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 12PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Mine 2026: The New Battleground for Global Mining

PwC’s Mine 2026 report shows miners posting record profits — yet facing unprecedented structural pressures. Energy Utilities and Resource Assurance Partner Vuyiswa Khutlang breaks down the three imperatives reshaping mining: policy stability, capital mobilisation, and technology‑driven productivity. We explore copper’s surge, coal’s decline, selective M&A, and why geology alone no…
29 Jun 2PM 16 min

How Middle East Shocks Hit Africa’s Politics & Economy

The Middle East ceasefire may hold — or unravel. Either way, Africa is already feeling the tremors. Political analyst Jervin Naidoo maps how geopolitical shocks strain fiscal balances, fuel inflation, election stability, capital flows and sovereign risk premiums across the continent. A deep dive into Africa’s political vulnerability and the…
29 Jun 2PM 18 min

R316 Million for Impact: How E Squared Is Rewiring Entrepreneurship

E Squared’s 2025 Impact Report showcases a powerful model of patient capital, responsible entrepreneurship and transformation-driven investing. CEO Gladwyn Leeuw explains the shift to “lives meaningfully improved", the pipeline‑to‑scale approach, backing Black and female founders, and building businesses that endure — all while delivering commercial and social returns.
29 Jun 2PM 14 min

Inside Siyakhokha: How Ekurhuleni Is Modernising Municipal Payments

Ekurhuleni’s finances — and its ability to deliver reliable services — depend on a strong partnership with residents. MMC for Finance Alderman Jongizizwe Dlabathi explains how the City’s Siyakhokha platform is transforming municipal payments through convenience, security and digital efficiency. From registering online to logging queries and making payment arrangements,…
25 Jun 1PM 15 min

African Bank sees R624mn half-year loss, Capital ratio 25.8% keeps ops standing

African Bank has entered a new chapter shifting from years of acquisitive expansion to a disciplined phase of consolidation. Interim Group CEO Zweli Manyathi breaks down the R624m loss, the credit environment, cost‑to‑income pressures, and the bank’s strategy to unlock value from its diversified platform.
25 Jun 1PM 21 min