The South African Confederation of Trade Unions has decided to campaign against the presence of Shein and Temu in the country. COSATU argues that the online marketplaces’ low-cost imports are hurting South African manufacturers. It also wants retailers protected from what it describes as unfair price competition. The union’s central concern is employment, saying cheap goods threaten existing factory jobs and could inhibit new hiring. A ban would be a significant policy change because both platforms have attracted many budget-conscious shoppers. The campaign puts pressure on policymakers to weigh consumer savings against the interests of domestic industry. Local producers will be watching to see whether the proposed ban gains political support.