Buy Local – Offshore retail platforms are destroying local jobs!
SACTWU has sponsored a motion to revitalise the textile and clothing industry, including government initiatives aimed at supporting local producers and addressing the negative impacts of cheap imports.
Delegates at COSATU Congress received a moving demonstration by members of the textile, leather, and clothing union, SACTWU challenging newly introduced platform shopping online services such as Shein and Temu.
SACTWU members wore red and yellow outfits, holding placards written, RIP Jobs to signify millions of local jobs lost over the last years or so. They argued that the local market is hugely affected by online shops as more imports come into the country, thus eroding local jobs. SACTWU pursued all affiliates to lead a massive campaign against erosion of local jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Online shopping is eroding retail jobs- Online shopping is a growing sector
SACTWU argues that global competition in the clothing, leather in the recent years has been worsened by the fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, which have altered the competitive landscape and introduced new business models such as fast couriers.
However, organised labour and clients are concerned by various factors such as respect for the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), on specific areas related to usage of personal data, emails, phone numbers, or payment details in processing online purchases.
Adherence to the legal framework regulating online shopping has caused countless cases of fraudulent activities. Protection of consumers is crucial.
Most of the online are executed by consumers at their comfort zones, using their mobile devices with an estimated 78% of traffic.
SACTWU calls for a global campaign against shedding of jobs in the manufacturing sector.
Worsened economic crisis
According to the Statistics South Africa (STATSA) South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to 33.6%, with 8.5 million people unemployed. South Africa lost 345 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2026, the job market currently facing a significant downturn, with various sectors such as construction, transport, community and social services experiencing job losses.
Manufacturing has added 38,000 jobs, mining has increased by 32,000, and agriculture has grown by 10,000. However, these gains are not enough to offset the broader losses, particularly in labour-intensive industries. Over the years, the impact of cheap clothing from China in South Africa has significantly impacted the South African textile and clothing industry.
Challenges facing COSATU’s new leaders and their vision for the future.
Meanwhile, commentators have noted the radical shift by COSATU to have the National Office Bearers (NOB) collective comprising four women, marking a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership. The adjourned Congress has damaged the reputation of the Federation in so many ways, however they have every opportunity to redeem themselves, said one analyst.
Progressive Economists are arguing it’s time for the Federation to unleash ‘a radical programme of genuine unity with other trade union Federations capable of confronting the logic of capital and the state.’
‘The working class must move beyond fragmented struggles towards a common, militant programme that challenges the capitalist system at its roots and advances the struggle for a socialist society in which workers, not capital, determine the conditions of their lives and labour.’
Organised labour must take a stand on the issues related to the influence of Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation in the labour market. This is a critical conversation in which workers voice has been muted for way too long. The space is still dominated by pro-capital techno-optimistic, however workers cannot be left in the debate that is transforming their work and society. Labour analysts are concerned about the future of work! The big question which is critical in setting the direction is: Technology for what and for who?
COSATU Congress resolved to COSATU shall intensify the Living Wage Campaign, defend and expand collective bargaining, close loopholes that undermine the National Minimum Wage and oppose retrenchments, labour broking and outsourcing.