South Africa is currently facing a wave of corporate distress, with several major companies retrenching employees or entering liquidation. These developments have far-reaching consequences—not only for the economy but also for thousands of individuals and families who now face financial uncertainty.
At Insolvency Care, we understand the emotional and financial toll of sudden job loss. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the storm with dignity, legal protection, and a clear path forward.
Recent Developments
Here are some of the most significant events from the past week:
- 🏗️ Murray & Roberts Holdings was placed under provisional liquidation on 8 September 2025. The company, one of South Africa’s oldest construction firms, is now facing final winding-up proceedings in October. Read the full report
- 🔩 ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) announced the closure of its long steel operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, affecting over 3,500 direct jobs and potentially 100,000 downstream roles. Details from COSATU and Solidarity’s response
- 🚗 Ford Motor Company of South Africa is retrenching 474 employees across its Silverton and Struandale plants. For a deeper look at how this affects workers and what legal options are available, read our dedicated article:
👉 What Now: Ford South Africa Retrenchments – Insolvency Care - 🛞 Goodyear South Africa shut down its Kariega tyre plant after 78 years, leaving over 900 workers jobless. Scrolla Africa’s report
- ⚙️ Glencore South Africa is consulting unions about job cuts at its ferrochrome and vanadium operations. Engineering News and Moneyweb
- ⛏️ Assmang’s Beeshoek Mine may retrench up to 688 workers after losing a key contract with ArcelorMittal. Business Report and NUM’s official statement
What Happens After Retrenchment?
Retrenchment doesn’t just mean losing a job—it often means losing the ability to meet monthly obligations. Creditors don’t wait. Garnishee orders, loan defaults, and legal threats can follow quickly.
Employees may also be eligible to claim from their provident fund, depending on their employer’s contributions and the fund’s rules. CureDebt has published a helpful guide on this process:
👉 Provident Fund Claims and Liquidation – CureDebt Blog
This article explains how to:
- Check your eligibility
- Understand the legal timelines
- Navigate the claim process under the Pension Funds Act
- Avoid common pitfalls during liquidation
How Insolvency Care Can Help
Insolvency Care provides legal and financial support to individuals affected by retrenchment, liquidation, or overwhelming debt. Our services include:
✅ Voluntary Sequestration
A legal process that allows individuals to surrender their estate, cancel garnishee orders, and start fresh under court protection.
✅ NCR Accredited Debt Restructuring
Negotiation with creditors to consolidate debt into one manageable monthly payment, helping clients avoid legal action and regain financial stability. Talk to one of our accredited experts today!
✅ Legal Consultation
Our panel of attorneys ensures that every step is handled professionally, ethically, and in full compliance with South African law.
✅ Financial Rehabilitation
We guide clients through the process of rebuilding their financial profile, including budgeting, credit education, and long-term planning.
What You Should Do Next
If you’ve been retrenched or are facing financial pressure due to company liquidation, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you seek professional advice, the more options you’ll have to protect your assets and avoid legal consequences.
Insolvency Care offers free, confidential assessments to help you understand your options and take control of your financial future.
Let’s turn this setback into a comeback.
Disclaimer: The article is for informative purposes only. It does not serve as legal advice, nor is it intended as such. Please speak to our attorneys before relying solely on the information herein to make any decisions.