Gayton McKenzie defends SHEIN meeting after public backlash
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has come under fire following his recent meeting with representatives from global fashion giant SHEIN in Singapore. The engagement took place on 6 October 2025 on the sidelines of the South Africa Focus Week (SAFWS), where Minister McKenzie was leading efforts to promote the country’s creative, fashion, and sports sectors. According to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the discussion centred on potential collaborations aimed at empowering young South African designers and athletes, as well as supporting inclusive sporting initiatives. In an official statement, McKenzie welcomed SHEIN’s commitment to global social impact and encouraged partnerships that promote inclusivity and opportunities for people with disabilities. He highlighted the importance of creating international exposure for South African talent and fostering stronger ties between local creatives and global brands.
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However, the minister’s meeting quickly sparked criticism online, with many X (formerly Twitter) users accusing him of endorsing a brand that has been repeatedly called out for undermining local industries. One user commented, “This is so infuriating on so many levels. If Minister @GaytonMcK and his department really cared about the local fashion industry, they would’ve done their research and known that any endorsement of SHEIN is no good for local designers.” Responding to the backlash, McKenzie defended his decision to engage with the company rather than oppose it. “We can’t stop SHEIN from doing business in SA; we can agitate and negotiate for greater participation of the local fashion industry,” he wrote on X. “We met them precisely for that reason. You guys think staying angry at companies is a solution? There is value in collaboration.” The meeting was part of a broader series of high-level engagements taking place during the third edition of South Africa Focus Week in Singapore, which runs from 6 to 11 October 2025. The event showcases South Africa’s innovation, culture, tourism, and business potential to international stakeholders.