwati leading such a big company in the country as he would be lifting the country’s flag all over the world,” he said.
Khumalo assured Mahlobo that the government, especially his ministry was fully committed to assisting Coca-Cola in any assistance they would need from them.
“All that you ask you will get quickly because the government is there to always assist companies in the country,” he said.
Khumalo further urged Mahlobo to ensure that as he works, he looks out for opportunities for the company’s growth so that it can employ more emaSwati so that the country’s economy could grow.
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“In places where you will go, please be the country’s ambassador and testify that doing business in Eswatini is easy. This will entice more big companies like Coca-Cola to invest in the country,” he said.
Muzi Mahlobo takes over from Michael Geraghty who has left the country and relocated to Ireland where he will be leading another Coca-Cola branch just like CONCO.
Fascinatingly, Geraghty took over from minister Khumalo who was the company’s GM from July 2009 – January 2016 after which he travelled abroad once again to take up leadership of the Athy Concentrate Plant in Ireland from February 2016 up until he is appointed Senator in November 2018.
