“While we are sympathetic to the job losses in Eswatini, the suppliers from whom Woolworths procures in Eswatini remain operational and a key part of our Sourcing Strategy. Any reduction in volumes sourced is not specific to Eswatini and more reflective of an overall decrease in total procurement volumes for the current financial year.

Separately, Woolworths has committed to increasing local sourcing as part of the R-CTFL Master Plan (Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather), in collaboration with other local retailers, to support increased employment within South Africa and to grow contribution of other regional countries (like Lesotho and Eswatini) to balance regional risks related to various sourcing regions.