Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David van Vuuren MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the news of the possible closure of the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) production plant located in Bloemfontein. The reasons for the closure remain unclear, but the potential closure of a plant of this magnitude will certainly result in job losses.
With the Free State having the third-highest unemployment rate in the country, the issue of job security and the creation of further employment in the province is our number one concern. We have seen an alarming trend in other parts of the province and country, where companies are forced to end their operations due to the increased cost of running their businesses.
When large businesses close or alter their operations, the impact is usually felt immediately by the surrounding community. In some cases, the spin-off effects can be as devastating as the closure of the company. Local suppliers and service providers lose a major client, transport businesses collapse, informal markets and stalls around the company are forced to close, and there is significantly less money circulating in the local economy due to the loss of income.
We want to see the government doing more to protect businesses of all scales and ensure the protection of our economy. The DA has a six-point plan to turn around our economy in the Free State that includes turning collapsing municipalities into functioning centres of service delivery. With the help of residents in the local government elections, we can unseat the ANC and start working together to unlock investment and secure job opportunities in our province.