Durban, 18 February 2026 — John Steenhuisen has called for urgent intervention to secure South Africa’s struggling sugar mills, warning that continued instability in the sector threatens jobs, rural economies and national food security.
Steenhuisen said government must move swiftly to stabilise operations at affected mills, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where the sugar industry remains a critical employer and economic driver. He stressed that failure to act decisively could result in widespread job losses and long-term damage to agricultural communities.
The Democratic Alliance leader urged relevant departments and industry stakeholders to collaborate on practical solutions that protect both growers and mill workers. He highlighted the knock-on impact that mill closures or disruptions would have on small-scale farmers who rely heavily on consistent processing capacity.
South Africa’s sugar industry has faced mounting pressure in recent years, including operational challenges, financial strain and external competition. Industry representatives have repeatedly warned that without coordinated intervention, further instability could undermine the sector’s sustainability.
Steenhuisen said urgent resolution is needed to restore confidence and prevent further economic fallout in affected regions. He emphasised that the matter should be treated as a national priority given the sector’s contribution to employment and rural development.
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