BEITBRIDGE, Jul. 31 (NewsDay Live) — Businessman Simon Rudland has commissioned a US$25 million citrus processing plant in Beitbridge, marking one of the largest private industrial investments in the border town in recent years.
The Orangeville plant will supply citrus juice to local beverage manufacturers, including Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited, while targeting export markets across the region. The investment follows the recent commissioning of Rudland’s US$102 million Cut Rag Processors tobacco facility in Harare.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, who toured the facility on Tuesday, said the project would boost industrialisation, employment and economic growth in the province.
“Government stands ready to facilitate investments into Matabeleland South Province,” Nguluvhe said.
“Orangeville is producing enough citrus products to satisfy domestic and regional demand while contributing to gross domestic product as Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 upper middle-income target.”
To ensure a reliable supply of fruit, Orangeville is developing a 5,000-hectare citrus estate near Beitbridge and expanding a contract farming programme aimed at reducing seasonal supply disruptions and transport costs.
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The factory currently employs 350 workers, with the workforce projected to increase to 1,500 over the next five years as total investment rises to US$40 million.
In addition to juice production, the company plans to manufacture orange essential oils for the cosmetics industry and process citrus waste into livestock feed, broadening the value chain and reducing waste.
The investment further expands Rudland’s industrial footprint, with his businesses employing more than 10,000 people across southern Africa and operating in manufacturing, agriculture, finance, logistics, mining and banking in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For Beitbridge, the project represents a significant step towards strengthening the local manufacturing base, creating jobs and increasing export earnings beyond the town’s traditional role as a transit and border trade hub.