EYETHU Fishing has started a business restructuring process precipitated by the expiry of the lease for its factory site at the Gqeberha harbour and other challenges affecting the long‑term sustainability of its fish processing operations. The company said on Tuesday that Employees have been issued with the official notice of intention to retrench, and it has requested the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to assist it by facilitating the consultation process.
The company has operated from a Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) facility for many years. With the lease expiring on 31 March 2026 and the building reaching the end of its useful life, TNPA has advised that it wants to redevelop the property. Eyethu Fishing said, despite its bid submission last year, the proposal was not accepted as it did not meet TNPA’s minimum requirements.
The company said for a number of years, the fish processing part of the Eyethu business has been running at an unsustainable level of profitability. Various initiatives have been implemented to improve the profitability but were insufficient to turn the situation around. As a result, Eyethu Fishing has taken the difficult decision to commence a consultation process about the restructure of its operations, which may include the closure of the fish processing factory. Approximately 210 employees may be affected.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” said Erik Smuts, Eyethu CEO. “We recognise the impact this may have on our employees, their families and the wider Gqeberha community. Our commitment is to manage this process with fairness, respect and compassion, while safeguarding the long‑term sustainability of Eyethu Fishing.”
