NUMSA calls for aggressive industrial strategy to combat deindustrialisation

THE National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) urged the government to implement an aggressive industrial blueprint to reposition the country’s manufacturing base.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

In a press briefing by General Secretary Irvin Jim yesterday in Johannesburg, the union called for higher tariffs on automotive, tyre, steel, and engineering sectors, stringent procurement rules to boost localisation, and decisive steps to curb imports and unfair practices.

NUMSAs stance comes as fears of deindustrialisation and mass retrenchments loom over a sector that has struggled with competition from cheaper imports and policy gaps.

The union proposed immediate protective measures and a longer-term strategy to strengthen local content and investment.

“Given that National Treasury has already passed the Public Procurement Act to support manufacturing and industrialisation, it is essential that National Treasury move swiftly to introduce public regulations to implement this Act,’ Jim said, framing procurement reform as a crucial lever for localisation and designation.