This undercover investigation took place in Johannesburg in October 2021 as part of a wider investigation conducted by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) International. The Chinese Government had been ramping up its expansion of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Africa as a key part of its controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Major TCM companies and countless clinics are already been established across Africa, with further plans to construct full supply chains from sourcing to sales.

Investigation conclusion: the Johannesburg-leg of the investigation discovered numerous incidences of endangered African products being used in TCM. TCM products containing animal parts were found to be openly available for sale in retail outlets in Johannesburg.

The published report can be found here.
Published article via Mail & Guardian.