Foschini Group and Pick n Pay probe sweatshops after video exposé

The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour conducted a blitz oversight inspection alongside theDepartment of Employment and Labour, Cosatu, SAPS, Newcastle Metro Police and the Department of Home Affairs from February 2 to February 6. During the inspections, several factories were found tolack basic health and safety measures. Authorities also reported breaches of South African labour laws and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.

The video was recorded byPatriotic Alliance Member of Parliament Juliet Bassonduring one of the Riverside raids conducted last week. Basson serves on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour. In the footage, Basson points to hundreds of boxes containing clothing labelled with well-known South African retail brands.

She alleged that the goods were being packaged and distributed to major retailers across the country. Basson criticised consumers for supporting businesses accused of exploiting vulnerable workers, including pregnant women and children. She claimed some workers were forced to work long hours for wages far below the legal minimum, with some reportedly earning as little as R8 an hour.

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She also highlighted poor living conditions and inadequate ablution facilities, saying workers’ livelihoods were severely affected by sweatshop operations allegedly linked to major retailers. In response to a media enquiry, TFG said it takes allegations ‘extremely seriously’. “TFG takes allegations of labour rights violations extremely seriously. All suppliers are contractually required to comply with the TFG Merchandise Supply Chain Code of Conduct, which includes clear standards relating to labour practices, health and safety, and working conditions,” said TFG.

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