Closure of Coca-Cola Bloemfontein a wake-up call for the Free State

The looming shutdown of Coca-Cola’s Bloemfontein plant is a major blow for the city and the Free State province. Dr Eugene Buthelezi from the University of the Free State (UFS) warns that while short-term relief for affected workers is vital, the province urgently needs a long-term strategy to attract industries, diversify its economy, and support local businesses.