President Cyril Ramaphosa: Official opening of Corobrik Kwastina facility

• Published date: 04 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

At the 4th South Africa Investment Conference in March this year I said that we want to see investment commitments fast being turned into projects.

We want to see foundations being sunk, to hear the sound of bricks being laid and seeing cranes dotting the skyline.

We want to see factories being built and production lines being expanded.

We want to see people being employed and skills being developed.

And here today at Kwastina we are seeing the fulfilment of such investment commitments.

Here today, we are seeing the results of the R800 million investment pledged by Corobrik at the 2019 South Africa Investment Conference.

This facility is indeed impressive.

I am told it is the largest brickmaking project in the world outside of China.

It joins Corobrik's extensive operations in the country, which include 13 clay brick plants and 14 kilns.

This investment is an example of the productive partnerships that have been forged between business and government to grow our economy and create jobs.

Since its founding in 1902, Corobrik has been a household name in South Africa.

The company is known for being a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of material for the commercial and household construction industry.

In support of our national investment drive, the investment Corobrik made in 2019 has now increased to R1 billion, as the company made an additional R200 million investment to expand its concrete operations in KwaZulu-Natal.

The manufacturing sector is one of the priority industries in our economy and continues to play a pivotal role in the creation of employment opportunities.

The construction of Kwastina created temporary employment opportunities for 1,000 people.

Of particular significance is that 30 people from the surrounding community participated as bricklayers after receiving training on this project.

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has had such a detrimental impact on livelihoods and income security, I wish to commend Corobrik for being a reliable employer of some 2,500 people at your various facilities across the country.

Great companies are built by investing in people, and we are greatly encouraged by Corobrik's efforts to empower its workers.

I am told all Corobrik employees are shareholders in the business through the Staff Trust, in which 26% of the company's share capital resides.

This staff shareholding has fostered a common interest in the well-being and continued performance of the company, all the while providing a stable employment environment.

I wish...