The mass exodus of migrants from South Africa is leading to labor shortages for employers. For instance, Zimbabwean farmer Aaron Majatamhe told AFP that regions with high fruit production are experiencing a shortage of workers for picking citrus fruits, as well as in vineyards where grapes need harvesting.
_Similar problems are occurring across South Africa, as factories, farms, and even private households struggle for labor after thousands of foreign workers left the country over several weeks. The cause was fleeing deadly anti-migrant protests and increased immigration control measures.
Peripheral anti-foreign groups set an unofficial deadline of June 30th for illegal migrants to leave, which triggered the departure of over 160,000 people, according to AFP estimates based on African government data regarding the repatriation of their citizens. Zimbabwe, which accounted for the largest share of returnees, reported that many of them worked in the agricultural, domestic, and construction sectors in South Africa.
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 practically overnight. He noted that production and supplies deteriorated to such an extent that milling plants would struggle to stay open, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal.
Another producer near Mid-Illovo, in the hill region south of Durban, stated that most of the 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 because locals dislike the work due to its heaviness and physical demands.
However, this argument is disputed. Trade unions and researchers argue that with unemployment rates above 33% (and even higher if those not seeking work are included), South Africa does not lack willing local workers. Instead, they point out 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, Loading, Unloading, Agricultural, and Allied Union, stated that 'they profit from foreign countries.' He also noted that foreign agricultural workers regularly worked seven days a week, skipped lunch breaks to maximize piece-rate earnings, and often earned less than the national minimum wage.
For employers, the problem is not only finding workers but also replacing long-term experience. A clothing manager in the Chatsworth industrial area in Durban said that the departure of skilled machinists from Malawi and Mozambique forced factories to struggle with fulfilling orders. She stated that they barely meet targets because most had to leave, and that local workers will need time to learn the job.
The government has tried to respond to public discontent over migration by promoting a 'locals first' approach, while acknowledging that some industries depend on foreign skills and labor. Last week, the Trusted Employer Program was expanded, accelerating visas for employees of compliant companies, including those predominantly hiring South Africans, 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 that special permits might be needed for seasonal workers from SADC countries where local supply is insufficient, referencing the 16-member Southern African Development Community bloc. It is estimated that over 60% of South Africa's immigrants come from SADC countries.
Nevertheless, for many who left, debates about labor policy have taken a backseat due to safety concerns after at least four foreigners were killed, according to police. Wayne Chimbadzwa Mutasa, a Zimbabwean citizen who lived in Robertson since 2014, reported 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 reporting illegal residency. His compatriot, farmer Aaron Majatamhe, decided to stay for now, noting: 'We are afraid to stay even here, but the problem is we don't have money to go home.'
In South Africa, farms and factories are facing a severe labor shortage after thousands of foreign workers left the country over several weeks. This situation is resulting in unharvested crops and difficulties for production capacities.
The mass exodus occurred after groups opposing illegal immigration set an unofficial deadline of June 30th for undocumented migrants. According to AFP, based on information from African governments involved in repatriating their citizens, over 160,000 people left the country.
Zimbabwean citizens made up the largest portion of those who returned, many of whom worked in the agricultural, domestic, and construction sectors in South Africa.
The first signs of the crisis appeared almost immediately in the KwaZulu-Natal sugar belt. One farmer on the northern coast reported losing up to 80 percent of his sugarcane harvesting workforce in practically one hour. He noted that the decline in production and supply jeopardizes the ability of processing plants to operate.
In the Mid-Illovo region, south of Durban, another producer indicated that most sugarcane harvesters in his area came from Lesotho. He added that local residents are reluctant to take on this work due to its physically demanding nature.
However, trade unions and researchers dispute the claim of a local labor shortage, pointing to a high unemployment rate exceeding 33 percent. They argue that 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, Loading, Unloading, Agricultural, and Allied Workers Union, stated that foreign agricultural workers often worked seven days a week, skipped lunch breaks to increase earnings on a piece-rate basis, and frequently received pay below the national minimum wage.
In the Chatsworth industrial area in Durban, a clothing manager reported that the departure of skilled machine operators from Malawi and Mozambique has complicated order fulfillment. She emphasized that she has to work hard to meet targets because most employees were forced to leave, and local workers will need time to learn the job.
The government is attempting to respond to public discontent over migration by promoting a 'local first' approach, while acknowledging the dependence of some sectors on foreign skills and labor. This week, the Trusted Employer Program was expanded, which fast-tracks visas for compliant companies, including those that predominantly hire South Africans, invest in skills development, and operate in priority sectors.
Industry groups are pushing for the creation of legal pathways for seasonal foreign labor, arguing that sectors like agriculture have become dependent on migrants and cannot replace them in the short term.
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 mentioned the need for special permits for seasonal workers from SADC countries where the local supply is insufficient.
More than 60 percent of immigrants in South Africa, estimates suggest, come from SADC countries. However, for many who left the country, the discussion about labor policy took a backseat due to safety concerns after at least four foreigners were killed, according to police.
Wayne Chimbadze Mutasa, a Zimbabwean citizen who lived in Robertson since 2014, told AFP that he left after foreign workers were subjected to 'door-to-door' raids by police claiming illegal residency. His colleague, farmer Aaron Majathamhe, decided to stay for now, stating that they fear staying even in their own place, but they do not have enough funds to return home.
Following protests against illegal immigration and increased migration control measures across South Africa, efforts to repatriate foreign nationals continue. Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly lost their jobs, and businesses are noting a growing shortage of skilled labor. Some sectors of the country's transport and agriculture are beginning to feel the economic consequences of South Africa's anti-immigration campaign.
These events occurred several weeks after a wave of demonstrations demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreigners. Starting as isolated actions in May, the protests gained momentum ahead of the June 30 deadline set by groups opposed to illegal immigration, such as March and March and Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO). These groups insisted that illegal foreigners leave South Africa.
Despite LACO's claims that their campaign aims to create jobs for unemployed South Africans, independent data shows that vacancies vacated by foreigners are not being filled by local residents. Experts also point out that a recent check by Africa Check found no evidence that deporting illegal migrants would automatically reduce unemployment or create a significant number of jobs.
Instead, trade unions claim that employers have increasingly used the tense atmosphere surrounding the fight against illegal migrants to dismiss workers, while companies face a shortage of experienced personnel. The Casual Workers Advice Office (CWAO) reported that layoffs began even before the peak of nationwide protests. Through its Simunye Workers Forum, the organization documented cases involving migrants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique who allegedly lost their jobs or were told not to return to work.
CWAO organizer Andile Nyambezi stated that the organization received about 3000 reports of workplace discrimination, intimidation, and dismissals, exceeding approximately 1500 cases registered earlier this month. He noted that the most affected sectors were agriculture, plastics manufacturing, and processing. Nyambezi emphasized that the agricultural sector has been severely impacted because workers live where they work, and losing their job means losing their housing.
He accused some employers of using immigration control measures as an excuse to fire long-term employees. Nyambezi called for holding both employers and employees accountable if a person worked for a company for 15 years and was then fired due to lack of documentation. He also stated that the consequences extend beyond jobs, as migrants face eviction from homes and communities, noting that 'women, including pregnant women, children, and migrants, were being removed from homes and workplaces.'
A seasonal agricultural worker from De-Duorns in the Western Cape reported that several foreigners living and working near her decided to leave the area, despite having valid documents, due to fear of becoming targets. She added that many of these workers had long become part of the local community, and their departure has affected both households and local businesses.
Sugar cane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal publicly warned that it is becoming increasingly difficult to replace experienced cane cutters, while organizations representing female agricultural workers cautioned that the agricultural sector has long depended on migrant labor. Sfiso Shangase, manager of the SANTACO office in KwaZulu-Natal, reported that some taxi drivers have already noted a decrease in passenger traffic as some migrants used their transport for travel.
Shangase also mentioned difficulties in finding qualified mechanics for vehicle repairs, as many foreigners possessed these skills. He noted that although some specialists are still available, prices have risen and turnaround times have increased due to the reduced number of people.
CODETA Chairperson Nceba Nge stated that passenger traffic in Cape Town remained largely unchanged, but acknowledged the shortage of specialists. He mentioned that there used to be people making taxi covers and qualified auto electricians, but it is now difficult to find anyone for immediate vehicle repairs.
Meanwhile, the government is taking steps to increase support for South African-owned businesses through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's Small Business Support Fund, which amounts to 500 million rand. This fund, launched at the beginning of the year, is intended to help relevant shops and small retail outlets expand through grants, loans, infrastructure improvements, business training, and wholesale partnerships.
By the end of May, over 2300 applications had been approved, with support totaling nearly 180 million rand, although officials admitted that much of the funding had not yet been disbursed. The government asserts that this program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen township economies and enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises. Concurrently, the Department of Home Affairs and Customs continue nationwide operations targeting undocumented foreigners. Over recent weeks, thousands of people have passed through the Musina Repatriation Centre, returned to neighboring countries due to increased immigration control. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that while immigration laws will be enforced, communities must not enforce the law by force or attack people based on nationality.
