BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo is optimistic that the Jonsson Workwear factory will be operational by August this year, employing about 2 000 Emaswati.
Minister Khumalo expressed the optimism when he visited the construction site of the Jonsson Workwear factory in Nhlangano yesterday to check on the progress of the project.
According to the Eswatini Government Facebook page the factory, is expected to provide employment opportunities and boost the local economy. The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the construction and said that he is looking forward to seeing the factory open its doors and contribute to the development of Eswatini.
Khumalo said: “We know you have a strong international network and we would like to implore you to be our ambassadors. When this is finally delivered and commissioned, it will definitely be one of the best franchises in Eswatini.”
Jonsson Workwear is one of the key projects included in Eswatini’s Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and it is expected to create 2 000 jobs when it is fully operational. The factory is set to open its doors in August 2024, and it is anticipated to play a significant role in revitalising the economy and providing employment opportunities for the people of Eswatini. This is a much-needed development that will contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.
Jonsson Workwear CEO, Nicholas Jonsson said: “It has taken us 9-10 years to get here. It has not been easy. History will tell you that we have unbelievable factories, where the people are treated differently. Some of the facets of this building cannot be found in any other factory anywhere in Africa. We want to build the best garment factory in the world, right here in Eswatini.”
