Abstract:
Investigates whether the South African clothing industry deserves import protection, taking into account the political and economic barriers facing domestic manufacturers, which prevent them from being more competitive. On the labour issue, such factors as influx control, black housing regulations, barriers to the free employment of labour and educational shortcomings prevent the most efficient use of that resource in which South Africa has a comparative advantage. Domestic clothing manufacturers are forced by a combination of tariff structures and import control `to purchase cloth made in South Africa for approximately 80% of their requirements. There are approximately 1,220 clothing factories in South Africa which results in a highly competitive industry . There is recognition by business leaders and Government that South Africa faces the problem of providing sufficient job opportunities for its rapidly growing labour force. The clothing industry is using labour which, through largely political considerations, is not competitive with foreign manufacturers. Furthermore, raw material imports are not purchased from the most competitive source. In view of these factors, the needs and recommendations of this labour intensive industry must be carefully considered so as to achieve the maximum benefits for the whole community.
