According to recent reports from South African media, Johann Baard, the head of the South African Garment Industry Association, has expressed optimism that if trade unions accept the newly proposed employment plan, the garment sector could generate nearly 100,000 new jobs within the next two years. He emphasized that the declining employment rate has become a major social challenge for the government, and this initiative aims to address it by promoting stability in the industry. The proposed plan focuses on maintaining existing employment relationships and introducing a more balanced wage structure to support both workers and employers. It also calls on neighboring countries like Lesotho and Eswatini to collaborate in boosting the recovery of South Africa’s garment industry. Under the new model, rural workers would receive a weekly wage of R220, while urban workers would earn R30,000 per week. This approach is expected to encourage local garment manufacturers to invest more and expand their operations. Over the past decade, South Africa's textile and apparel industry has faced significant challenges. In 2004, there were around 1,200 factories operating in the sector, but by September 2010, that number had dropped to 948, with approximately 56,341 employees still working in the industry. Wayne van Rheede, head of the Garment and Textile Trade Organization of South Africa, highlighted that the upcoming development plan, set to be launched in mid-December, is seen as a critical step toward revitalizing the industry. If implemented successfully, it could bring much-needed stability and growth to one of the country’s key economic sectors. With unemployment remaining a pressing issue, this initiative represents a hopeful move forward for both workers and businesses in the garment industry.