Cosatu slams Premier Foods over Tulbagh plant closure as thousands of jobs hang in the balance

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has criticised Premier Foods

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has criticised Premier Foods over the planned closure of its Tulbagh fruit canning plant, saying the move could put thousands of jobs and local farming livelihoods at risk.

The union has also raised concerns about the company’s CEO, Kobus Gertenbach, who is reportedly set to receive a R17.4 million bonus, taking his total remuneration for the 2026 financial year to R26.1 million.

"The proposed closure of the Fruits Products Western Cape (FPWC) plant in Tulbagh will devastate the region," the union said.

"It threatens approximately 3,500 permanent and seasonal factory jobs, over 2,000 permanent farm workers, and the livelihood of around 200 commercial producers and their suppliers. The plant processes up to 60,000 tons of fruit annually and purchases R300 million worth of produce from local farmers".