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

What SA Retail Spending Trends Reveal About Consumers

Consumer panel expert Lané Klopper from NIQ South Africa unpacked how South Africans spent R683 billion on FMCG goods in 2025, with growth in traditional trade and smaller basket shopping reflecting financial pressure.
5 Mar 2PM 12 min

MultiChoice to Shut Down Showmax

MultiChoice has announced it will close Showmax after years of heavy investment and mounting losses. Business writer Mudiwa Gavaza explained the move reflects challenges in Africa’s streaming economics, rising content costs and strategic shifts under new ownership. MultiChoice to Shut Down Showmax: MultiChoice has announced it will close Showmax after…
5 Mar 2PM 26 min

FirstRand Posts Strong Results Amid Tough Economy

FirstRand delivered an 11% rise in normalised earnings to R23.2 billion for the six months to December 2025. CEO Mary Vilakazi said the performance was driven by solid momentum across FNB, RMB and WesBank, with diversified growth supporting returns.
5 Mar 2PM 13 min