By Tapiwa Chawagarira
CHIREDZI — Hippo Valley Estates Ltd and Triangle Ltd have reassured stakeholders in Zimbabwe following news that Tongaat Hulett Limited (THL) in South Africa has applied for provisional liquidation.
In a press release issued on 12 February 2026, the companies acknowledged that developments in South Africa may cause concern among employees, growers, contractors, and business partners. However, management stated that the Zimbabwean operations remain unaffected and continue to function normally.
The joint Business Rescue Practitioners of Tongaat Hulett Limited have applied to the High Court of South Africa for an order to discontinue the company’s business rescue proceedings and to place its South African operations into provisional liquidation. The decision follows the collapse of the Business Rescue Plan after the lapse of sale agreements with Vision Sugar.
Despite these developments, Hippo Valley Estates Ltd and Triangle Ltd stressed that their Zimbabwean units operate as independent legal entities with separate management, financial systems, and operational structures.
Head of Corporate and Industry Affairs, Dahlia Garwe, moved to calm fears, stating:
“The developments in South Africa do not involve our Zimbabwean operations, which function as independent legal entities with separate management, finances, and operations. Triangle Ltd and Hippo Valley Estates Ltd remain financially robust, operationally sound, and fully committed to all contractual obligations. Production continues as normal, and we reaffirm our commitment to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and communities.”
The reassurance carries significant weight in the Lowveld region, where the two sugar producers are central to employment, outgrower schemes, and Zimbabwe’s overall sugar output. Any uncertainty surrounding the parent company has the potential to trigger anxiety across the agricultural value chain.
Industry observers note that while the South African court application marks a critical phase for Tongaat Hulett Limited, the structural and financial independence of the Zimbabwean operations provides a buffer against immediate impact.
For now, the message from management remains clear: operations are stable, contractual obligations will be honoured, and production continues uninterrupted.
Stakeholders seeking further clarification are encouraged to contact Dahlia Garwe at Hippo Valley Estates Ltd.
As the legal process unfolds in South Africa, attention will remain focused on the broader restructuring of Tongaat Hulett Limited. However, within Zimbabwe, business in the sugar industry continues as usual.
