McKenzie faces backlash over potential Shein collaboration

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has come under fire after meeting with Chinese online retailer Shein to explore potential collaboration with South Africa’s local fashion industry.

The meeting took place during the South African Focus Week in Singapore, where McKenzie said Shein had committed to supporting local sporting initiatives and empowering young designers and athletes.

The minister however raised the ire of many local designers, who criticised the engagement and accused the minister of overlooking the challenges facing South Africa’s fashion sector.

McKenzie defended the engagements, saying  Shein can’t be stopped from doing business in South Africa adding that collaboration could create opportunities for locals.

“We can agitate and negotiate for greater participation of local fashion industry. We met them precisely for that reason. You guys think staying angry at companies is a solution ? There is value in collaboration,” the minister said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has written to the Portfolio  Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, accusing McKenzie of not respecting trade and industrial policies.

The EFF’s national spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, says the engagement by the minister raises serious issues regarding ministerial authority.

Thambo has also questioned the channels used by the minister and whether his department has the jurisdiction to conduct trade talks.

He also noted the crisis facing South Africa’s local clothing, textile and manufacturing industries.

Thambo has implored the committee to seek answers from the minister on the legal and administrative authority under which the minister undertook the management and clarification on whether the Minister of Trade and Industry was consulted.

Meanwhile a new report by the Localisation Support Fund shows that between 2020-2024, South Africa lost 960 million in manufacturing sales, 2,818 in manufacturing jobs and 5,282 in retail jobs.

This is the impact that Shein has had on South Africa.

Sources: Twyg Magazine https://t.co/rmystWtySR pic.twitter.com/Qt4dbAzLoU

— THE FASHION RESOURCE (@FashionRsource) October 6, 2025

By the way those of u who have bought items confidently from SHEIN and Temu you are as guilty for not protecting the very fashion and textile industry you expect the government to support. 💔🇿🇦 every little action contributes to the bigger picture.

— PennyLebyane💚RasediLebyane (@PennyLebyane) October 7, 2025

This is so infuriating in so many levels. If Minister @GaytonMcK and his department really cared about the LOCAL FASHION INDUSTRY, then they would’ve done their research and know that any endorsement to SHEIN is no good for local fashion industry. https://t.co/sNRf62bY8F

— Fashion MOEments (@FashionMOEments) October 7, 2025

The Minister of Trade & Industry has a textile masterplan asking Foschini to manufacture in SA.

The Minister of Arts & Culture supports SHEIN, which directly undercuts the textile industry.

Exciting times in the GNU! https://t.co/o3QDx43l8s

— Mbekezeli (@MbekezeliMB) October 7, 2025

Mara nna I support the local fashion industry. Yes I have also bought items from Shein.

BUT …

I buy from Gert, Ephymol, Urban Zulu, Nyovest Merch, Ortiz Seflo, etc

Am I exempt from the scolding? 🫣 https://t.co/cyxbbZdRKK pic.twitter.com/fy6hoGCB7N

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 7, 2025