Over 1000 jobs will be created by the 100% black-owned Buffalo City Metro based Yekani Manufacturing plant, which is producing cellphones, tablets and laptops.
The R1-billion information and communication technology (ICT) plant, said to be the largest of its kind in southern Africa, was officially launched at the East London Industrial Development Zone yesterday.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, ICT industry experts, premier Phumulo Masualle, and Eastern Cape business leaders were among a small crowd of about 200 people who witnessed the occasion.
Yekani group CEO Dr Siphiwe Cele, 61, said the world-class, technologically advanced, 28000m² facility would push the limits of innovation and was an investment that was expected to create around 1000 jobs.
“It was an ambitious undertaking to form a Pan-African company that will span different sectors to create more employment. Yekani will create waves not just in this country and continent but in the whole world.
“We wanted to show African talent and expertise rather than relying on outside partners,” Cele said, adding the factory would manufacture 4G mobile phones, laptops and tablets...