Mzansi criticizes Gayton McKenzie over partnership with SHEIN
Bonang Matheba and Sol Phenduka have contributed their thoughts to the increasing online discourse stemming from the recent outrage over Minister Gayton McKenzie‘s interaction with the international fashion brand SHEIN.
The minister’s engagement with the retailer in Singapore drew significant criticism, to which Bonang responded with a succinct yet impactful message on X, stating, “‘You guys’?! Lol!!”
‘You guys’?! Lol!! https://t.co/CCpgOyuasR
— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) October 7, 2025
Sol Phenduka also shared his concerns, challenging the minister on his position regarding the protection of local industries.
“Grootman lami @GaytonMcK. Please tell me how Botswana can implement this, but as a sovereign country that seeks to protect our local industry we can’t do the same?” he remarked.
In response, McKenzie asserted that actions are already underway to aid local creatives.
“This is an important conversation that should have been had already, unfortunately. We have started a cluster for designer representation, we are funding them and meeting them soon. This, I am told, is on their agenda. Ours is to assist designers firstly,” he stated.
This is an important conversations that should have been had already unfortunately, we have started a cluster for designer representation, we are funding them and meeting them soon, this I am told is on their agenda. Ours is to assist designers firstly. https://t.co/OoUb8HTMvg
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 7, 2025
The sentiments of frustration expressed by Bonang and Sol were resonated by many South Africans, with one user remarking, “This is ridiculous. Museums are going extinct. Theatres are closing. NSA needs funding. Our athletes need support. COME ON????”
This reaction comes on the heels of McKenzie’s defence of his meeting with SHEIN, where he argued that collaboration with international brands could yield beneficial opportunities for local designers rather than jeopardize them.
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
