IT is true what people say: Mzansi’s future does rely on its youth!
At the innovative production plant unveiling ceremony, hosted by NESCAFÉ, Ujamaa Live Africa witnessed firsthand the truth of those words. The event took place on Tuesday 18 July at Babelegi Industrial Park, in Hammanskraal, Pretoria. The aim was to showcase the success of this new investment and boost the Mzansi manufacturing sector. Many of the staff members working here are young individuals who reside in the surrounding area.
In the past, Nestlé used to import NESCAFÉ coffee mixes, including the NESCAFÉ Gold range (which includes Cappuccino Original, Cappuccino Original Reduced Sugar, Cappuccino Salted Caramel Latte, Cappuccino Vanilla Latte, Cappuccino Hazelnut Latte, and Cappuccino White Chocolate) as well as NESCAFÉ RICOFFY 3in1. This move marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to meeting local market needs and supporting economic development.
Young Nestlé staff: From left is Mmatsoku Mojela, applications group specialist for co-manufacturing and co-packing sites, Sametsi Molepo, application group specialist for the recipe management and process improvement for Nestlé Cremora and Charné Sharpley, applications group specialist at Nestlé Photo supplied 
Women are hard at work. Photo by Kopano Monaheng 
Rose Mojapelo from Nestle SA. Photo by Kopano Monaheng 
Coffee packaging machine. Photo by Kopano Monaheng
Sean Weavill, chief engineer at Nestlé South Africa, mentioned that the plant has been operational since March of this year and currently employs 27 individuals. He emphasized the importance of providing job opportunities to the youth, stating that it is their primary focus moving forward.
During the event, both visitors and Nestlé workers were treated to complimentary coffee in celebration of Madiba’s Day, resulting in smiles all around. Carl Khoury, business executive officer, coffee and beverages at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, revealed that out of the 27 employees, 24 are engaged in production while the remaining three are based in engineering roles.
For more information, please visit www.Nestléesar.com