Zikalala welcomes re-opening of pharmaceutical company Cipla in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has welcomed the re-opening of pharmaceutical company Cipla in Mobeni south of Durban following last month’s unrest in the province.

Over 350 people died in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Cipla CEO Paul Miller says the company lost millions during this time.

“Unfortunately with the looters moving through the facility many of the fridges were turned off. Active ingredients were emptied out of the drums. So there again,  numerous millions were lost in active ingredients. So many of the materials we needed to start production were not available. I suppose the question is if we have facilities in India why we would not just repatriate production there? We have over 500 people working in this facility and we strongly believe that these are individuals that have been supporting us with production and making sure that we can meet our ethos of caring for life.” says Cipla CEO Paul Miller.

Zikalala says they are committed to supporting companies in re-building their businesses.

“Cipla has added its important voice in demonstrating its confidence in KwaZulu-Natal economy, and as government, we want to thank you and we would like to guarantee Cipla and other companies that we are resolute to rise and rebuild this beautiful province with you and do all we can do to support growing your businesses,” says Zikalala.

VIDEO: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala briefs the media on economic recovery after the civil.