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Historic SA-Algeria deal signed Groundbreaking agreement could signal the birth of wine industry in KwaZulu-Natal Black empowerment wine company, Thabani Investment Holdings, is set to become the first company to reap the rewards of the newly struck trade agreement between South Africa and Algeria. Thabani Investment Holdings which has for years been investigating wine production and viticulture opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal this week concluded an agreement with Algeria whereby joint ventures will be undertaken in both countries. The conclusion of the agreement that will lead to the development of a wine industry in KwaZulu-Natal coincides with a three-day visit to South Africa of Algerian President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. He is due to chair the second session of the South Africa-Algeria Binational Commission with President Thabo Mbeki later this week. The Commission was set up in 1998 with the aim of expanding economic ties between the two countries and the first meeting of the Commission took place in Algiers in September 2000. Thabani Investments was the first delegation from South Africa to visit Algeria and has signed a protocol of agreement with the Algerian Wine Institute, ONCV. For years, Thabani’s professional team of viticulturists under the direction of Jabulani Ntshangase has been researching the growth of a wine industry in the previously untapped regions of KwaZulu-Natal. Ntshangase believes that Algeria’s expertise in vineyard establishment will be of great benefit to Thabani’s project in KwaZulu-Natal as well as providing social and economic spin offs for the people of the province. "The empowerment, job creation and related economic benefits that this project will bring to the area will help to stem the migration of people from this rural area. It will restore dignity to the people and give them confidence in their land and their future." Ntshangase said. In terms of the agreement there will be a sharing of expertise through viticulture seminars and workshops as well as student exchange programmes. South Africa will also assist Algeria by sharing its knowledge in the field of wine cellar technology. A suitable site to build the first wine cellar has been identified in the Bergville-Winterton area near Estcourt with the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, coastal resorts, and various Drakensberg Nature reserves in close proximity. Ntshangase said the project would eventually be developed to include hotels and restaurants to make full use of the potential for tourism in the area. Furthermore, Kwa-Zulu-Natal’s ports of Durban and Richard’s Bay, two of the largest on the continent, would provide easy access to the export markets of Europe, America, the East and Far East, Australia and other parts of Africa. Issued by HWB Communications on behalf of Thabani Wines (Pty) Ltd. |
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