SA’s Tongaat Hulett provisional liquidation case irks Zim MP

Zaka South legislator Clemence Chiduwa has raised alarm in Parliament over the ongoing provisional liquidation proceedings against South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett, warning that the development could have serious implications for Zimbabwe’s sugar industry.


Chiduwa raised the matter as a point of national interest during parliamentary debate, noting that Tongaat Hulett — which has filed for provisional liquidation following the collapse of its business rescue plan — has significant ownership stakes in Zimbabwe’s major sugar producers.

“My point of national interest arises from a notice issued by South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett, which has filed for provisional liquidation following the collapse of its business rescue plan,” Chiduwa said.

“As you may be aware, Tongaat Hulett owns 100% of Triangle Limited, and Triangle Limited owns 50.32% of Hippo Valley.”

He said although assurances had been made that Zimbabwe’s operations would not be affected, the situation remained concerning given the ownership structure.

Chiduwa explained that the provisional liquidation followed the lapse of a sale agreement with Vision Sugar, rendering the business rescue plan unimplementable.

“If the South African High Court grants the liquidation order, the Triangle asset base may then fall directly under the control of the liquidators. The likelihood of this happening is creating anxiety and uncertainty, given the likely domino effect on Triangle and Hippo Valley,” he said.

The MP emphasised that the sugar industry is central to the economic stability of Chiredzi, Ngundu and Masvingo, supporting more than 1,200 out‑growers and employing over 25,000 people, including youth, women and war veterans.

“Given the strategic nature of the sugar crop, I call upon the Minister of Industry and Commerce to issue an urgent Ministerial Statement on the status of Triangle and Hippo Valley, given the collapse of Tongaat Hulett’s business plan in South Africa,” Chiduwa said.