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At a time when many companies are struggling to come to terms with the implications on their workforce of the 4IR, in an exciting move for the country and for KZN in particular, Mara phones today launches the very first made on the continent smart phone – the Mara X and Mara Y. Based in the special economic zone of Dube Tradeport, Mara phones will create hundreds of highly skilled direct jobs and many thousands more indirect jobs, and will contribute to the transfer of technology and high tech knowledge in the country.

Mara Phones joins a number of other large multinationals in becoming part of the Buy Local movement and has become a member of Proudly South African, by virtue of the local content and job creation that this innovative company represents. From the use of local contractors to fit out the high tech facility within Dube Tradeport,  including specific dust free space with electro static flooring, sophisticated AC and security systems, 100% of packaging material being sourced in the country, to vehicles, clothing and other items through the company’s supply chain, this project is of significant value to South Africa. The support of this new company as it enters the country and local market also demonstrates the relevance of the Proudly South African campaign.

Said Proudly SA CEO, Eustace Mashimbye, “The establishment of Mara’s smart phone production plant here in South Africa sends a very strong message of confidence for local manufacturing in our country. This operation has an extensive and diverse supply chain for which Mara has committed to sourcing from other local enterprises, creating many much needed jobs in the process. We need many more Maras to see the advantages of setting up bases in South Africa, and of being part of the Buy Local movement,”

With an initial work force of 313 in year one, Mara plans to take the staff complement up to 1 369 in year 5 and the entire operation represents an opportunity for the import replacement of some of the 4 million smart phones that the country imported in 2017 alone.

Issued by Proudly South African