South Africa is facing a serious labor crisis as thousands of migrant workers have left the country following outbreaks of violence. This situation has led to factories and farms across the country having an acute need for labor.
Labor shortage in agriculture
Similar problems are observed on farms, such as vineyards near the city of Robertson. Aaron Majatamhe, a 33-year-old worker from Zimbabwe, told AFP that many farm owners are now desperate because they need to harvest citrus fruits but lack workers. He noted that a similar shortage is also present in vineyards where it is time to pick grapes.
Such difficulties are felt everywhere: factories, farms, and even private households are experiencing staff shortages after thousands of foreign workers left over several weeks to avoid deadly anti-immigrant protests and increased immigration control.
Scale of migrant exodus
Groups opposing illegal immigration, such as March and March, set an unofficial deadline of June 30th for illegal migrants to leave. This has triggered the departure of over 160,000 people, according to AFP estimates based on data from African governments managing the repatriation of their citizens.
Zimbabwe, which provided the largest number of returnees, reported that many of them worked in the agricultural, domestic, and construction sectors in South Africa.
Impact on industry
The first signs of the crisis appeared almost immediately in the KwaZulu-Natal sugar belt. One farmer from the northern coast reported losing up to 80% of his sugarcane harvesting workforce in practically one night. He stated that production and deliveries deteriorated to such an extent that milling plants would struggle to continue operations, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation.
Another producer near Mid-Illovo, in the hilly region south of Durban, mentioned that most sugarcane harvesters in his area came from Lesotho, a small kingdom surrounded by South Africa. He added that there are fields that need harvesting, but there are not enough people, and local residents avoid this work due to its harshness and physical demands.
Employment discussions
However, this argument is disputed. Labor unions and researchers argue that with unemployment rates above 33% (and even higher if those not seeking work are included), there are enough people in South Africa willing to work. Instead, they believe that many employers prefer migrants because they are cheaper, more flexible, and less likely to require formal contracts, benefits, or legal protection.
Patrick Williams, a local organizer for the Commercial, Freight, Agricultural and Allied Union, stated that foreign farmers regularly worked seven days a week, skipped lunch breaks to maximize piece-rate earnings, and often received less than the national minimum wage.
Seeking solutions and proposals
For employers, the problem is not only finding workers but also replacing years of experience. A clothing manager in the Chatsworth industrial area of Durban said that the departure of skilled machine operators from Malawi and Mozambique forced factories to struggle to fulfill orders. She noted that they are barely meeting targets because most were forced to leave, and it will take time for local workers to master the job.
The government is trying to respond to public discontent over migration by promoting a 'locals first' approach, while acknowledging that some industries depend on foreign skills and labor. This week, the Trusted Employer Program was expanded, accelerating visas for compliant companies, including predominantly hiring South African citizens, investing in skills development, and working in priority sectors.
Industry groups are strongly urging the government to create legal channels for seasonal foreign labor, arguing that sectors like agriculture have become dependent on migrants and cannot replace them overnight. Siyabonga Madlala, CEO of the South African Farmers Development Association, believes that South Africa should consider a regulated seasonal worker program similar to that in the United States. He also suggested the need for special permits for seasonal workers from SADC countries where the local supply is insufficient.
Migrant safety
More than 60% of South Africa's immigrants, it is estimated, come from SADC countries. However, for many who have left the country, debates about labor policy have taken a backseat due to fears for their safety after at least four foreigners were killed, according to the police.
Wayne Chimbadzwa Mutasa, a Zimbabwean citizen who lived in Robertson since 2014, recounted leaving after foreign workers were subjected to targeted home raids. He told AFP that people who came to Zimbabwean homes claimed to be police officers and alleged illegal residency. His compatriot, farmer Aaron Majatamhe, decided to stay for now, stating that they are afraid to stay even in that place, but they do not have enough money to return home.
