South Africa’s Auto Jobs in focus: Wage Talks, Stability and Global Competitiveness.

Loading player...
GUEST: Abey Kgotle – Chairperson of the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (AMEO) and Executive Director of Human Resources at Mercedes-Benz South Africa

South Africa’s automotive industry the country’s largest manufacturing employer and a cornerstone of its export economy is at a critical crossroads. Wage negotiations between vehicle manufacturers and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) have stalled, raising the threat of a sector-wide strike that could ripple through supply chains, exports, and local communities.

Abey Kgotle, Chairperson of AMEO, unpacks the economic stakes behind the impasse and the delicate balance between worker welfare and global competitiveness. With global markets shifting toward electric mobility and local manufacturers battling rising costs, cheap imports from China and India, and export tariffs to the US, the need for multi-year labour stability has never been more urgent.
3 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Rethinking the Modern Lease Agreement

Many rental disputes can be traced back to lease agreements that landlords and tenants don't fully understand. Craig Buckley, Managing Director of reOS, explores how attorney-backed technology is helping improve lease clarity, reduce disputes, streamline compliance and strengthen landlord-tenant relationships in South Africa's rental market.
19 Oct 1PM 16 min

Calgro's Long-Term Growth Blueprint as Interim HEPS slide 4%

Calgro M3 delivered resilient interim results despite a constrained property market. CEO Ben Pierre Malherbe joins Kaya Biz to unpack the company's investment in large-scale housing developments, progress on non-core asset disposals, rising debt levels, and the growing contribution from its Memorial Parks business. We explore what sustainable growth looks…
19 Oct 12PM 14 min

Why Many SMEs Still Aren't Investment Ready

Access to funding remains a major challenge for South African entrepreneurs, but is capital really the biggest obstacle? Old Mutual's Ndumiso Zulu explores why investment readiness, governance and compliance have become critical differentiators for SMEs seeking growth capital and long-term sustainability.
15 Oct 11AM 20 min

The New Economics of African Entertainment

Africa's entertainment and media sectors are evolving rapidly, but technology alone won't determine the winners. Charles Stuart of PwC unpacks the latest Africa Entertainment & Media Outlook, examining growth opportunities across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, the rise of gaming, shifting advertising trends and the enduring value of cultural connection
15 Oct 11AM 13 min

Inside Your Pocket: Spring-Clean Your Finances Before the Festive Spending Rush

With millions of South Africans battling impaired credit records and year-end spending pressures approaching, Trevor Misthry from National Debt Counsellors shares practical steps to regain control. From debt reconciliation and budgeting to avoiding festive season traps, this conversation focuses on building financial resilience before December arrives.
15 Oct 11AM 14 min