BEITBRIDGE is set to be Zimbabwe’s key citrus-producing regions, with the Orangeville Juice Processing Plant boosting value addition, creating jobs and expanding market opportunities for local farmers.
The processing plant has become a key driver of the district’s citrus industry, contributing to economic growth while creating employment for communities in the surrounding areas.
The Orangeville Juice Processing Plant began operations last year and continues to expand production, supplying both domestic and export markets while strengthening Zimbabwe’s citrus value chain.
Orangeville Director Brendon Park said the processing facility now employs more than 350 people and sources fruit from citrus growers across the region.
“Currently, we employ more than 350 employees who work in this juice processing plant, which processes more than 80,000 tonnes of oranges annually using oranges sourced from our regional citrus farmers. I understand crime has also been reduced in the surrounding area.”
During a familiarisation tour on Sunday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Hon. Albert Ngulube said agro-processors must lead the province’s response to the anticipated El Niño-induced dry season.
“The role of Government is to implement national priorities and ensure Matabeleland South produces enough for domestic demand and export,” Ngulube told workers and management. “With dry conditions forecast, we must build investments that also support livestock farmers and food systems.”
“As government, we will continue supporting citrus farmers so that they can fully utilise the land they are working on, and we have realised that they are providing significant employment opportunities for local communities.”
As a new investor, Orangeville’s Corporate Social Responsibility is still growing. But the footprint is visible: local roads rehabilitated, 90 employee houses built, two hostels with electricity and water, and orange residue supplied to nearby communities for livestock and wildlife.
