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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe says that the launch of the Linhleko Steel Fabrication Workshop is to be commended as it is a move forward in the transformation of the South Africa economy as advocated in the Black Industrialists Programme and National Development Plan. Magwanishe was speaking during the launch of the black-owned steel fabrication workshop in Rustenburg, North West today.
 
Linhleko has signed a cooperation agreement with FLSmidth, a Danish Manufacturer of Original Equipment. This equal partnership gave rise to the conclusion of an agreement with Sibanye Still Water, whereby Linhleko will build, operate and transfer two Reflux Classifier Modular Plants to recover chromite concentrates from Sibanye’s current waste material.
 
“We as government firmly believe that more investments of this nature should be channelled towards the beneficiation of the manufacturing sector, uplifting of more black industry players and strategic expansion. With this investment of R240 million by these enterprises, we are coonfident that our global position in the steel market will be resuscitated,” said Magwanishe.
 
In addition, Magwanishe said that the local steel construction industry had significant capabilities as it has the skills capacity required to supply the state infrastructure programmes of mining, oil and gas sectors.
 
“This bears enough mileage to ensure persistence amidst volatile markets and the level of uncertainty that the industry presents at times. Localisation and designation remain the key demand lever to further develop our domestic capacity in the steel industry,” he said.
The Group Chief Executive of Linhleko, Mr Buang Moloto remarked that though they have not yet sought government assistance, they acknowledged the Mining Charter and the Black Industrialists Programme in transforming the mining industry.
 
“We stand for the redefining of black excellence in the industry. We also believe that companies like ours can impact society too and we embrace the idea of an inclusive economy to bring about world class investment. Our business model is founded on collaboration and cooperation, and not competition. We are about reskilling the community and it is our mission to merge our business on equal footing with mining power houses like Sibanye and eventually become a leading Black Industrialists company,” he said.
 

Issued by The Department of Trade And Industry