Thousands of Western Cape jobs have been saved. Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the agreement that will save the jobs of thousands of employees at the Langeberg and Ashton Food (LAF) cannery. He says Tiger Brands has informed him that it has concluded a business agreement to facilitate the company’s exit from its deciduous canned fruit business, LAF.
Thousands of Western Cape jobs have been saved
PREMIER WINDE, “THIS positive DEVELOPMENT WILL BRING MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF TO LAF EMPLOYEES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY OF ASHTON, AS WELL AS THE BROADER REGION.”
Winde says the business will be sold as a going concern to a capable consortium comprising partners with a vested interest in LAF, its employees, and the region. The Premier added that the business is vital to the Langeberg region’s economy as it employs over 3,000 permanent and seasonal workers.
Job Security Boosted in Langeberg Area Through Strategic Agreement
A recent agreement has successfully safeguarded thousands of jobs at Langeberg and Ashton Foods (LAF), delivering a major win for employment in the Western Cape. In addition to preserving these positions, the deal also protects many more jobs across farms in the Langeberg agricultural region. This area is a vital part of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.
He added, “Our priority throughout this process has been to protect jobs.”
Premier Thanks Tiger Brands and Stakeholders for Commitment
Premier Alan Winde extended his gratitude to Tiger Brands and other key stakeholders for their dedication to reaching a positive outcome.
“YOUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THIS AGREEMENT REACHES A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION IS COMMENDABLE,” SAID THE PREMIER.
He emphasised that the shared goal of all stakeholders aligns with the Western Cape Government’s priority: To create a strong, stable, and growing economy that generates employment opportunities.
Western Cape Leads South Africa in Employment Rates
The announcement comes on the heels of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS). This shows that the Western Cape maintains the highest employment rate in South Africa.
“IN THIS PROVINCE, YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO FIND A JOB THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY,” SAID PREMIER WINDE.
He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector and stakeholders to foster a business-friendly environment, enabling job creation and economic resilience.
More Than Just Employment: Jobs Provide Dignity and Hope
Premier Winde also highlighted the broader impact of employment:
“A JOB IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PAY CHEQUE. IT BRINGS DIGNITY, PURPOSE, AND THE POWER TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES.”
Agricultural Sector Gains a Boost from Growth for Jobs Strategy
The Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, described the development as a win for both the Langeberg community and the local deciduous industry.
“OUR GROWTH FOR JOBS STRATEGY IS FOCUSED ON SAFEGUARDING AND EXPANDING EXPORTS, There is A PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE AGRI-PROCESSING SUB-SECTOR,” SAID DR MEYER.
This collaborative approach ensures continued investment in sectors that are vital to the region’s economic future.
