The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng welcomes the announcement of the R2 billion investment in the new Soufflet Malt facility located in Midvaal, Sedibeng. We recognise the potential that this strategic industrial investment has to support local value chains, strengthen our agricultural sector, and create meaningful work opportunities for Gauteng residents.
The investment, which will see a state-of-the-art malting plant built next to Heineken Beverages’ Sedibeng Brewery, signals confidence in our economy and in the labour absorbing potential for Gauteng residents. The facility is expected to produce about 100 000 tonnes of malt annually, source barley from South African farmers, and support jobs across agriculture, logistics, construction and manufacturing.
COSATU Gauteng is particularly encouraged by the direct and indirect job creation associated with this project. With over 300 jobs expected during construction and additional permanent posts once operational, this investment can contribute to reducing unemployment — especially among the youth and workers who have historically been marginalised.
However, we emphasise that job creation must go hand-in-hand with decent work, fair wages, strong worker protections, and respect for collective bargaining. COSATU will be monitoring this project closely to ensure that labour rights are upheld and that the jobs created meet the standards that South African working people deserve. We call on the company, contractors, government and labour to engage social dialogue as the project progresses.
We also welcome the local sourcing of agricultural inputs from barley farmers, including emerging farmers, which can help support rural economies and broaden inclusive participation in agro-processing value chains.
COSATU Gauteng will continue to engage with all stakeholders including organised labour, community representatives, and government to ensure that this investment maximises benefits for workers, their families and the broader province.
Ultimately, such investments must prioritise people, creating stable livelihoods, strengthening local industry, and promoting an economy that works for all.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
Provincial Chairperson (Amos Monyela) : 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary (Louisah Modikwe) : 066 182 2402 / 082 297 2659
donald@cosatu.org.za
mediadon.co.za
