Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable) on Tuesday unveiled its R160 million, 14 000m² plant at the Dube Trade Port.
KwaZulu-Natal has received a major boost in technology with the launch of Africa’s largest optical fibre manufacturing facility.
Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable) on Tuesday unveiled its R160 million, 14 000m² plant at the Dube Trade Port.
YOA Cable CEO Pieter Viljoen hailed the investment as a game-changer, coming at a time when demand for connectivity is surging.
“The timing of this investment is crucial. Optical fibre is the backbone of the modern digital economy, and this facility will allow us to scale our vision of an inclusive, connected South Africa,” said Viljoen.
Since its establishment in 2016, YOA Cable has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the first locally manufactured optical fibre products and introducing fast fusion technology that rapidly speeds up network installations.
The new plant will expand these capabilities, boosting capacity and allowing the company to introduce further cutting-edge solutions.
Beyond manufacturing, YOA Cable said it is committed to skills development. Through internships and leadership programmes, YOA Cable will offer young South Africans training to ensure that the benefits of this investment extend beyond the factory floor.
Senior vice president of Yangtze Optical Fibre Dr Jan Bongaerts stressed that connectivity was no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“This facility is not just about producing cables — it’s about economic growth, job creation, and enabling millions of South Africans with reliable, high-speed internet,” he said.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi applauded the investment, highlighting its impact on KwaZulu-Natal’s economy.
“YOA Cable has consistently demonstrated commitment to growth and innovation. From an initial R150 million investment in 2016 to today’s R160 million expansion, they’ve created 210 jobs while driving South African technology onto the global stage,” Zondi said.
He added that the company’s success was already strengthening trade in the Southern African Development Community region, generating R66 million in exports over the past three years.
Zondi said the latest investment places the province on the African map in the digital revolution.