It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

Localisation Support Fund

Country Overview / South Africa

16 February 2026

4 minutes

The analysis highlights utilisation levels as critical to viability and frames localisation as a multi-lever shift requiring coordinated action across pricing, compliance pathways, skills depth and investment in critical upstream processes.

Scale, Compliance and Upstream Capability Emerge as Decisive Factors in South African Garment Localisation

A feasibility assessment for South Africa has mapped 81 million additional garments for potential localisation by 2030, equivalent to R7.9 billion in annual manufacturing sales. The research assessed retailer demand, supplier readiness and factory-level competitiveness under the Retail Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan to test conditions for viability.

Staff Writer

Shein and Temu / South Africa

12 August 2025

5 minutes

Shein and Temu reached a combined 3.6% share of South Africa’s total retail market within five years. This expansion pace far exceeds that achieved by international physical retail entrants.

South Africa’s Clothing Industry Under Siege from Shein and Temu’s Offshore Dominance

Offshore e-commerce platforms Shein and Temu have quickly captured a significant share of South Africa’s clothing, textile, footwear and leather market. Their growth, powered by low-cost international supply chains and aggressive digital models, has displaced local manufacturing sales and jobs.

Special Correspondent

Report