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In South Africa, reading a news article online or opening Facebook without encountering a Temu ad is nearly impossible.

This is because Temu is investing millions in marketing to expand its brand and eCommerce market share in South Africa – something local players cannot afford to do.

Takealot – which is owned by JSE-listed Naspers – told Daily Investor that the online retail environment in South Africa has become even more dynamic and competitive in the past year.

This is largely due to the increasing prevalence of offshore online platforms without physical presence in South Africa.

“This form of commerce extracts value from South Africa without contributing to local communities or skills development,” it said.

“It ultimately harms small businesses and local manufacturers and threatens the ability of entrepreneurs and corporates to create job opportunities.”

It said the emergence of offshore online platforms is not unique to South Africa – it is a global phenomenon that requires decisive and urgent attention.