A nearly R1.8-billion investment has brought the Gledhow Sugar Mill back to life, just in time for the upcoming crushing season in May.

The investment has secured more than 400 jobs, marking a major boost for the North Coast’s struggling sugar industry.

The reopening of the mill on Tuesday follows a successful business rescue process that began in 2023 and saw the Kenya-based Chatthe Group take ownership of the mill.

Gledhow Mill, which includes a back-end refinery, is undergoing a major off-crop maintenance programme as part of the new owner’s investment plan to upgrade infrastructure, boost efficiency and modernise production.

More than 200 local contractors have also been employed for the expansion project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The sugar industry remains a key agro-processing sector, supporting rural livelihoods, small-scale growers and regional economies, particularly in KZN.

The revival of Gledhow ensures that local farmers can continue delivering their cane to a nearby mill, providing much-needed stability for the sector.

READ: Cane growers welcome Gledhow Mill takeover | North Coast Courier

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi attended the relaunch this week, engaging with farmers, industry stakeholders and the media before touring the facility.

His visit forms part of the implementation of the Sugar Industry Master Plan (SIMP), a partnership between government, business and labour aimed at stabilising and transforming the sector.

“Gledhow proves that there are positives that can come out of business rescue,” said Godlimpi.

“There is a new investor on site who has shown me the technology being introduced to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

Bhire Chatthe, executive director of the Gledhow Sugar Company, said the deputy minister’s visit came at a crucial time.

“This is an important and sensitive period for the sugar sector. It’s vital that government sees firsthand what is being done here,” he said.

Gledhow chairman Pierre de Villiers Berranger said the investment has brought stability to employees and their dependants.

“As a result, thousands of people who rely on the income earned by our 400 employees can continue with their livelihoods,” he said.

Industry representative Pratish Sharma said the visit demonstrated government’s commitment to addressing challenges facing growers and millers.