MOTORING NEWS - Suppliers, workers and charities are in a spin after General Motors South Africa announced the company’s departure from the country at the end of the year.
The Port Elizabeth-based automotive giant shocked the nation on Thursday, confirming it was leaving and fully divesting, taking with it the Chevrolet brand.
The decision threatens about 600 jobs and impacts all the way along the company’s value and supplier chain.
Even though Japan’s Isuzu Motors is acquiring GMSA’s production, after-market and administrative facilities, those affected by the move are frantic with worry.
“This is affecting our families as well, because they see what is reported in the news,” one employee said.
Another one remarked: “The decision was very sudden. We are shocked.”
The father of two said GMSA management had told them earlier last week to expect a meeting at an undisclosed venue.
“We were excited. We thought this was good news,” he said.
“We will no longer work shorttime and, instead, will get fulltime jobs – so we thought.
“I am the only breadwinner. What will happen to my wife and two kids? This is very sad.”
On Thursday, GMSA sent an e-mail to suppliers and service providers informing them of the news.
