Goodyear SA's restructuring puts over 900 jobs at risk

Unions and analysts fear the closure in Eastern Cape could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

GOODYEAR South Africa's announcement on Friday to discontinue its manufacturing operations in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, has sent shockwaves through the region, with over 900 jobs at risk due to a Section 189 notice served to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).

The decision, communicated by Goodyear's Managing Director Paul Gerrard, has raised alarm among unions, and economic analysts, who fear the closure could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment.

Mziyanda Twani, Numsa Eastern Cape Regional Secretary, said on Friday that the union is dismayed by Goodyear South Africa's announcement to discontinue its manufacturing operations in South Africa.

"The union has been served with a Section 189 notice from Paul Gerrard, the Managing Director of Goodyear Tyres in South Africa.

The manufacturing plant is located in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, and the company envisages that at least 907 employees will be affected by the plant closure," Twani said.