Trade unions are calling on the South African government to ban offshore e-commerce retailers, including Temu and Shein, which have established a presence in South Africa. The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (Sactwu), a Cosatu affiliate, is leading this campaign. If successful, consumers would be unable to purchase from these online platforms.
Membinkosi Vilina, Sactwu’s deputy general-secretary, stated that government action is necessary to protect the clothing and textile industries from potential collapse. “These offshore companies have severely damaged the local industry—not just in textiles, but in sectors like furniture and jewellery,” he said.
Vilina warned that without intervention, South Africa could lose over 30,000 jobs in the clothing, textile, and footwear sectors by 2030. Established retailers are already shutting down due to competition from these offshore platforms. “We receive nothing as a country from these companies. They sell at unrealistic prices, putting immense pressure on local businesses,” he added.
He urged the government to investigate the practices of these offshore retailers and for the South African Revenue Service to strengthen regulations. “The first step must be a complete ban on these companies,” Vilina concluded.
A recent report estimated that Temu and Shein’s combined sales could exceed R7 billion in the 2024 financial year, with local manufacturing losses projected at R6.2 billion and nearly 34,700 jobs threatened by 2030. The 15th Cosatu national elective congress has also backed the campaign against these offshore retailers, emphasising the need to bolster support for the local market to encourage job creation.
