President Cyril Ramaphosa says he wants answers from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie regarding his ‘negotiations’ with Chinese fashion retailer SHEIN..
Ramaphosa made the remarks during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town on Tuesday.
This followed a question from EFF NCOP member Hon Virgil Gericke, who told Ramaphosa that South Africa’s textile industry has continued to struggle despite his administration’s efforts to revive it.
Gericke said the industry had “all but collapsed” after factory shutdowns, job cuts, and a decline in local capacity caused by cheap imports, even as local innovations persist.
He expressed concern over McKenzie’s recent meeting with Shein in Singapore, warning that poorly managed partnerships with foreign corporations could worsen conditions for local designers already struggling to access markets and government support.
Gericke asked the president what McKenzie had communicated regarding any agreements or commitments made by Shein, and what interventions Ramaphosa had taken to ensure South Africa’s manufacturing sector was not weakened by uncoordinated ministerial engagements.
In response, Ramaphosa said international trade agreements fall under the authority of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
“The process of reaching agreements with other players in the world is well coordinated through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition,” he said.
“Whatever agreements are reached are properly considered and synthesised by the Department as well as by Cabinet.”
Ramaphosa added that all government departments are expected to operate in an integrated manner.
“No department will just hive off on its own and reach agreements unknown to others,” he said.
“Of course, all of us in government are entitled to meet whoever we may encounter internationally. But whatever proposals are made are brought to the government for consideration, and any possible agreements are properly discussed.”
He said McKenzie had not yet reported to him about the matter.
“Whatever the intentions of the counterpart in another country may be, they will have to be properly discussed and evaluated by the government on an integrated basis before any agreement is reached,” Ramaphosa said.
He stressed that the government’s primary focus remains protecting South African jobs.
“Our main focus, particularly in the clothing and textile industry, has been to protect and revive jobs,” he said.
“We’ve reached a master agreement with various stakeholders and introduced incentives to safeguard employment and revitalise the sector. Many countries, not only South Africa, continue to face pressure from cheaper imported products.”
He added that the government would continue taking measures to protect local industries.
“I will pay attention to what you have said and get some answers as well,” Ramaphosa said.
McKenzie met representatives from Shein during South Africa Focus Week in Singapore.
The meeting sparked public debate, with many expressing concern over the impact of the global fast-fashion retailer on the local industry.
According to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, McKenzie’s discussions with Shein centred on potential collaboration in the creative, fashion and sports sectors – including support for inclusive sporting initiatives and the empowerment of young South African designers and athletes.
However, McKenzie faced criticism from local designers and political parties, who accused him of overlooking the challenges facing the domestic fashion industry.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has since written to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, accusing McKenzie of disregarding trade and industrial policies.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said McKenzie’s engagement with Shein raised serious questions about ministerial authority.
He also questioned whether McKenzie’s department had the jurisdiction to conduct trade talks and whether the Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, had been consulted.
Politics
