Hisense contributes to local development in South Africa

Chinese electronic giant Hisense is enjoying a growing presence in South Africa, contributing to the development of both countries.

Hisense has been operating in the South African market since 1996. 

Over the years, Hisense has grown into a top consumer electronics producer in South Africa and become a household name.

In 2013, Hisense established a production facility in the Atlantis region of Cape Town, making televisions and fridges.

The Hisense Industrial Park in the Atlantis region of Cape Town, South Africa. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

The Hisense Industrial Park now produces 1700 televisions and 1400 fridges on a daily basis.

In 2017, the sales of Hisense televisions and fridges ranked first in the South African market.

Li Yuansuo, who's in charge of the manufacturing in facility, says localized production has helped Hisense to succeed.

"Hisense has made roots in South Africa. The establishment of the production facility in Cape Town has given a great boost to the local market. We also attach great importance to sales and after sales service," says Li.

The facility has spurred development in Atlantis, a community that has suffered with poverty, unemployment, and crime.

The plant employs around 700 people.

"It was quite exciting. I was unemployed at first. That gave me financial stability, steady income every month," says Kaamilah Taylor, a quality controller on the TV production line.

Reagan Adonis, who joined Hisense when the industrial park was established, says he has learnt a lot from job and wants to continue to grow with the company.

"When I came in Hisense, I learned a lot. Especially I saw them making cellphones, TVS, air-cons. And I didn't even know that. And I started to learn here. So I've already learned everything now. To grow with the company a lot to see Hisense still grow in South Africa especially in Atlantis. Hisense got jobs for people. Less crime in Atlantis," says Adonis.

Currently, Hisense products manufactured locally are being sold in over 5000 stores across South Africa and they are also exported to 13 other African countries, including Kenyan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Li Yuansuo has also attributed the company's achievements to the sound development of China-South Africa ties, saying that Chinese brands like Hisense are increasingly popular with local people.