In July 2024, it was reported that undocumented Malian workers at a cotton fibre factory, called “Beautiful City”, in Johannesburg were subjected to human rights abuses including restricted freedom of movement, human trafficking, debt bondage, and child labour. Some of the workers were around 15 years old when they were subjected to the egregious abuse.

The trial began in 2019. In 2025, Times Live reported that seven Chinese nationals and Beautiful City were convicted of human trafficking and labour rights violations.