DTIC seeks technical partner to save Goodyear plant

DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, says the government is taking concrete steps to protect South Africa's domestic tyre manufacturing industry, following the closure of the Goodyear plant in Kariega and broader pressures facing the local automotive sector.

- HOPE NTANZI

Godlimpi told Parliament on Wednesday, during a session where ministers in the Economic Cluster were responding to questions from MPs, that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is "deeply concerned" about the closure of the Goodyear facility, which threatens approximately 900 jobs.

However, Goodyear indicated the closure process was already finalised and the company was unwilling to transfer its technology to any new owner.

"Without a technical partner, there is no credible offer that can be put on the table," said Godlimpi.

He explained that efforts were ongoing to secure such a partner, and that a potential investor was only expected in the country in December, which would be too late to prevent the planned shutdown on October 15.

He added that Goodyear's exit was not unique to South Africa, noting that the company had also announced plant closures in Malaysia and Germany as part of a global cost-cutting strategy.