wiredInUSA - August 2015
34
Aberdare Cables has launched a new
production line, specifically designed to
manufacture locomotive cables for the
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa
(PRASA) and Transnet.
Supported by the South African
department of trade and industry
(DTI), the line has been launched
within Aberdare’s existing plant in
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
Currently, South Africa has one of the
largest wholesale renewal and general
overhaul rail programs in Africa, and
serves as a strong manufacturing hub for
rolling stock.
Aberdare Cables has expanded its plants
in Pietermaritzburg and Gauteng to
enhance production, create additional
jobs and drive skills development within
the crucial economic sector.
“We are committed to partnering with
all stakeholders, public and private,
to ensure that South Africa remains
self-sufficient in the manufacturing of
electrical cables."
Cable production right
on track
Jasco has sold its share of the under-
performing South African cable company
M-TEC. The company announced to
shareholders that it had sold its 51.1 percent
stake in the unit to a CIH subsidiary. CIH is
a major shareholder in Jasco, holding 17.6
percent of the company.
CIH is an investment holding company,
established in 1995 by Dr Anna Mokgokong
and Joe Madungandaba, with significant
interests in the healthcare, ICT, logistics,
mining, infrastructure, power and energy
sectors.
Jasco has endeavored to sell the unit since
2013, when it was placed under review
because of poor performance, and initially
entered into talks with Taihan Electric
Wire, owner of the remaining 48.9 percent
interest in M-TEC. The discussions failed to
reach an agreement after Taihan went
through management changes.
Share shift for cable
manufacturer