RISE fm Taking Care of Business on RISE fm

Industry Reacts as Thousands of Jobs at Risk following Tongaat Hulett's Failed Rescue

Loading player...
South Africa’s sugar industry is sounding the alarm after the potential liquidation of Tongaat Hulett, warning that the collapse of the 134-year-old producer could destabilise the entire sector. Growers say the move threatens thousands of jobs, rural economies, and the livelihoods of more than a million people who depend on the sugar value chain.

SA Canegrowers is urging government to intervene urgently, arguing that the loss of Tongaat’s milling and refining operations would have immediate and devastating consequences for growers and surrounding communities.

We speak to key industry stakeholders following the developments at Tongaat Hulett and some of the challenges facing the implementation of the National Sugar Masterplan 2030.

1. Pratish Sharma – Commercial Canegrower
2. Dr Thomas Funke – CEO of SA Canegrowers Association
3. Kulani Siweya - SASA National Markets & Trade Policy Executive
16 Feb English South Africa Business News

Other recent episodes

Can AI Replace Your Financial Adviser?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, learn and even make financial decisions. More South Africans are turning to AI tools for answers about saving, investing and budgeting. But can AI really replace the expertise of a qualified financial adviser, or should it simply be another tool in your…
27 Jul 11 min

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming South African Mining

Mining remains one of the biggest contributors to South Africa's economy and a major employer here in Mpumalanga. But the industry is under growing pressure to improve safety, increase productivity, reduce costs and remain globally competitive. Increasingly, mining companies are turning to artificial intelligence and other Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies…
30 Jul 12 min

Bridging the Skills Gap: Why Industry Partnerships Matter

One of the biggest concerns facing South Africa is the gap between education and employment. While thousands of young people graduate every year, many still struggle to find opportunities because employers say graduates often lack the practical skills needed in the workplace. Gert Sibande TVET College is hoping to help…
28 Jul 10 min

South Africa's SME Crisis Isn't a Funding Problem - It's a Sales Problem

Small businesses are often described as the backbone of South Africa's economy, yet many continue to battle rising costs, red tape, unreliable infrastructure and limited access to finance. But what if we've been looking at the problem the wrong way? Our guest believes the biggest challenge facing South African SMEs…
21 Jul 13 min

What’s Driving Buyers to Hybrid Electric Vehicles Now?

South Africa's new-energy vehicle market is gaining momentum, with the latest figures from Naamsa revealing some surprising shifts in consumer preferences. While fully electric vehicle sales nearly doubled during the first quarter of 2026, it was plug-in hybrid vehicles that stole the spotlight, recording an astonishing 430 percent increase compared…
15 Jun 11 min
All episodes