The Wilmar processing plant in Richards bay
KwaZulu Natal is set to become the leading producer and exporter of vegetable cooking oil.
The province’s premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube revealed this at an empowerment event in Richards Bay this week.
She said the Wilmar group, which had already utilised R1.27 billion as part of a project, had also created over 1373 construction jobs and 202 more to be secured upon completion of their project.
The project includes: four commissioned tanks of crude palm oil; a pipeline from the Port to the Tank Farm; receiving tanks; pipelines to the loading bay; water steam; airlines; fire protection; boiler, and compressors.
She said in alignment with the development of local SMMEs through the RBIDZ Nal’ithemba Enterprise Development Programme, Wilmar has actively engaged local SMMEs, fostering community involvement and economic inclusion.
To this extent, eight local enterprises have been integrated into Wilmar’s supply chain, benefiting in sectors such as agro-processing, chemicals, and logistics.
“This engagement not only supports Wilmar's operations but also encourages local enterprise development and industrial diversification. Complementing the use of imported crude palm oil, Wilmar is committed to sourcing at least 20% of its raw materials locally, specifically sunflower from local farmers,” said Ms Dube-Ncube.
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