Some garments manufacturers in South Africa are skirting the law by not paying minimum wages. There is also some criticism that sweatshop conditions exist in the factories. Is it therefore better to steer clear of South African clothes sold through big chain stores? I don’t think so. Chances are, you’ll buy imported clothes made in a foreign sweatshop. And if there is an obvious demand for locally produced clothes, it makes it easier for unions and consumers to pressure company owners into complying with minimum wages and improving their labour practices.