The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has issued a stark warning over reports that Japanese automaker Nissan may shut down its manufacturing facility in Gauteng, potentially putting more than 20,000 jobs at risk.
Irvin Jim, NUMSA’s general secretary, confirmed the union’s plans to meet with Nissan management to seek clarity on the company’s intentions. “We remain committed to defending jobs in this vital sector and will engage with Nissan to protect our members’ livelihoods,” Jim said.
The warning follows reports that Nissan intends to close several plants globally, including sites in South Africa, India, and Argentina, as part of a restructuring strategy to reduce its manufacturing footprint from 17 to 10 plants over the next two years.
Nissan South Africa told local media that it is “currently conducting a detailed assessment regarding the announced plant closures,” though no definitive decisions have been announced.
Nissan’s Gauteng plant, the only production facility for the brand in South Africa, has operated for nearly 50 years. Despite this long-standing presence, Nissan did not appear among South Africa’s top 10 best-selling automakers in April, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.
Industry analysts view the potential closure as part of wider global challenges Nissan faces. Automotive expert Mphuthumi Damane described South Africa’s situation as a small piece of a larger puzzle. “The closure is a feared outcome for the local motor industry, with potentially severe consequences for workers and the sector as a whole,” Damane said.
The development highlights the broader vulnerability of South Africa’s automotive sector amid global shifts, including changing consumer demand and evolving production strategies. NUMSA’s intervention underscores the urgent need for transparency and proactive efforts to safeguard jobs in the face of Nissan’s restructuring plans.