Multi-award-winning entrepreneur and musician DJ Zinhle (Zinhle Jiyane) has launched a scathing public campaign against the proliferation of “fakes” targeting her luxury accessory brand, Era by DJ Zinhle.
The controversy ignited on February 5, 2026, after the “Umlilo” hitmaker exposed a sophisticated network of alleged counterfeiters—ranging from independent TikTok “personal shoppers” to major South African retail giants.
The TikTok Confrontation
The drama began when Zinhle was alerted to a TikTok user advertising “Era accessories” alongside global brands like Daniel Wellington and Coach. When the entrepreneur confronted the seller directly, the situation turned hostile.
- The Defense: The seller reportedly denied the allegations, accusing Zinhle of “misrepresentation” and damaging her reputation.
- The Receipts: Zinhle fired back by sharing screenshots of the exchange, highlighting the stark price difference. While authentic Era hoops retail between R500 and R1,100, the “dupes” were reportedly being sold for as little as R90.
The Shocking Makro Allegation
Perhaps the most damaging revelation in Zinhle’s exposé was her claim against Makro, one of South Africa’s largest retailers.
Zinhle revealed that her own sister had ordered a pair of “Era earrings” from the retailer, only to receive items in packaging identical to her brand’s official aesthetic.
“My business is a fraction of the big businesses in South Africa,” Zinhle stated in a video. “Makro is a huge brand. Why would they sell counterfeit products of my brand?”
A Pattern of Era Plagiarism
This is not an isolated incident. Founded in 2012, the brand has become a prime target for international and local copycats:
- The Shein Scandal (2025): Last year, fans called out the global fast-fashion giant Shein for allegedly listing near-identical copies of Era’s signature jewelry.
- Expanding the Empire: Despite these setbacks, Era continues to grow, moving from its original watch line into handbags, sunglasses, and high-end jewelry.
