Abstract
The massive indus­trial build­ing that once housed Goo­dyear SA’s tyre plant in Kariega was put up for sale last week. For many former employ­ees, the news was a crush­ing blow. Many were hold­ing on to the hope that gov­ern­ment inter­ven­tion or a new investor would step in to save the plant, rein­state lost jobs and keep live­li­hoods intact. However, while the uncer­tainty remains, the depart­ment of trade, industry and com­pet­i­tion has not com­pletely shut the door on pos­sibly find­ing and bring­ing in an investor to take over the plant. On Janu­ary 12, the indus­trial prop­erty situ­ated in the Alex­an­der Indus­trial Area was lis­ted for sale on Prop­erty24. Accord­ing to the ad, the prop­erty, situ­ated in an estab­lished indus­trial and auto­mot­ive hub in Kariega, offers about 107,000m² of indus­trial and ware­house improve­ments on a site of about 245,000m². It is being mar­keted as suit­able for owner-occu­pi­ers, investors and developers, with addi­tional bulk avail­able for devel­op­ment and high-power infra­struc­ture ideal for larges­cale indus­trial users. The plant and machinery are also avail­able, and can either be pur­chased with the prop­erty or sep­ar­ately. The sale will be handled exclus­ively by Cush­man & Wake­field | BROLL via an open mar­ket tender. Accord­ing to the ad, inter­ested parties are required to sign non-dis­clos­ure agree­ments to access detailed inform­a­tion and register their expres­sions of interest via Grant Long­worth or Angus Mur­ray.

More Background

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has kept the door open for potential revival efforts. In late 2025, Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi noted ongoing work to find a technical partner or investor (including discussions around possible Chinese automaker involvement), alongside measures like anti-dumping duties to protect the local tyre sector from cheap imports. However, Goodyear was unwilling to transfer technology or delay closure, and the plant shut down as planned despite these efforts. By early 2026, with the property now formally on the market, the focus appears to have shifted toward repurposing the site rather than restarting tyre production under new ownership.

Prayer Guidelines
1 – For a Smooth and Successful Transaction
Heavenly Father,You are the God who opens doors that no one can shut. We bring before You the sale of the large industrial site in Kariega that once gave work and dignity to so many families. As Your Word declares in Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — we ask for Your favour and perfect timing over this transaction. Remove every obstacle, bring clarity to the process, and let it conclude successfully and speedily according to Your will. May this property find new life and purpose, becoming a source of hope rather than sorrow, for You establish the work of our hands as in Psalm 90:17 — “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” We trust You to guide every detail. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.Prayer

2 – For Buyers with a Heart for the Community
Lord Jesus, You see the pain and uncertainty in the hearts of the workers, families, and residents of Uitenhage who have lost so much. We humbly ask You to sovereignly direct the right buyers to this property—men and women of integrity, wisdom, and compassion who will conduct their affairs with justice, as Proverbs 16:11 reminds us: “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making,” and who deal generously for the welfare of others. Raise up investors who will look beyond profit and truly have the best interests of our people at heart: those who will create sustainable jobs, restore hope, and invest in the future of our community, delighting in the prosperity of Your servants as in Psalm 35:27 — “Let them say continually, ‘Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!’” Shut the door to any who would exploit or neglect Your people, and open the way only for those who will be a blessing. We place this entire matter in Your faithful hands.
In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Good Year Closure - Prayer Request 18 Augustus 2025

Compiled by GAP Ministries
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