EFF questions Minister McKenzie’s high-stakes SHEIN meeting abroad

The EFF has written to Mzwandile Masina, chair of Parliament's Trade and Industry Committee, raising concern over Minister Gayton McKenzie’s meeting with fashion giant SHEIN during South Africa Focus Week in Singapore.

- THABO MAKWAKWA [e-mail]

The EFF questioned the meeting's appropriateness, stressing that it appeared to encroach on the jurisdiction of the DTIC and the Department of Small Business Development.

According to the party, the discussions touched on market access, manufacturing partnerships, and investment frameworks - areas traditionally overseen by the DTIC.

“While collaboration with international partners in creative and sports industries can bring opportunities, this engagement raises serious issues regarding ministerial authority and alignment with South Africa’s trade and industrial priorities,” the EFF said.

The party highlighted that such discussions must be conducted within a properly coordinated process led by the DTIC.

The EFF also flagged concerns about whether any formal commitments or agreements were made during the meeting.