Numsa calls for aggressive strategy to boost local industry growth

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

At a media briefing yesterday, 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.

Numsa’s 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.