MBABANE – Fewer than one in three textile companies in Eswatini are following labour laws, according to the Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (ATUSWA).
Wander Mkhonza, the union’s Secretary General, said roughly 30 per cent of textile firms attempt to observe employment regulations, though even these fall short of full compliance. He said the majority continue to violate basic labour rights.
“The majority of textile companies do not comply with labour laws,” said Mkhonza, warning of widespread abuse in the industry.
He pointed to a recent case involving a factory manager who allegedly disappeared with money meant for workers’ wages. The incident occurred shortly after union representatives visited the factory to investigate employee grievances. The manager reportedly fled without paying staff, and the company eventually closed. The workers are still owed their salaries, and the matter remains unresolved.
Mkhonza said the situation is indicative of systemic challenges in the textile sector, where poor enforcement and exploitation continue to undermine workers’ welfare.
The legal minimum wage for textile workers varies by company type: E393.50 per week for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), E403.07 for cut, make and trim (CMT) operations, and E410.40 for free on board (FOB) operations.
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