From shutdown to lifeline: 376 Cape mushroom workers given pathways to jobs in Australia
South African workers affected by the closure of Denny’s Phesantekraal farm offered new opportunities through Global Talent Pathway
Cape Town, South Africa - 22 September 2025 - The sudden closure of Denny’s mushroom farm in Phesantekraal, outside Cape Town, will leave 376 employees without work by year end. Global Talent Pathway, an international recruitment and migration specialist, has stepped forward with a unique solution: free registration into its jobs portal, connecting affected workers with urgent opportunities at large-scale mushroom farms in Australia.
A crisis with hope attached
Libstar, the parent company of Denny, confirmed the decision in September, with CEO Charl de Villiers describing it as “a difficult decision not taken lightly.” While some employees may be absorbed elsewhere within Libstar, the majority now face unemployment in an already challenging South African job market.
At the same time, Australian mushroom producers are struggling with a significant labour shortage. Global Talent Pathway has existing relationships with farms that are actively recruiting and is facilitating a seamless process for affected South African workers to be considered.
What’s on offer
Free sign-up to Global Talent Pathway’s candidate portal.
Priority screening and interview scheduling with major Australian mushroom farms.
End-to-end support with visas, relocation, and settlement.
The option for workers and their families to relocate permanently to Australia, building secure futures in a safe, booming economy.
Quotes
“This is a lifeline moment,” said Petro De La Harpe, South Africa Program Lead & Media Spokesperson at Global Talent Pathway. “The closure of Phesantekraal is devastating for 376 families. By linking these skilled workers with Australian growers, we’re offering not just jobs, but stability and a long-term future in a country that needs their expertise.”
“Our role is to remove every barrier,” De La Harpe added. “From sign-up to settlement, we manage the process end-to-end. For many workers, that could mean starting a new job in Australia in as little as three months.”
Context
The Phesantekraal closure follows the loss of Denny’s KwaZulu-Natal facility in a 2022 fire, marking another blow to South Africa’s mushroom industry.
The Johannesburg mushroom farm at Deodar remains in operation, but Libstar has signalled a strategic shift toward value-added products.
Australia’s mushroom sector is expanding but urgently needs experienced labour to meet demand.
Call to action
Affected Denny workers can register immediately, at no cost, via https://candidates.globaltalentpathway.org. Priority interviews are being arranged, with successful candidates able to commence employment in Australia in as little as three months, once visa processing is complete.
About Global Talent Pathway
Global Talent Pathway is Australia’s largest end-to-end recruitment and migration service, partnering with leading employers to provide pre-vetted overseas talent and comprehensive relocation support. The organisation has successfully assisted thousands of skilled workers and their families in building long-term futures in Australia.