HOW DID GLOBALISATION CONTRIBUTE TO JOB LOSSES IN SOUTH AFRICA'S CLOTHING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY AFTER 1990? Study Sources 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2

According to the source, the working class relied heavily on the clothing and textile industry for their livelihoods, as it directly employed a significant portion of the population and contributed to job security and economic stability for many families.

China's emergence as a dominant player in the clothing and textile market significantly impacted South African industries. The decrease in the demand for locally manufactured products occurred as cheaper Chinese imports flooded the market. Local factories faced increased competition, leading to a decline in production levels and subsequent job losses. Many South African companies struggled to maintain operations as they could not compete with the low prices and mass production capabilities of Chinese manufacturers.

(a) Large firms experienced increased competition from international markets, leading to downsizing or closures as they failed to adapt quickly to global changes. Many large clothing manufacturers had to rethink their strategies and production methods to remain viable.

(b) Small and medium enterprises struggled to survive due to their limited resources and inability to compete with larger companies and cheaper imports. Many were forced to close, resulting in significant job losses and contributing to economic instability in the sector.

1. Rising labor costs that made it difficult for local companies to compete.
2. Increased importation of raw materials due to globalization.
3. An increase in illegally imported goods undermining local businesses.

SACTWU disagreed with the Cape Clothing Association because they believed that the association ignored the structural issues and external factors contributing to job losses, such as government policies, tariff agreements, and the impact of illegal imports. They argued that these factors had a more significant effect on employment in the industry than rising labor costs alone.

The source is useful for historians as it provides insights into the reasons behind job losses in the clothing and textile industry, along with different perspectives from associations involved. It outlines key issues like labor costs, global competition, and the effects of governmental policies, making it a valuable resource for understanding the broader context of economic challenges faced in this sector.

The poster conveys messages highlighting the urgent need for support of local clothing factories, emphasizing that the survival of these factories is crucial for job preservation and economic health. It also calls for community awareness and action to reverse the trend of job losses associated with globalization.

COSATU produced this poster to raise awareness about the plight of workers in the clothing and textile industry and to advocate for policies that would protect local jobs. Their goal was to mobilize public support against the negative impacts of globalization and to communicate the necessity of supporting South African manufacturing.

Source 3B indicates that globalization contributed significantly to job losses in the clothing and textile industry, citing rising competition and economic hardship. Source 3C supports this by illustrating the consequences of factory closures and the resulting unemployment, thus reinforcing the claim made in Source 3B concerning the detrimental effects of globalization on local industries.