By working together both organisations will be able to bring leading-edge optical fibre technology and services to both private and public network operators throughout Southern Africa, while at the same time better positioning Corning and Aberdare to take advantage of opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding African telecommunications market.

As part of the agreement, Corning's superior optical fibre technology will be incorporated into Aberdare's enhanced optical fibre cable product line in South African and related markets. Also covered in the agreement is the potential introduction of new optical fibre cable products, solutions and applications, as well as the potential for the transfer of manufacturing technology

Furthermore, the partnership will draw upon Corning's resources to provide
educational and training support in association with local tertiary educational
institutions.

"Aberdare is delighted to have formed this association with Corning, the world's leader in the field of optical fibre and related products. Fibre technology is developing exponentially and this strategic alliance will ensure that Aberdare's customers will be getting a leading product in order to support their network build well into the new millennium," said Robert Venter, Chairman of Aberdare and Chief Executive of Powertech. He added, "We see the strategic alliance developing to the mutual benefit of our two companies, but more particularly to the benefit of our customers."

According to Alan Eusden, vice president and general manager of Corning's Telecommunications Products Division, the company sees the establishment of the joint agreement as an important element of its global strategy. "Aberdare's extensive operations give Corning access to an important international market," Eusden said. "Additionally, the agreement we're announcing today will help to support not only the communities in which we will operate, but the South African Government's objectives of economic growth and empowerment of previously disadvantaged communities."

With its patented outside vapour deposition manufacturing process, Corning has consistently set the standard for the telecommunications industry in product specifications such as fibre geometry and optical performance. Corning's optical fibre and photonic products provide network operators around the world with superior system performance, lower first installed costs and bandwidth upgradeability for today's high-data-rate and multi-channel systems.

Today's announcement reflects the continuing commitment made by Corning in South Africa. On 15 June 1999, Corning's Environmental Products Division announced a $30 million investment in a ceramic substrate manufacturing facility, supporting the growing South African catalytic converter industry.

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fibre, cable, and photonic products for the telecommunications industry and high performance displays and components for television and other communications related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's total revenues in 1998 were $3.5 billion. More information on the company is available on the Internet at www.corningfiber.com.

The Telecommunications Division of Aberdare is a major supplier to Southern Africa's private and public telecommunication networks operators. The joint agreement with Corning will further optimise the benefits already resulting from Aberdare's recent investment of R 52 million in their Port Elizabeth facility. The product range includes systems solutions, project services, telecommunications accessories, as well as a range of optical fibre cable, and traditional copper telecommunications and instrumentation cable. Further information is available on the Internet at www.aberdare.co.za

[Editor's note: Corning is a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated]