Among the group of production SMMEs, many are clustered in the clothing sector. Activities include the making of traditional African clothes, wedding dresses, and general tailoring activities. Distinct clusters emerged in the kinds of businesses operated by migrants from particular countries. Typically, these new immigrant businesses are run by single, young, male entrepreneurs who work long hours. On average the entrepreneurs work a 64-hour work week for six days a week.
Employees work similar hours.
The entrepreneurs often endure considerable hostility towards both themselves and their businesses as a result of xenophobic sentiment and actions. Despite a sometimes difficult local climate in which to operate, most immigrant entrepreneurs express optimism and look to the possibilities to further expand their existing business enterprise in South Africa. Despite Johannesburg's tarnished popular image of crime, violence and economic crime, the entrepreneurs interviewed preferred to run their businesses there. Among these immigrants Johannesburg enjoys a far more positive image than might be expected. Non-SADC entrepreneurs have wide international family and business connectivity including links to West Africa, Canada and the US and Europe.