00:00South African clothing factories are struggling after thousands of migrants' workers fled the country during recent anti-immigrant protests.
00:08In the manufacturing hub of Newcastle, factories' owners say they are facing serious labor shortages, while some losing as much
00:17as 19% of their workforce.
00:20Employers now say many of the departing workers had valuable sewing skills that are hard to replace quickly, while locals
00:27are often unwilling to take the low-paying jobs.
00:31Union officials dispute the claim over skill shortages, saying the problem is low wages, high committing costs and poor working
00:38conditions.
00:39Factory owners warn the losses are now hitting production, and retail orders and some say closures could follow if the
00:48pressure continues.
00:50South Africa has been facing waves of protests against undocumented immigrants whose numbers run in thousands.
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