By Thapelo Molefe
Parliament has sounded the alarm over South Africa’s deepening unemployment crisis, warning that pending job cuts at Coca-Cola and other major companies could have devastating consequences for workers, families, and the wider economy.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, expressed grave concern on Friday following reports that Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) plans to cut about 680 jobs as part of a restructuring process.
CCBSA currently employs more than 7,000 people across the country.
“These job losses threaten the livelihoods of thousands of South Africans. Unless urgent and coordinated action is taken, the damage to our economy, communities, and industrial base will be irreversible,” Boshoff warned.
The Coca-Cola retrenchments add to a growing list of major job losses announced in recent months.
Goodyear South Africa is preparing to shut down its Kariega manufacturing plant, putting about 900 jobs at risk.
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