SOUTH AFRICA’S GARMENT INDUSTRY HIT BY 12% WORKER SHORTAGE AFTER ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROTESTS
South Africa’s garment industry is facing a growing labour crisis after anti-illegal-immigrant protests reportedly pushed migrant workers out of some manufacturing areas.
Factory owners in Newcastle say they have lost a significant share of their workforce, with some businesses reporting workforce declines of up to 12% or more.
Manufacturers warn that replacing experienced workers will not happen overnight. Skilled employees can take years to train, raising concerns about productivity, production costs and possible factory closures.
The situation is unfolding despite South Africa’s extremely high unemployment rate.
The debate is becoming increasingly difficult: How can South Africa protect employment opportunities for its citizens while ensuring industries do not lose the skilled workers they rely on ?