Whatshot
New fibre optic plant is operational in Dube TradePort
New fibre optic plant is operational in Dube TradePort
The new facility has commenced functional testing of its production lines ensuring that they meet the international standards set by parent company Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable (YOFC), the world leader in the manufacture and supply of telecoms optical fibre, before commercial production begins in early 2017.
The new facility is set to boost local manufacturing of a range of new generation optical fibre cable products for the South African ICT market, with an envisaged manufacturing capacity of more than one million kilometers optical fibre cable annually. Yangtze Optics Africa Cable will play a significant role in enabling South Africa's development of a sustainable broadband future. This is especially important, given the demand as cellular operators migrate to 4G and LTE.
The fibre optics technology has played a major role in developing new economic opportunities for both business and private individuals; this is in part due to fibre optics' ability to deliver high-speed internet access, which enables a thriving ecosystem for startups to provide new goods and services that contribute towards an overall high quality of life for residence.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Sihle Zikalala noted at the pre-opening event held today in Dube TradeZone, "In line with the National Development Plan goals, the government has set itself a target of achieving 100% broadband penetration and the deployment of a full range of government, educational and information services by 2030."
Dube TradePort Corporation CEO, Mr. Hamish Erskine remarked,"The opening of this world class optical fibre cable manufacturing facility is a part of Dube TradePort's strategy to attract a cluster of electronics manufactures into the Special Economic Zone. This strategic location will allow Yangtze Optics Africa Cable to service their local, regional and international clients through King Shaka International Airport, which has over 900 connections to destinations; while at the same time the strategy creates further opportunities for local jobs."
When fully operational in 2017, the multi-million Rand manufacturing facility will create sustainable jobs for 100 people in the surrounding communities of Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Phoenix, Ottawa and Waterloo. This is in addition to the high-level technical skills development, which is the hallmark of Yangtze Optics Africa's skill development programme that will take place over the next four years.