ANC councillors based in the Ezakheni and Tsakane areas have raised concerns about the recent closure of a massive clothing factory in the Ezakheni Industrial Estate, Pieters area.

In a heated meeting held today (June 11) at the factory premises, the councillors said they were shocked to learn that about 650 people are now without jobs. About 800 workers have been retrenched since last year.

According to the councillors, they heard rumours last month that the factory may be closing soon, leading them to approach the factory. At the time, they realised there was a miscommunication and also mismanagement within the company itself. Following up, it came to their attention that the trade union representing the workers was also the employer, since it owned the factory. The councillors wrote letters to different stakeholders – including COSATU, ANC provincial leadership and also the trade union – asking for a meeting.

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In a surprise move, before they could get a reply, the factory issued letters on Monday (June 9) notifying the workers that Tuesday was their last day of operation. This meant that the workers were being retrenched without following proper procedures.

The councillors were not impressed with the answers given by union representatives and factory management at today’s meeting, citing more discrepancies. Going forward, the councillors have committed to escalating this matter to provincial and national leadership of the trade union.

They are set to meet with the affected employees on Friday.

The councillors involved were Cllr Nathi Sithole, Cllr Vusi Memela, Cllr Londathina Hlomuka, Cllr Simphiwe Zwane and PR Cllr Lindiwe Hlongwane.

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