Worker unrest shuts down huge plantation in South Africa
Magwa Tea plantation in South Africa, the largest tea garden in the southern hemisphere, is facing an uncertain future after worker unrest has led to looting and abandonment. The 1803 hectare plantation provided jobs and career training for 1200 permanent and 2300 seasonal workers. In February, the plantation was shut down after workers went on a rampage due to a refusal to increase wages by 104%. Magwa Tea workers earn one of the highest salaries in the tea industry, five times more than their counterparts in the Republic of Malawi. Tea bushes have not been pruned since February and this year's crop is lost. A special task force has been appointed by the local governement to find a solution to the crisis and get one of the most successful tea gardens back on track.