How Reunert’s Tech Focus Affects SA Businesses and Jobs

What happened

Reunert, one of South Africa’s leading industrial and technology companies, is shifting its focus to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) while continuing to support its traditional cable business. Anthonie de Beer, the new CEO, has announced this strategic direction to ensure business stability amid changing market demands.

While Reunert remains committed to its cable manufacturing and supply — essential for power infrastructure and construction projects — the company is increasingly prioritizing tech services and solutions, including automation, telecommunications, and digital systems.

Why it matters

Reunert’s move mirrors broader trends not only in South Africa but globally, where technology is becoming a key driver for growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. The ICT sector often offers more innovation potential and can be less vulnerable to traditional commodity fluctuations. For South Africa, a country working hard to modernize infrastructure and expand digital access, Reunert’s tech focus aligns well with national goals.

At the same time, sustaining the cable business during economic cycles is crucial. Cables are essential to many sectors—from mining and construction to energy—especially as South Africa continues to build and maintain its power grid amid loadshedding challenges. Maintaining this legacy business supports jobs and ensures Reunert remains a reliable player.

What this means for South Africans

For consumers, this shift could mean faster access to new technologies such as improved telecommunications networks and smarter infrastructure solutions. With the digital divide still an issue in many parts of South Africa, companies like Reunert helping to build ICT capacity can play a role in bringing reliable internet and tech services to more communities.

For job seekers, particularly in engineering, IT, and technical fields, there could be more opportunities in emerging tech roles. This evolution requires skills development in software, automation, and telecommunications — areas where South Africans may need additional training to fill this growing demand.

At the same time, those with expertise in traditional manufacturing and infrastructure will remain important as the cable business supports ongoing national development activities.

Impact on consumers, jobs and small businesses

For consumers, the impact might be seen in enhanced technology products and services that make daily life easier—better internet connectivity, smarter home and business solutions, and more reliable utility services.

Small businesses can benefit from Reunert’s tech offerings if they include affordable solutions for digital transformation, such as network installation, automation, or energy management systems. Access to such services supports small business productivity and competitiveness.

Job-wise, Reunert’s dual focus means a blend of traditional manufacturing and cutting-edge tech jobs. This could lead to recruitment and training initiatives aimed at closing the skills gap in tech-related fields, which is a known challenge in South Africa’s labour market.

Risks and limitations

However, the transition to a tech-focused strategy carries risks. The ICT sector is fast-paced and competitive, requiring continuous innovation and investment. South African companies often face barriers like limited research funding, infrastructure challenges, and skills shortages.

Additionally, the cable manufacturing business faces its own risks due to fluctuations in raw material costs and economic cycles. While Reunert plans to hold onto this part of the business through the cycle, any prolonged downturn in sectors like construction or mining could affect revenues and jobs.

For small businesses relying on Reunert’s products and services, price changes or supply disruptions could also pose challenges.

Overall, Reunert’s strategy reflects a balancing act between maintaining established strengths and seeking new growth areas — a scenario familiar to many South African companies navigating economic uncertainty and technological change.

(Source: Moneyweb)

Frequently asked questions

Related articles