South Africa's clothing industry under pressure as manufacturers struggle
South Africa's clothing industry is going through a difficult period amid import pressure and workplace inspections. According to GroundUp, factory raids in KwaZulu-Natal and court cases have exposed problems in the sector. The report says the key question is what workable solutions exist to protect manufacturers.
According to a GroundUp report published on AllAfrica, South Africa's clothing industry faces pressure from several directions. Factory inspections in KwaZulu-Natal province and ongoing court cases have brought problems in the sector into public view.
The report says cheap imports, cost pressures and debates over how regulations are enforced are straining manufacturers. Industry representatives say the search for solutions to keep domestic production competitive is continuing.
Garment manufacturing is known as one of the sectors providing significant employment in South Africa. Beyond laying out the problems, the report asks which policy options could offer a lasting solution.
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