Acknowledgements
Unilever Vice President: Foodsolutions, Eelco Camminga
Unilever Vice President: Supply Chain, Patrick Sithole
Groups Works Directors Ralph Pecku and Dumi Tshabangu
Master of Cermony, Prashantan Moodley
Thank you for inviting me here today.
The opening of the Unilever Food factory in Pietermaritzburg is very welcome news. Job-creating initiatives are desperately needed to create jobs, for people who are currently unemployed, as well as the influx of unemployed migrants. The employment of more than 70 new employees recruited in the Pietermaritzburg area will certainly contribute towards poverty eradication.
It is about time that South Africans start believing in themselves. We can compete with the rest of the world when we put our minds to it. During a visit to China I was extremely impressed with their attention to detail when it comes to training and how focused they are when they work. We need to pay the same kind of attention and focus to detail if we want to expand the manufacturing sector. Contrary to the Chinese successful manufacturing sector, South Africa exports most of its raw materials to other countries where they add value to the products.
We need companies like Unilever that adds value to raw products. When I look at some of the great products that you manufacture I feel like the four-year old, who was quoted, saying, "My tongue is smiling." She said that after she had finished a dish of chocolate ice-cream.
We all know that local is lekker. But local is now extra lekker knowing that Mrs Balls chutney is manufactured right under our noses. Very soon, with the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup knocking at our doors, not only South Africans and expats will be craving for our heritage foods. Tourists will certainly sample our local favourite bobotie, bunny chows, koeksisters, boerewors and chakalaka all with their authentic spices, herbs and mixtures. They will also eat at our fast food outlets, in our restaurants and hotels, using ingredients that are manufactured in Pietermaritzburg.
Unilever's decision to relocate its South African manufacturing base of all syrups, sauces, salad dressing, fast food chains' mixtures, salts and ice cream toppings is testament to the company's faith in the strength of Pietermaritzburg.
The relocation follows the opening of a R370 million mega warehouse, which was opened by Premier Zweli Mkhize two months ago. I agree with Premier Mkhize that this is a tangible demonstration of Unilever's confidence in the burgeoning economic prospects of KwaZulu-Natal. We know that Unilever, as a founder member of the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition values the partnership to promote economic growth in the province.
With the new drive of government to prioritise food security, it is wise not only to encourage commercial farming but to add value to the raw materials. At the very least we believe that people should not be hungry. For that reason we launched the one home, one garden; one church, one garden; one school, one garden, etc. campaign.
Currently there is plenty of arable land and Pietermaritzburg is aptly called the "Garden City." Pietermaritzburg's hinterland in particular used to be an important food basket. However, it has become a net importer of food. By growing food regionally the price of food can be cut drastically. I believe that Unilever is already sourcing some raw materials locally. We are looking forward to partnerships with local communities, such as the paprika farming project in Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape.
As we all know, Pietermaritzburg is no ordinary destination. It personifies a true rainbow nation, offering a cultural treasure trove of Zulu, Boer, British and Indian cultures to visitors. Our legislative capital has a strong and diverse history that is reflected in the numerous museums and buildings in and around the city. In addition to its tourist potential it has become a city of events, not only nationally but also internationally. Not to mention the schools, university and other tertiary institutions which constantly attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
The face of the city has changed dramatically since 2004. During the 2004 elections the African National Congress promised to give Pietermaritzburg capital status should it be given the opportunity to rule. The capital status included the moving of departmental head offices from Ulundi to the City of Choice. The party has indeed kept its promise.
Several buildings that had been crumbling in a decaying urban scene five years ago have received ultimate makeovers. The refurbished buildings are all occupied by government. According to information provided by the Department of Public Works responsible for the provision of office facilities to government departments' government now occupies 56 office blocks in Msunduzi, 27 more than in 2004.
The 27 "new" buildings are not state-owned and approximately R4,7 million of rental flows in the city monthly. According to statistics provided by Provincial Treasury the number of head office personnel stationed in Pietermaritzburg has more than doubled from 2 590 people prior to 2004 to an estimated 6554 for the 2009/10 financial year.
Unilever Foodsolutions has made a wise choice. We congratulate you on what they have achieved here and wish you all the success with this endeavour. We want to challenge other companies to do the same.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Finance, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 October 2009
