South African Clothing Factories Lose Workers as Migrant Exodus Hits Newcastle

South Africa · ECONOMY

Key Facts

—Workforce losses: Three Newcastle factory owners told Reuters they lost between 12 and 19 percent of their workers after the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant group March and March.

—Union estimate: The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union estimated about 15 percent of Newcastle's 15,000 textile workers left during the exodus.

—National unemployment: South Africa's unemployment rate stood at 32.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025, according to Daily Maverick.