The Star reports that employees of Africa Cash & Carry in Crown Mines in Johannesburg protested on Tuesday after being told the store could be closed soon due to tax evasion issues.

The food and grocery wholesaler specialises in bulk buying and attracts business from small spaza shops from different townships. Imports and exports are also part of the store’s specialisation. However, workers downed tools for some time on Tuesday while picketing outside the doors of the store. They were apparently told by a curator and a SA Revenue Services (Sars) official that the company could be closed in six weeks. The workers put together a media statement in which they expressed concern about losing their jobs. “We are scared of losing our jobs. We were told that a curator has been appointed and that there is no owner. We are only at work for six weeks and if we don’t find an owner, the company will get liquidated,” the workers indicated. They said some among them had been working there for 20 years. The staff claimed the store was profitable and making millions and they could not understand how it could find itself on the way to liquidation. By late Tuesday afternoon, employees were back at work and trading had resumed at the store.

• Read the full original of the short report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa on page 2 of The Star of 9 June 2021

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page