UASA Media Release: 20 February 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA welcomes the government’s plans to rescue Tongaat Hulett Sugar from liquidation after the company’s provisional application for liquidation last week, as announced by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.
The rescue efforts aim to protect 2,500 direct jobs and the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale sugar cane farmers who depend on the company. The 134-year-old company filed for liquidation after business rescue efforts, which began in October 2022, were unsuccessful.
While the matter is still under discussion by the Cabinet and other stakeholders, UASA remains hopeful that the government’s intervention will succeed.
However, government intervention at such a late stage is not ideal for job sustainability. We urge the government to prioritise proactive investment in job security. With appropriate investment and practical planning, we can prevent company failures and create the jobs the economy needs.
UASA reminds business owners and stakeholders of the importance of transparency, good governance and best practices in company management.
Had Tongaat Hulett not experienced significant accounting irregularities, financial misstatements and governance failures under previous management, which destroyed approximately R12 billion in shareholder value, the company would remain financially stable.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.