WATCH: MP exposes shocking conditions in Newcastle sweatshops

A Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour member likened the conditions in Newcastle sweatshops, which they recently observed on an oversight visit to northern KwaZulu-Natal, to slavery and inhumane treatment.

Juliet Basson was part of the multidisciplinary team—including the Departments of Employment and Labour and Home Affairs, SA Police Service, Immigration, and parliamentarians—that uncovered sweatshops in Newcastle last week.

“When we entered the first premises, my heart felt that this was wrong. This is something South Africa needs to see. This is morally (wrong), I cannot keep this to myself. The truth needs to be told,” Basson said. 

“My heart just said to me, ‘Take out your phone and show South Africa what’s going on’ because if you tell the story, no one’s going to believe you,” Basson said. 

She said she called out the retailers because she like many South Africans shops at the stores. 

“When I heard the ladies’ testimonies, and I saw the conditions, I just knew that it’s time that people know that the clothes we think are a bargain are made out of the sweat of other people. It’s made out of poverty. It’s made out of horrible conditions. It’s not a bargain. It’s slavery,” Basson said. 

“The poverty, the need to work, and don’t care that we are being robbed of our dignity. The children who are working, some of the mothers who are pregnant, are on their feet for 18 hours a day,” Basson said. 

She said some were earning R8 an hour depending on their skill, or how many hours they work. 

“It’s ridiculous. It’s vulgar,” Basson said. 

She said even if a foreigner is illegally in South Africa, they are still human and deserve better. 

Basson videoed their sleeping quarters, where thirty men and women shared a 5x3m room.

“That bed is their home. It’s where their clothes are stored. It’s everything. Some of them even use buckets as toilets. The conditions where they shower and bath and cook are revolting,” Basson said. 

Basson reported that two women approached them on separate occasions, stating this was the third oversight visit in 11 months, with repeated, unfulfilled promises of change. 

“What hurts me is the fact that I’m not the first one who was there. If I did not go to Newcastle and I didn’t take out my phone, these people would have just been exploited,” Basson said.  

She mentioned that what she witnessed “broke her heart”. She told Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie she needed a day or two to process the unprecedented conditions.

Basson disclosed that she received threats during the past week. 

“I’ve been told to make a video and to say that I made it up. I’ve been offered money for my silence,” Basson said. 

“I’m sorry that the clothing brands had to take a knock … but I’m not sorry about the fact that cheap labour should never be the victory of your kingdom. Treat people humanely.”

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za