President Cyril Ramaphosa Celebrates 30 Years of Aluminium Production at South32 Hillside Aluminium
- Business Sense
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited South32 Hillside Aluminium in Richards Bay to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary of aluminium production in South Africa.
The visit highlighted the important role Hillside Aluminium continues to play in the country’s industrial development, economic growth, and job creation.
As the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere and the only primary aluminium producer in South Africa, Hillside Aluminium has become a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing and export sectors.
During the celebration, President Ramaphosa praised the company’s long-standing contribution to the South African economy and its commitment to sustainable industrial growth. The event also underscored the strategic importance of the aluminium industry in supporting infrastructure development, manufacturing, and international trade.
Over the past decade, Hillside Aluminium has contributed approximately R35 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product while supporting an estimated 29 000 jobs across the aluminium value chain. The smelter produces high-quality aluminium for both domestic use and export markets, helping position South Africa as a key player in the global aluminium industry.
The anniversary celebration served as a reflection on three decades of operational excellence, innovation, and partnership between industry and government. It also reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to economic transformation, skills development, and community upliftment in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
South32 Hillside Aluminium remains a vital contributor to South Africa’s industrial future, continuing to drive investment, employment, and economic opportunity for thousands of South Africans.
