Woolworths has unveiled a new shopping bag design just days after businessman and alleged “tenderpreneur” Vusi “Cat” Matlala made headlines for testifying that he used the retailer’s iconic black fabric bag to deliver large sums of cash. The timing of the change has sparked lively public debate, with many South Africans convinced that Woolworths is distancing itself from the controversy.
Matlala—currently facing charges of fraud, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder—told the court last week that he used Woolworths’ popular black shopping bag as a discreet container for money intended as bribes. According to his testimony, former Police Minister Bheki Cele allegedly demanded a R1 million payment in exchange for assistance with a criminal matter. Matlala claimed he delivered two instalments of R200 000 and R300 000 using what he jokingly referred to as his “money bags.”
The revelation immediately went viral, prompting an outpouring of jokes and commentary on social media. However, the conversation escalated even further when Woolworths’ new shopping bags began appearing in stores shortly thereafter.
The retailer has introduced a white reusable shopper with a lighter and more transparent appearance compared to the older thick black design. The bag’s semi-see-through material makes it easier to spot what is inside—an upgrade that many online users couldn’t help but link to the Matlala saga.
Videos and posts flooded TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), with users poking fun at the timing. One TikTok creator, @*quinnela*, posted a clip captioned, “Woolies said no more scandals,” accompanied by laughing emojis. Another user, @quanzah, joked, “Woolies said no money laundering on our watch.” Both videos quickly gained traction as the new bags started trending nationwide.
https://x.com/MkhwanaziTl/status/1995829153644306819?t=dQS6bUnthr0TztiyxFqlNQ&s=19
Woolworths responded to the sudden spotlight in its own light-hearted way. On X, the retailer shared a cheeky post describing the bag’s many uses while subtly distancing itself from Matlala’s testimony. The caption read: “Secures the groceries. A makeshift overnight bag. The national carrier. The multi-talented. Ladies and gentlemen… the right way to use the W bag.” The post was widely applauded for its humour and tact.
Though many online believe the bag redesign is connected to the scandal, Woolworths has not confirmed any link. The timing, however, has been enough to fuel ongoing jokes and discussion.
Beyond the humour, the new bag fits into Woolworths’ long-term environmental goals. In 2022, the retailer became the first major South African supermarket chain to completely eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags across all stores. This shift formed part of Woolworths’ commitment to achieving zero packaging waste in landfills. The newly released white bag continues that mission, being both reusable and recyclable.
Even as the Matlala case continues to unfold, South Africans have turned the situation into a cultural moment—combining humour, social commentary and brand awareness. Whether the new bag was planned long before or released in response to the public frenzy, Woolworths has successfully remained at the centre of the national conversation, proving that even a simple shopping bag can become a viral symbol in South Africa’s fast-moving social media landscape.
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