04 September 2020

Cell C is reportedly set to shed 546 new jobs as the mobile operator is planning to close 128 stores across South Africa. This new wave of redundancies would be added to the 960-job reduction plan initiated since June 2020.

Cell C, which launched in June a workforce reduction plan targeting 960 employees including junior executives and semi-qualified staff, plans to separate again from 546 employees through the closure of 128 stores on the National territory. The target goal is still to reduce spending and stabilise finances.

In a statement, Cell C, which currently has 2,500 employees and 240 stores in South Africa, justifies its intention to lay off more by the changing retail environment. A change accentuated by the impact of Covid-19 which has rapidly changed the purchasing habits of consumers. “Just as banks are moving away from physical branches, Cell C is embracing technology solutions that drive digital inclusion by leveraging collaborations and partnerships,” the company explained.

At the start of August 2020, Cell C said it was still looking for solutions that could improve its liquidity, debt profile and long-term competitiveness as part of its recovery strategy. With 546 new jobs in the sights of the telecoms company, a total of 1,506 people could be unemployed by the end of 2020. 

Cell C did not respond to calls from Southern African Wireless Communications.