{"id":11832,"date":"2025-10-08T09:09:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T07:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=11832"},"modified":"2025-10-08T09:09:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T07:09:40","slug":"gayton-mckenzie-faces-criticism-for-shein-meeting-amid-online-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/gayton-mckenzie-faces-criticism-for-shein-meeting-amid-online-backlash\/","title":{"rendered":"Gayton McKenzie Faces Criticism for SHEIN Meeting Amid Online Backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Gayton<\/p>\n

Gayton McKenzie defends SHEIN meeting after public backlash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is facing criticism following a recent meeting with representatives from the fashion brand SHEIN in Singapore.<\/p>\n

This meeting occurred on 6 October 2025, during the South Africa Focus Week (SAFWS), where Minister McKenzie aimed to highlight South Africa\u2019s creative, fashion, and sports industries.<\/p>\n

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture stated that the discussions focused on potential partnerships to empower young South African designers and athletes, along with enhancing initiatives for inclusive sports.<\/p>\n

In his official remarks, McKenzie acknowledged SHEIN’s dedication to social impact globally and promoted collaborations that advance inclusivity and opportunities for people with disabilities.<\/p>\n

He stressed the significance of providing international exposure for South African talent and building stronger relationships between local creatives and international brands.<\/p>\n

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#MemoryLaneMonday<\/a><\/p>\n

Minister Gayton McKenzie met with SHEIN on the margins of South Africa Focus Week in Singapore, 6 October 2025.<\/p>\n

As part of his official visit to Singapore for the South Africa Focus Week (SAFWS), Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie, held a\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/DC7CuKcWRJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) October 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Nevertheless, the minister’s engagement was met with swift online backlash, with numerous users on X (formerly Twitter) accusing him of supporting a company that has often been criticized for its impact on local businesses.<\/p>\n

One commenter remarked, \u201cThis is so infuriating on so many levels. If Minister @GaytonMcK and his department really cared about the local fashion industry, they would\u2019ve done their research and known that any endorsement of SHEIN is no good for local designers.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to the criticism, McKenzie defended his approach, expressing that engagement with the brand was more beneficial than outright opposition.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t stop SHEIN from doing business in SA; we can agitate and negotiate for greater participation of the local fashion industry,\u201d he stated on X.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe met them precisely for that reason. You guys think staying angry at companies is a solution? There is value in collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n

This meeting was part of a larger series of high-level discussions during the third edition of South Africa Focus Week in Singapore, which spans from 6 to 11 October 2025.<\/p>\n

The event aims to exhibit South Africa\u2019s innovation, culture, tourism, and business potential to an international audience.<\/p><\/div>\n