Coca-Cola SA to cut 680 jobs as Bloemfontein and East London plants close

Coca-Cola SA set to cut 680 jobs as Bloemfontein and East London plants close

Bulelwa Hoala

Coca-Cola Beverages SA plans to cut over 680 jobs and shut down its Bloemfontein and East London plants as part of a restructuring process.
The company cites financial pressures for the decision and has pledged to offer affected workers a “generous separation package.”
FAWU has vowed to challenge the retrenchments, accusing the company of bypassing the union ahead of CCMA proceedings set for 19 September 2025.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is reportedly undergoing a major restructuring process that could result in the loss of over 680 jobs across the country.

SABC News reports that the company mentioned financial pressures as the main reason for the decision.

In documents obtained by the SABC, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa pledged to provide affected employees with a “generous separation package.”

As part of its restructuring plan, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa plans to close its production plants in Bloemfontein and East London.

The decision has sparked criticism from Edwin Mabowa, Deputy General-Secretary of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), who has vowed to challenge the retrenchments.

Mabowa is accusing the company of attempting to negotiate directly with workers.

“Before we can even have our first meeting with the CCMA, the company is going behind our backs and consulting with the employees individually or otherwise to an extent that they are telling you that first phase and the second phase is completed. According to the union, there is no first and second phase,” Mabowa said.

Mabowa added that the CCMA process is set to begin this Friday, 19 September 2025.