South African Clothing Factories Face Labour Crisis as Migrant Workers Flee

Clothing factories in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are struggling to maintain production after anti-immigrant protests forced thousands of migrant workers to leave the country.

Factory owners say the departure of experienced foreign employees has left many sewing machines idle, with local workers unwilling to fill the low-paying positions. According to the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union, about 15% of Newcastle's 15,000 textile workers left during the protests.

Manufacturers warn that replacing skilled workers will take time and that labour shortages, combined with declining retail orders, could force some factories to shut down. While employers argue they rely on experienced workers from neighbouring countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho, union officials insist South Africa has qualified machinists but say poor wages and difficult working conditions discourage locals from taking the jobs.

The garment industry, a key employer in Newcastle, has also been affected by reduced orders following government inspections into illegal labour practices earlier this year. Some factory owners say they are operating at a loss and may be forced to close if conditions do not improve in the coming months.

The protests were organised by the anti-immigration group March and March, which claims foreign workers take jobs from South Africans. However, researchers dispute that claim, arguing that migrants often fill jobs that are unattractive to local workers due to low pay and challenging conditions.

Factory owners and labour experts are urging the government to support the manufacturing sector, improve working conditions, and help attract more South Africans into the industry to prevent further job losses and factory closures.

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