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WATERMAN TO PRODUCE POLA COLA

08/05/2018 00:49:00 BY KWANELE DHLADHLA

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EZULWINI – Waterman Swaziland has set its eyes on competing internationally through introducing a range of soft drinks manufactured from indigenous Swazi fruits.

Reigning Entrepreneur of the Year and Waterman Eswatini Managing Director (MD) Thabiso Kunene disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage to introduce the soft drink into the market between August and September this year. He said the factory would be situated at a 1 000 square metre plot at the Matsapha Industrial Site.

“Plans are well underway to introduce a soft drink to be called Pola Cola with six different flavours that have already been finalised,” Kunene informed Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Jabulani Mabuza, Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule, Swaziland Enterprise Development Company’s (SEDCO) Dorrington Matiwane, government officials and dignitaries who were at the company’s offices at the Gables yesterday.

Kunene said the product would be produced with strict adherence to the environment in line with global standards as set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He mentioned that standards of the product would be set out by the Swaziland Standards Authority (SWASA).

In terms of value of investment, Kunene requested to disclose the exact amount of money to be injected into the project when it hits the market later this year. However, he stated that about 30 Swatis would be employed during the first phase of the project.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Mabuza said it was pleasing to note Waterman was growing as a brand. He pointed out that it was vital for businesses that win EYA to inspire both upcoming and thriving entrepreneurs to work even harder towards attainment of their goals. He urged Kunene to impart the valuable knowledge acquired during his reign to other businesses especially those run by the youth.

“It is important to share information because it helps entrepreneurs to be more innovative. Government fully supports entrepreneurship and wants the Kingdom of Eswatini to be a country of firsts,” said Mabuza.