OTHONGATHI, KwaZulu-Natal - Tongaat Hulett has filed for provisional liquidation after rescue efforts failed.
The company entered business rescue in 2022, amid deep governance and financial woes but just couldn’t recover.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen warns key mills may not open ahead of April’s crushing season.
If funding isn’t secured, 15 500 growers won't be able to harvest.
Up to 40 000 jobs hang in the balance.
READ: Liquidation looms for Tongaat Hulett
Negotiations continue behind closed doors to avert a business governance crisis likened to the Steinhoff saga.
All eyes are now on the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, which is expected to hear the matter next Friday.
It's a ruling that could determine the fate of oThongathi.
eNCA’s Nokwazi Qumbisa visited affected farmers to file this report.