South African Sugar Farmers Struggle to Find Harvest Workers After Migrant Exodus

Sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, say they are struggling to find enough workers during the harvest season after many undocumented migrants left amid anti-migrant violence. Farmers say the work is physically demanding and delays could prevent cane from reaching mills on time. Some warn that prolonged shortages may reduce sugar output, affect exports and force the country to import sugar. Labour unions dispute claims that workers are unavailable. They argue that many South Africans are seeking jobs but expect legal pay and fair working conditions, unlike undocumented migrants who may be vulnerable to exploitation.

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