Kwazulu-natal: President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Hillside Aluminium's contribution to South Africa's economy, skills development, and job creation, while reaffirming government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and industrial growth. Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebration of the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, the President said the operation had made a significant contribution to the country's industrial capabilities since it began operations in 1996.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted that the smelter currently supports 3,650 direct and indirect jobs and contributes to an estimated 29,000 jobs across the economy. 'Hillside Aluminium is not only a smelter; it is a producer of skills. It is known for its highly skilled artisans, rigorous engineering, tight process control, and an uncompromising safety culture,' he stated.
The President emphasized the importance of the apprenticeships, bursaries, and learnerships provided by the company, which have strengthened South Africa's national skills pipeline and prepared young people for future industries. He also praised the company's community investment initiatives, which include support for health services at Ngwelezana Hospital through a dedicated pediatric burns unit, water projects in the King Cetshwayo District, and school refurbishment projects.
President Ramaphosa welcomed South32's pledge at this year's South Africa Investment Conference to invest R3.9 billion towards upgrading rail infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape. He acknowledged the challenging operating environment faced by smelters in recent years due to rising costs and market pressures, commending Eskom for engaging with industry on long-term electricity solutions.
'We welcome the discussions between Eskom and South32 about a long-term electricity solution for Hillside Aluminium when the current contract ends in 2031. We are encouraged by the commitment by South32 and Eskom to develop an energy solution that supports the smelter's competitiveness and brings renewable energy into the national grid,' the President remarked.
The President stressed the importance of reliable infrastructure in energy and logistics for improving the competitiveness of South African industries. He noted that Transnet has transitioned from decline to recovery, with investment, reform, and delivery now firmly underway in rail and port infrastructure.
The government's structural reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with progress in restoring rail volumes, implementing reforms, and attracting private sector investment. 'South Africa is transitioning to the early stages of a multi-operator rail system, with 11 private train operating companies having been granted access to freight rail lines,' he noted.
President Ramaphosa reiterated that inclusive growth and job creation remain the government's foremost priority. 'Sustained domestic investment, including the investment by South32, is essential to advance this priority,' he stated. Congratulating South32 on the milestone, he described the company's longevity as 'a story of South Africans choosing excellence, shift after shift and year after year.' He concluded by stating, 'You are demonstrating what can be achieved when long-term investment, operational excellence, and partnership between industry, labor, communities, and the state come together.'