“The strike places us in a very difficult position, because we can not export anything. Imports and exports have come to a complete standstill,” said Van Zyl according to the source.
“The strike is of great concern to us, as it places us in an extremely negative light as an international vehicle manufacturer. This is not only true for Toyota, but for all South African vehicle manufacturers."
Volkswagen is somewhat unaffected at the moment, as it managed to secure the arrival of several parts containers ahead of the strike.
“However, we face a few critical deadlines this week and, unless we manage to get a few more containers through and some cars out, it will get more critical. The situation is very precarious right now,” Bill Stephens, VW South Africa communications manager said.
BMW believes the strike has "the potential to have dramatic implications," while General Motors South Africa, yet not affected by the strike, is concerned over the long-term impact of the protests.
"There is a growing risk that ships carrying parts for South African vehicle assembly plants will bypass South Africa, increasing the risk of production stoppages during, or after conclusion of the strike. Component exports are facing a growing threat of delays the longer the strike continues,” GMSA operations communications manager Denise van Huyssteen added.
Some 26,000 people are on strike, paralizing the countrys' ship and, more recently, railroad transports. 180,000 commuters have been affected by this latest development.
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