UASA Sector News: 16 February 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is deeply concerned about the job losses and the negative impact the provisional liquidation of sugar giant Tongaat Hulett will have on workers and their families. Despite several committed efforts by investors through a business rescue plan that was introduced to save Tongaat Hulett, UASA is sad to witness the end of an era.
The outcome follows the business rescue practitioners concluding that a reasonable prospect of rescue no longer exists and filing an application with the court for the company’s provisional liquidation. This decision comes after the business rescue plan is no longer implementable due to the lapse of the sale agreements with the Vision Group, the secured lender to Tongaat Hulett.
The news of the liquidation coinciding with the State of the Nation Address is another reality check on the state of the economy in South Africa. Thousands of jobs are under threat and the country is not in a position to shed more.
The Vision Group warned that the collapse of Tongaat Hulett’s local operations would be disastrous for the regional economy, especially the 250,000 jobs supported by the cane-growing sector.
Once again, UASA calls on the government to implement the necessary measures to help existing companies save jobs. The rate at which we are losing jobs does not match the level at which jobs are being created, which is a set-up for failure.
The agriculture sector is facing several challenges, including climate change, small-scale farmers unable to meet demand and job losses. If we do not address these challenges in time, we will lose the engines that drive the sector and keep it alive.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.