Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

It’s Business as Usual at South Africa’s Popular China Malls… Except for a Lot More People Wearing Masks

by Eric Olander

While shoppers in many countries around the world are avoiding Chinese communities, especially “Chinatowns” and restaurants, out of fear of being infected with the deadly coronavirus, that’s not true for South Africa.

The popular China Malls that are common in many South African urban centers are reporting only a small decline in business as many South African consumers brush aside fears of getting sick. “We know about the virus and heard about it on TV, but nowadays there are so many sicknesses around,” said Danie Scheepers from Mpumalanga during a visit this week to the China Plaza in Umbilo.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More

You Might Like

Chinese Business Community in Namibia Takes Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 Outbreak

The Chinatown merchants association in the Namibian capital Windhoek is posting notices on shuttered storefronts encouraging customers and business owners to stay away from individuals who have returned from China without undergoing the ...

As South Africans Begin Their Lockdown Period, Compatriots Back in Wuhan Offer Some Advice on How to Cope

Now that the 114 South Africans who were evacuated from Wuhan last month have been cleared and allowed to return home, Eyewitness News interviewed a number of students and other expatriates who stayed ...

Seychelles Doubles Down on Chinese Vaccines Amid Rising Infection Rates and Efficacy Concerns

A new batch of Sinopharm jabs landed in the Seychelles on Tuesday, highlighting the government’s loyalty to the Chinese jab, even amid resurgent infection rates in the Indian Ocean island country. The Seychelles, more ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Subscribe