The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has raised concerns about the future of employees at Nissan SA following an agreement for Chinese automaker Chery to acquire Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria.
Chery SA is set to purchase Nissan’s factory land, buildings and a nearby stamping plant, with the deal expected to be finalised by mid-2026. The company has indicated that the majority of Nissan SA employees will be absorbed into Chery under their existing terms and conditions.
However, NUMSA says it has not received formal communication regarding the transaction and remains cautious about assurances made concerning job security. The union says previous experiences in the automotive sector have shown that investment announcements can sometimes be followed by workforce reductions.
NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim said the union welcomed any development that could secure jobs but stressed the need for transparency and detailed engagement.
“The future of our members at Nissan in Rosslyn has not been guaranteed,” Jim said. “We welcome news that could secure their future, but we approach it with mixed feelings because we have not been provided with the details. Our priority is to ensure that jobs are retained.”
The Rosslyn plant has long been a key component of SA’s automotive manufacturing industry, which employs thousands of workers and plays a significant role in the country’s industrial economy. Labour unions have repeatedly called for clearer commitments from investors to protect jobs as the sector undergoes major structural shifts.
NUMSA said it expects further engagement with the relevant stakeholders in the coming weeks and will continue to monitor developments closely.
–ChannnelAfrica–
