Coca-Cola SA responds to plans to cut over 680 jobs amid mounting backlash
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has reportedly become the latest company looking to retrench workers, as it considers cutting more than 680 jobs across the country.
Image: File
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has become the latest company looking to retrench workers, as it considers cutting more than 680 jobs across the country.
The beverage company, which has been operating in South Africa for decades, is reportedly planning to close its manufacturing plants in Bloemfontein and East London as part of a wider restructuring aimed at addressing financial challenges.
Motshidisi Mokwena, Coca-Cola’s Head of Communication, told IOL that the company was responding to changing industry conditions by making organisational adjustments that could, unfortunately, lead to job losses.
"In response to evolving industry dynamics, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa intends to make adjustments to its organisation that, if implemented, may result in some roles being impacted and may, unfortunately, result in job losses".
She confirmed that consultations with unions and affected employees have begun, and stressed that Coca-Cola was committed to supporting those impacted with fairness and transparency throughout the process.
"We have started a consultation process with unions and non-unionised employees who may be impacted. Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency, and compassion during this process. Consultations are underway, and no final decision has been made".
This announcement comes just months after Statistics South Africa released a sobering report on the country’s labour market, revealing that a staggering 291,000 jobs were lost in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
The reports also revealed that the country’s official unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points, rising from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025 to 33.2% in the second quarter.
Furthermore, South Africans have faced rising costs in recent months, with inflation growing at 5.2% in August according to StatSA. The latest Cost of Living Report by the Competition Commission also showed that rising expenses across various sectors have forced many South Africans to make tough choices between basic needs.
The proposed job cuts have sparked concern among labour unions, who have vowed to challenge the retrenchments.
Speaking to the public broadcaster SABC, Deputy General-Secretary of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), Edwin Mabowa, accused Coca-Cola of attempting to bypass union negotiations by engaging directly with affected employees.
“Before we can even have our first meeting with the CCMA, the company is going behind our backs and consulting with the employees individually or otherwise to an extent that they are telling you that the first and second phases are completed," Mabowa said.
Mabowa insisted that the company has not properly engaged with the union, and there was no phased approach.
"There is no first and second phase. The company served us with the notice, which was coupled with an application to the CCMA, set to commence on September 19.”
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za