DJ Zinhle has once again taken a public stand against counterfeiters after discovering that a TikTok user claiming to be a personal shopper was allegedly selling replica items from her accessories brand, Era by DJ Zinhle.
The DJ and entrepreneur shared screenshots and videos detailing her interaction with the woman, whose page advertised Era accessories alongside products from well-known brands such as Daniel Wellington, Crocs and Coach. According to Zinhle, the issue came to her attention after a supporter alerted her to the page. When she confronted the seller directly, the exchange quickly became tense.
“I called the woman and asked why she’s selling counterfeit items of my products, and she was defensive, claiming that she wasn’t and, in fact, I was falsely accusing her of something she wasn’t doing,” Zinhle explained in her video.
As the situation unfolded online, the woman allegedly accused Zinhle of misrepresentation and claimed her reputation was being damaged by the accusations. Zinhle responded by sharing screenshots of these messages, further fuelling debate across social media.
The controversy didn’t stop there. In the same video, Zinhle also called out Makro, revealing that her sister had ordered Era earrings from the retailer only for them to arrive in packaging identical to that used by her brand. Questioning how a major retailer could be involved, she said, “My business is a fraction of the big businesses in South Africa. Makro is a huge brand. Why would they sell counterfeit products of my brand?”
Era by DJ Zinhle, founded in 2012, started with watches and has since expanded into handbags, jewellery and its popular hoop earrings, which retail between R500 and R1,100. However, knockoff versions are reportedly being sold for as little as R90, making them easily accessible to unsuspecting buyers.
This is not the first time the brand has faced such challenges. In 2025, online users exposed Shein for allegedly selling dupes of Era earrings, highlighting how widespread the issue has become as the brand’s popularity continues to grow.
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