{
  "id": 327196,
  "title": "South African clothing factories struggle after migrant workers flee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/south-african-clothing-factories-struggle-after-migrant-workers-flee-327196",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-08T10:55:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/africa/south-african-clothing/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa's clothing factories are facing challenges as migrant workers leave the country following xenophobic protests. The campaign by anti-immigrant group March and March aimed to provide job opportunities for South Africans, who comprise a third of the unemployed population. However, the sudden departure of foreign workers has left factories with significant workforce gaps. Reuters visited three factories in late July and found owners had lost between 12% to 19% of their workforce during the protests. Some workers lacked sewing skills, while others were unwilling to take low-paying factory jobs. Mpho Nkosi, a 29-year-old South African administrator at one of the firms, noted that migrants often work in sectors unattractive to locals. Experts disagree on the extent of the labour shortages, with the Department of Employment and Labour stating they have no data to support such claims. The xenophobic group March and March claims immigrants are responsible for South Africa's economic issues, despite research disputing this notion. Factory owners argue that they employ South Africans, but skilled workers from neighboring countries like Eswatini and Lesotho are needed for their experience in the garment industry. Despite financial constraints, one factory owner, Alex Liu, started a training program for local employees but cannot train more due to budget limitations. The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union estimates that 15% of Newcastle's 15,000-strong textile workforce left during the protests. Union representative Siyabonga Ntombela disputed the skills shortage, stating that the jobs are not being filled due to low pay and poor working conditions. Labour market researcher Siphelele Ngidi emphasized that attracting South Africans to manufacturing jobs requires a government push to improve the sector, citing factors beyond wages, such as working conditions and upward mobility. Most Newcastle's garment factories are owned by Chinese nationals who produce clothing for domestic retailers. Workers are paid per piece completed, resulting in varying incomes, with some earning significantly less than the national minimum wage. Factory owners stated they cannot raise wages due to low retail orders, as garments are priced low. The industry faced setbacks in February when government inspections uncovered illegal labour practices, leading to a loss of retail orders. Factory owners expressed concern that the combined impact of worker shortages and reduced orders could push many factories into bankruptcy, potentially causing more South Africans to lose their jobs.",
  "summary": "Weeks after xenophobic protests drove thousands of migrant workers from South Africa, rows of sewing machines stood idle at a clothing factory in Newcastle, a manufacturing hub in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign led by anti-immigrant group March and March sought to free up jobs for South Africans, a third of whom are unemployed. But local […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/327196.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "South African clothing factories struggle after migrant workers flee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/south-african-clothing-factories-struggle-after-migrant-workers-flee",
        "published": "2026-08-07T00:42:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Former South African hunting reserve reopens as luxury safari retreat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/former-south-african-hunting-reserve-reopens-as-luxury-safari-retreat",
        "published": "2026-08-07T06:53:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Lion cubs find new home in South African shelter, drawing attention to illegal wildlife trade",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/lion-cubs-find-new-home-in-south-african-shelter-drawing-attention-to",
        "published": "2026-08-08T01:54:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}