In The News
See how local and national media are covering LSF’s impact on South African manufacturing.
Food For Mzansi
SA hemp industry calls for urgent policy reform to unlock jobs
While over 1 700 hemp permits have been issued in South Africa, actual production lags due to a fractured value chain. Experts warn that without reliable data, local seed varieties, and clear commercial governance, the sector’s potential for food, fibre, and fuel will remain untapped for farmers
9 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Business Insider Africa
South Africa’s hemp sector tipped to generate $2.5 billion by 2040
South Africa could unlock a domestic industrial hemp market worth about $2.5 billion by 2040, according to a new study that positions the crop as a key driver of green industrial growth and rural economic development.
6 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Vutivi Business
R40 billion prize – why hemp is the next big SME frontier
South Africa could develop a domestic industrial hemp market worth R40 billion by 2040, creating new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and small businesses if infrastructure and regulatory challenges are addressed.
6 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Independent on Saturday
R40bn hemp opportunity could drive South Africa’s green industrialisation, study finds
South Africa could unlock a domestic industrial hemp market worth as much as R40 billion by 2040 if the country moves decisively to develop the sector, according to a new study.
5 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Bizcommunity
SA’s hemp sector could unlock R40bn by 2040
South Africa has a potential domestic industrial hemp market valued at R40bn by 2040, according to a landmark study released by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) in partnership with the Presidency, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).
5 March 2026 at 10:00:00
African News Agency
R40bn hemp opportunity could drive South Africa’s green industrialisation, study finds
South Africa could unlock a domestic industrial hemp market worth as much as R40 billion by 2040 if the country moves decisively to develop the sector, according to a new study.
5 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Business Report
R40bn hemp opportunity could drive South Africa’s green industrialisation, study finds
The study suggests that as a later entrant to the global hemp market, South Africa could avoid many of the costly early-stage mistakes made by pioneer countries by building competitive value chains from the outset that align with international standards.
5 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Cannabiz-Africa
SA Has a R40 Billion Hemp Market Opportunity But Needs the Policy Support to Get There
South Africa has the potential to capitalise on a domestic industrial hemp market opportunity valued at R40-billion by 2040; however, this requires proper industry development and policy support. That’s the finding of a new industrialization study unveiled by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF).
9 March 2026 at 10:00:00
CNBC Africa
SA's R40bn hemp industrialisation opportunity
South Africa may be sitting on a R40 billion opportunity — industrial hemp. A new study by the Localisation Support Fund finds that while more than 1,700 cultivation permits have been issued since 2022, large-scale processing infrastructure is still missing, and regulatory uncertainty continues to hold the sector back. Globally, hemp demand is expected to surge from 10 billion dollars this year to 37 billion dollars by 2032. The question is whether South Africa can move fast enough to capture this green industrialisation opportunity. To unpack this study further, CNBC Africa is joined by Irshaad Kathrada, Chief Executive Officer, Localisation Support Fund.
4 March 2026 at 10:00:00
AgriFocus Africa
LOCALISATION SUPPORT FUND STUDY IDENTIFIES R40 BILLION OPPORTUNITY TO INDUSTRIALISE HEMP IN SOUTH AFRICA
A domestic industrial hemp market opportunity valued at R40 billion by 2040 is within South Africa’s reach – but only with the right industry development and policy support. That is the headline finding of a landmark industrialisation study published today by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), in partnership with the Presidency, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The study maps a credible path through which hemp industrialisation could become a meaningful driver of reindustrialisation, diversification, decarbonisation, export growth, and inclusive rural economic development across the country.
4 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Engineering News
R40bn opportunity for hemp industrialisation in South Africa requires policy support – LSF study
Localisation Support Fund CEO Irshaad Kathrada welcomes the launch of the organisation’s Hemp Industrialisation Study Report; while Hemp and Cannabis Master Plan project manager John Jeffrey provides commentary on the regulatory framework surrounding hemp. Video and editing: Tasneem Bulbulia
4 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Retail Brief Africa
Localisation Support Fund study identifies R40 billion opportunity to industrialise hemp in South Africa
A domestic industrial hemp market opportunity valued at R40 billion by 2040 is within South Africa’s reach – but only with the right industry development and policy support. That is the headline finding of a landmark industrialisation study published today by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), in partnership with the Presidency, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The study maps a credible path through which hemp industrialisation could become a meaningful driver of reindustrialisation, diversification, decarbonisation, export growth, and inclusive rural economic development across the country.
4 March 2026 at 10:00:00
Bizcommunity
South Africa's hydrogen horizon brightens with R100m Wits-Air Liquide initiative
The R100m Wits–South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative (Wits-SAHLI) — an initiative between Air Liquide South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) and the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) — is set to boost South Africa’s hydrogen expertise and research capacity, further advancing the country’s just energy transition towards a low-carbon hydrogen economy.
27 February 2026 at 10:00:00
The Profiler
Rail localisation study launched as public and private train operators gear up to meet 250Mt target
A study has been launched to assess South Africa’s existing railways manufacturing capacity and capability and to make recommendations on how policy and procurement can be leveraged to bolster localisation and transformation. The study has been commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) and will be conducted by Letsema Consulting over the coming six months.
26 February 2026 at 10:00:00
fibre2fashion
Policy support can boost S African RMG retailers' local sourcing: LSF
With sound industrial development and policy support, an additional 81 million pieces of garments could be sourced by South African retailers every year from domestic manufacturers by 2030, according to a study commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF).
17 February 2026 at 10:00:00
The Fuse
LSF Report | Window for job creation in local garment manufacturing opens
Localisation Support Fund (LSF) has released a new study showing that, with the right industry development and policy support, an additional 81 million garments per annum could be sourced by South African retailers from local garment manufacturers by 2030.
14 February 2026 at 10:00:00
bizcommunity
Targeting 65% local sourcing: LSF report supplies masterplan to bridge garment supply gaps
A new feasibility study released by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) has identified a clear commercial pathway to significantly expand local garment manufacturing in South Africa, with the potential to source an additional 81 million garments per year by 2030.
13 February 2026 at 10:00:00
Channel Africa
Study finds SA could source 81 million more garments locally by 2030
A new feasibility study published by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) has found that South Africa’s (SA) garment manufacturing sector could supply an additional 81 million garments a year to domestic retailers by 2030 if supported by the right industrial development and policy reforms.
11 February 2026 at 10:00:00
African News Agency
LSF study points to R8bn boost and 34 000 jobs if retailers deepen local sourcing
South Africa’s garment industry could secure an additional 81 million locally produced garments a year by 2030, lifting manufacturing output by nearly R8 billion and creating up to 34 000 jobs, if retailers, manufacturers and policymakers align behind a focused localisation drive.
11 February 2026 at 10:00:00
IOL
South Africa poised to capitalise on global boom in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Unlike conventional batteries, VRFBs separate the energy storage from the power capacity, allowing for scalable, long-duration energy storage by simply increasing tank size, resulting in a long lifespan (over 20 years), no risk of cross-contamination between electrolytes, safety (non-flammable), and the ability to remain indefinitely discharged without damage.
14 October 2025 at 10:00:00
Business Report
South Africa poised to capitalise on global boom in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Unlike conventional batteries, VRFBs separate the energy storage from the power capacity, allowing for scalable, long-duration energy storage by simply increasing tank size, resulting in a long lifespan (over 20 years), no risk of cross-contamination between electrolytes, safety (non-flammable), and the ability to remain indefinitely discharged without damage.
14 October 2025 at 10:00:00
Engineering News
LSF confident in building economic case for VRFB manufacturing in South Africa
After commissioning energy consultancy Customised Energy Solutions (CES) to determine the potential for a commercial vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) value chain in South Africa, the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) is confident that this technology offers significant advantages and can cater for long-duration energy storage (LDES) demand.
15 October 2025 at 10:00:00
eNCA
Protecting jobs | Boosting local, cutting import reliance
JOHANNESBURG - The recent shifts in US trade policy – including renewed and potential tariffs – have raised questions about how these global moves could affect South Africa’s local manufacturing competitiveness, particularly in the furniture sector.
1 October 2025 at 10:00:00
Engineering News
Coricraft replaces R79.6m in imports through lean manufacturing drive
In this video, Localisation Support Fund CEO Irshaad Kathrada, Dizani Consulting CEO Hannes van Heerden, and SAFI CEO Greg Boulle discuss the Coricraft localisation drive and lean manufacturing principles
23 September 2025 at 10:00:00
Bizcommunity
Shein and Temu outpace global retail giants in SA's fashion market
China-founded e-commerce retailers Shein and Temu have captured a combined 3.6% share of South Africa's retail, clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) market, accounting for R7.3 bn in sales in 2024, a report showed on Tuesday.
7 August 2025 at 10:00:00
Action SA
ActionSA Demands Accountability for 8,000 Jobs Lost and R1 Billion in Lost Sales Due to Shein and Temu Tax Loophole
ActionSA has formally requested the urgent appearance of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and the SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, before Parliament to account for the delay in closing a tax loophole exploited by Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu between 2020 and 2024.
7 August 2025 at 10:00:00
Thee Sneak Preview
REPORT FINDS THAT OVER 34,000 CLOTHING RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING JOBS ARE AT RISK AS OFFSHORE E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS GAIN MARKET SHARE IN SA
Over 34 000 clothing retail and manufacturing jobs could be displaced in South Africa by 2030 if offshore e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu continue to gain market share. This is according to a new study commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) and conducted by BMA in support of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan.
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
India Times
Shein and Temu outpace global retail giants in South Africa's fashion market
Read more at:
https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/shein-and-temu-disrupt-south-africas-fashion-market-a-tale-of-e-commerce-growth/123136441
Shein and Temu, the China-founded e-commerce giants, have rapidly gained a signi ..
Read more at:
https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/shein-and-temu-disrupt-south-africas-fashion-market-a-tale-of-e-commerce-growth/123136441
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
Egoli Jozi News
REPORT FINDS THAT OVER 34,000 CLOTHING RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING JOBS ARE AT RISK AS OFFSHORE E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS GAIN MARKET SHARE IN SA
REPORT FINDS THAT OVER 34,000 CLOTHING RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING JOBS ARE AT RISK AS OFFSHORE E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS GAIN MARKET SHARE IN SA
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
Fast Company South Africa
Shein and Temu could cost South Africa R6.2 billion by 2030
Between 2020 and 2024 alone, Shein and Temu captured approximately 3.6% of the total market share at a remarkable pace, outstripping traditional local retailers who took years to achieve similar penetration
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
My Pressportal
Localisation Support Fund Study Flags 34,000 South African Jobs At Risk From Shein And Temu Growth
This is according to a new study commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) and conducted by BMA in support of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan.
E-commerce has expanded rapidly, with online clothing sales growing from just 2.4% of total market share in 2015 to nearly 10% in 2024.
Shein and Temu have captured a disproportionate share of this growth - an estimated R7.3bn in sales in 2024, accounting for more than a third of all online clothing sales in South Africa.
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
SABC
Offshore Online Retailers | Temu and Shein bring stiff competition
China-founded e-commerce retailers Shein and Temu have captured a combined 3.6% share of South Africa's (SA) retail, clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) market, accounting for $405 million in sales in 2024, a report showed on Tuesday
5 August 2025 at 10:00:00
ET Retail
Shein and Temu outpace global retail giants in South Africa's fashion market
Shein and Temu, the China-founded e-commerce giants, have rapidly gained a significant foothold in South Africa's retail market, capturing 3.6% of the CTFL sector and generating 7.3 billion rand in sales by 2024. Their aggressive pricing and strategic marketing, initially aided by tax loopholes, have disrupted the local retail landscape
6 August 2025 at 10:37:00
IoL
Shein, Temu could cost economy R6.2bn by 2030 as offshore retailers disrupt SA job market
Between 2020 and 2024 alone, Shein and Temu captured approximately 3.6% of the total market share at a remarkable pace, outstripping traditional local retailers who took years to achieve similar penetration.
6 August 2025 at 10:00:00
Reuters
Shein and Temu outpace global retail giants in South Africa's fashion market
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 5 (Reuters) - China-founded e-commerce retailers Shein and Temu have captured a combined 3.6% share of South Africa's retail, clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) market, accounting for 7.3 billion rand ($405 million) in sales in 2024, a report showed on Tuesday.
5 August 2025 at 16:22:00
ET Brand Equity
Shein and Temu outpace global retail giants in South Africa's fashion market
Shein and Temu, the China-founded e-commerce giants, have rapidly gained a significant foothold in South Africa's retail market, capturing 3.6% of the CTFL sector and generating 7.3 billion rand in sales by 2024. Their aggressive pricing and strategic marketing, initially aided by tax loopholes, have disrupted the local retail landscape
6 August 2025 at 09:20:00
Tech in Asia
Shein, Temu outpace global rivals in South African fashion market
Shein and Temu have together secured a 3.6% share of South Africa’s retail, clothing, textile, footwear, and leather market, generating 7.3 billion rand (US$408 million) in sales in 2024, according to a report by the Localisation Support Fund.
5 August 2025 at 10:00:00
SABC News
Offshore Online Platforms | The playing field is not level: Simon Eppel
The rise in offshore e-commerce retailers like Temu and Shein has come at a significant cost to the local economy. A research report, commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund, has revealed that the online Chinese retailers collectively achieved approximately R7.3 billion in sales from South African consumers. The sites attract customers with ultra-low prices on goods, while also including free shipping, making the buys even better value. While price conscious customers may benefit, the shift in spending is contributing to job losses in South Africa
5 August 2025 at 19:10:00
SABC News
Chinese retailers collectively achieved approximately R7.3 billion in sales from South African consumers in 2024.
[WATCH] A research report commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund has revealed that the online Chinese retailers collectively achieved approximately R7.3 billion in sales from South African consumers in 2024.
5 August 2025 at 15:40:00
Engineering News
Localisation Support Fund supports local clothing, textiles businesses.
With the local retail-clothing, textile, footwear and leather (R-CTFL) sector accounting for about 14% of South Africa’s manufacturing employment, nonprofit company the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) has implemented interventions to help increase local manufacturing revenue and capacity in the sector.
20 August 2024 at 22:00:00
Crown Publications
Opportunity to localise some components in the Transmission and Distribution value chains
The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) released a report on the findings of a study on the Value Chain Mapping of the South African transmission and Distribution Networks and the allocation of the South African Manufacturing Capability to the Value Chain Elements, which highlights anticipated growth in the electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) value chain; and opportunities for localisation within the T&D value chain.
28 September 2023 at 22:00:00
Bizcommunity
There's opportunity to localise components in the T&D value chains
The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) released a report on the findings of a study on the value chain mapping of the South African transmission and distribution networks and the allocation of the South African Manufacturing Capability to the value chain elements, which highlights anticipated growth in the electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) value chain; and opportunities for localisation within the T&D value chain.
27 September 2023 at 22:00:00