Why South African Businesses Are Struggling To Replace Foreign Workers
South Africa’s “locals first” employment drive is facing fresh scrutiny after businesses warned that labour shortages are disrupting farms, factories and other industries following the departure of thousands of foreign workers.
Employers say production has slowed in several sectors, while labour groups argue the shortages highlight deeper issues around wages and working conditions rather than a lack of local workers.
Labour Shortages Disrupt Farms And Factory Production
AFP reports that businesses across South Africa have been struggling to replace experienced migrant workers after more than 160,000 foreign nationals reportedly left the country in recent weeks following anti-migrant protests and intensified immigration enforcement.
The impact has been particularly severe in agriculture, where farmers say crops are at risk of being left unharvested.
Zimbabwean farmworker Aaron Majatamhe described what he had witnessed.
“I see a lot of farm owners who are crying now… people have to harvest those naartjies, but there is no one.”
He added that vineyards could soon face the same problem.
“It’s time to cut off the grapes, and there is no one.”
According to AFP, Zimbabwe accounted for the largest share of returning migrants, many of whom had been employed in farming, construction and domestic work.
The labour shortage has also affected KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry.
One farmer, who spoke anonymously, said losing workers had placed operations under pressure.
“Production and supply have deteriorated to the point where it is going to be difficult for the mills to stay open.”
Businesses Warn Skilled Workers Cannot Be Replaced Overnight
Manufacturers are also reporting difficulties.
A manager at a clothing factory in Durban’s Chatsworth industrial area told AFP that experienced machinists from Malawi and Mozambique had left, making it harder to fulfil customer orders.
“We can barely meet our targets because most were forced to go.”
Some employers argue that replacing experienced migrant workers will take time because many have spent years developing specialised skills.
However, labour unions dispute claims that South Africa lacks willing workers.
Patrick Williams of the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union said some employers preferred foreign workers because they accepted lower pay and fewer employment protections.
“They are making a profit out of foreign nations.”
Government Balances ‘Locals First’ Policy With Industry Demands
The South African government has continued promoting a “locals first” employment approach while acknowledging that some industries rely heavily on migrant labour.
This week, authorities expanded the Trusted Employer Scheme, which fast-tracks work visas for qualifying companies that primarily employ South Africans while investing in skills development.
Industry organisations have meanwhile called for a regulated seasonal worker programme similar to those used in other countries.
Speaking to Newsroom Afrika, South African Farmers Development Association chief executive Siyabonga Madlala said:
“There may be a need for a special dispensation allowing seasonal labour from SADC countries where local supply is insufficient.”
For many migrants who left South Africa, however, safety concerns outweighed employment opportunities.
Zimbabwean national Wayne Chimbadzwa Mutasa said police operations targeting undocumented migrants influenced his decision to leave.
Meanwhile, Majatamhe said he remained despite his fears.
“We are afraid to stay even in this place, but the problem is, we don’t have enough money to go home.”
The labour shortages have added fresh pressure to South Africa’s “locals first” employment policy. While government, businesses and labour unions disagree on the causes and solutions, the immediate impact is already being felt on farms, factory floors and across industries that rely on experienced workers.
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