Calls to ban Shein and Temu in South Africa sparks fierce debate online

COSATU officially endorsed a campaign to ban Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu from South Africa
A study found that international online retailers contributed to the loss of nearly 8,100 jobs between 2020 and 2024
South Africans are divided, with many defending the platforms as the only affordable shopping option available to them

A TikTok creator known as @ejv_27 has stirred up a heated conversation online after breaking down growing union calls to ban Shein and Temu in South Africa, and the response from everyday shoppers has been telling.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions COSATU made the announcement at its 15th National Congress, where delegates backed a resolution to campaign for the removal of the two Chinese online retail giants from the local market. COSATU said the goal was to protect local businesses and stimulate job creation. The resolution echoed an earlier call from the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union SACTWU.

The jobs behind the debate

A study by the Localisation Support Fund found that international online retailers were linked to the loss of nearly 8,100 manufacturing and retail jobs between 2020 and 2024. In a worst-case scenario, that figure could climb to more than 34,000 affected jobs by 2030.

Michael Lawrence, executive director of the National Clothing Retail Federation, acknowledged that job losses were real but cautioned against a blanket ban. He described the union's call as "a one-dimensional response to a multidimensional problem," adding that South Africa needed to address the root causes rather than simply shut the platforms down.

Part of the problem has been a tax loophole that allowed low-value imports under R500 to attract a flat 20% duty and zero VAT, compared to the standard 45% duty plus 15% VAT that applies to clothing imports. SARS began closing that loophole in August 2024, though industry players have questioned whether those changes have been effectively enforced.

Shein has operated in South Africa for several years, while Temu only officially launched locally in January 2024.

View the TikTok video below:

South Africans split on the ban

For many South Africans, the prospect of a ban cuts close to home. In the comments section of EJV's TikTok video, opinions were strong on both sides:

@Panda49 wrote:

"Why don't SA provide the same shopping experience here? Our shops are too expensive Truworths, Woolworths, Miladys, Bash."

@Chris-Leigh said:

"This is the only place where you will find affordable clothing that fits your body type properly."

@Tobias commented:

"Start by banning the tax on tax on tax."

@Fakhrud-Deen added:

"With this fuel prices online shopping is our best bet free delivery."

@ColeneJordaan pointed out:

"Meanwhile what you buy in shops locally, you read on the label, 'made in china' who is fooling who?"

@user381808825951 said:

"Temu and Shein are cheaper to buy from, local is very expensive."

Calls to ban Shein and Temu in South Africa sparks fierce debate online

The jobs behind the debate

South Africans split on the ban

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