KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, attended the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Hillside Aluminium Smelter alongside the President of the Republic, industry leaders, workers and key stakeholders.

The anniversary marked three decades since the smelter was officially opened in 1996 by the late President Nelson Mandela. This was also the year in which South Africa’s democratic Constitution was adopted, giving the occasion deep historical and symbolic significance.

Premier Ntuli noted that the establishment of Hillside reflected the link between South Africa’s constitutional democracy and the country’s pursuit of economic progress. He said the founding of the smelter carried the ideals of dignity, equality, freedom and shared prosperity that shaped the new democratic dispensation.

Thirty years later, Hillside continues to stand as a pillar of industrial growth, employment creation, export development and investor confidence, both in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Provincial Unity, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to building a capable, stable and investor-friendly province. He emphasised the importance of attracting investment, expanding industrialisation and ensuring that economic growth translates into real opportunities and dignity for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Premier concluded that the 30th anniversary of Hillside Aluminium Smelter serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable development depends on visionary leadership, institutional certainty and the continued strength of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.