Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Provincial Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) to urgently intervene following the closure of factories in QwaQwa, which threatens the livelihoods of workers and their families.
We urge the department to engage with all relevant stakeholders to save jobs while negotiations continue. DESTEA must also ensure that all factories and businesses operate legally, and that any unlawfully occupied or hijacked businesses are investigated and those responsible held accountable.
The DA is deeply concerned about the potential loss of jobs and will do everything in its power to protect workers, support legitimate businesses and promote an environment that encourages investment and job creation in QwaQwa. DA believes that if FDC managed and controlled its assets properly, this situation could have been avoided.