According to recent reports from South African media, Johann Baard, the head of the South African Garment Industry Association, stated that if the country’s trade unions agree to the newly proposed employment plan, the garment sector could generate nearly 100,000 new jobs within the next two years. Baard emphasized that the decline in employment has become a growing concern for the government, affecting both economic stability and social well-being. The proposed plan aims to stabilize current employment relationships by introducing a more balanced approach to wages and working conditions. It also seeks to put pressure on neighboring countries like Lesotho and Eswatini to support the recovery of South Africa's textile industry. Under the new model, workers in rural areas would earn around R220 per week, while urban workers would receive approximately R30,000 weekly. This revised labor structure is expected to encourage more local garment manufacturers to invest and expand their operations. According to data from the South African Clothing Industry Association, the competitiveness of the sector has significantly declined over the past decade. In 2004, there were about 1,200 factories operating in the industry, but by September 2010, this number had dropped to 948, with roughly 56,341 employees remaining. Wayne van Rheede, CEO of the South African Garment and Textile Trade Organization, mentioned that the new development strategy for the apparel industry is set to be unveiled in mid-December this year. If implemented effectively, the plan could play a crucial role in revitalizing the sector and ensuring long-term growth for the South African garment industry.