eThekwini launches local resident training program to replace departed foreign workers

The mass departure of thousands of foreign nationals, returning to their countries of origin under pressure, has led to a large number of available jobs. Recently, the Labour and Civil Society Organization (LACO) reported that thanks to pressure on companies to replace foreign workers with locals, about 4000 South Africans have secured employment.

Municipal Activities and Plans

The office of the eThekwini mayor stated that in partnership with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a program will soon be launched to train and place local residents in positions previously held by undocumented foreigners. The Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Shabha, met with the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Palosa Phil, and representatives from the clothing and textile sector to explore ways to accelerate machine operator training in line with the industry's growing demand.

The municipality also intends to expand this program to the hospitality and scooter delivery services supporting retail trade, thereby increasing employment opportunities for local residents while simultaneously addressing a critical skills shortage in these sectors.

Challenges in the Textile Industry

A representative of the eThekwini Clothing and Leather Council noted that although they were not present at the meeting, the situation is critical and poses a serious threat to the industry in eThekwini. Previously, the organization had acknowledged the employment of foreign nationals, including some who might have been in the country illegally. The Council stated that it could not find local residents interested in working, especially in the machine operator position, which is central to its operations. It added that finding such a specialist locally remains difficult, noting that 18 positions recently became available, but none have been filled yet.

Tanasagren Rubbanathan Mudli, a council representative, emphasized that training local residents would take about six months, but this is unavoidable as it concerns saving local jobs. He specified that in the industry, which employs around 10,000 people, roughly half are foreigners and the other half are locals. Without the participation of foreigners, local jobs cannot exist.

He also expressed concern about the training process, pointing out that even if locals are trained, who will conduct the training while the business fulfills orders? He noted that one can only train a person for a month before they leave, requiring everything to start over.

Mudli added that for effective training, there should be foreign workers who could train the locals, given that machines in the textile industry are not identical. Furthermore, he pointed out that the industry itself does not encourage people to take these positions. The fashion industry dictates the price of the product, meaning the only way for companies to remain profitable is to produce large volumes. Thus, the machine operator job is labor-intensive but is not paid even minimum wage because the company cannot afford it, leading workers to work for less than minimum wage.

He warned that if the necessary skills are not found in the coming weeks, companies will begin to close, leading to job losses even for local residents. Some businesses are already closing, while others are considering relocating their operations elsewhere.