Juju designer is a traitor - union
THE South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union has joined the fray in condemning the Juju label designer's decision to produce the range in China.
slammed:
Obakeng Ramabodu designs the Juju label.
PHOTO: PEGGY NKOMO
On Tuesday Sowetan reported that fashion designer Obakeng Ramabodu of OB Fitted was in Guangzhou, China, to make the suspended ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema- inspired range.
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said Ramabodu was exploiting Malema's name to make a quick buck.
Yesterday Sactwu general secretary Andre Kriel called Ramabodu a "traitor to our beloved country's developmental needs".
"We do not need such low-class, back-stabbing opportunists," Kriel said.
Proudly South African CEO Leslie Sedibe also criticised Ramabodu for producing the Juju range in China. He said the production cost difference was not that big in most cases.
"Our position is clear as Proudly South African, at least 60% of production should take place locally. This shows a lack of national pride on his part. It is a spit on the face of South Africans trying to create jobs."
Sedibe said his organisation encouraged South Africans to use the country's existing capacity.
He said the reason for the collapse of the local textile industry was "things like this".
But Ramabodu again defended his action, saying he knocked at many doors locally for support, including the private and public sector.
"I went to the National Youth Fund, Gauteng Development Agency, The Department of Trade and Industry and top businessmen," he said. "They all told me that the name of the range was too controversial for them to be associated with. What was I supposed to do? Going to China was the most practical option for me.
"I am proudly South African. The whole aim is to eventually empower other local designers through the Juju range."
Meanwhile, the Juju range has been received warmly by our readers. Most of those who wrote on our website and those who called in said they would support the range.
abeT
Cosatu leave an aspirant young entrepreneur alone. SAFA bought mechandiser of the FIFA world cup from China. Even the Rugby kit was bought from china.If you buy from Edagars, Truworths and all major retailers their labels are from China. Why are you jealous is it because he is black.Report Abuse
tpaz
It makes sense to have clothes made in china for the same quality and minimum cost.The aim of a business is to make profit not please VAVI.
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asaowe
South african's are total hypocrite, not so long ago pll hv been complaining about ama fongkong 4rm china, tht SA clothing factories are closing down, govnmemt allowing chinese product to the country, the very same ppl, whn Vavi complains about taking business to china they take a u-turn, let all SA clothing firm be closed down and rate of unemployment sky rocket, and complain again, let keep it south african i support proudly SA initiative.Report Abuse
PleaseGetReal
asaoweSouth african's are total hypocrite, not so long ago pll hv been complaining about ama fongkong 4rm china, tht SA clothing factories are closing down, govnmemt allowing chinese product to the country, the very same ppl, whn Vavi complains about taking business to china they take a u-turn, let all SA clothing firm be closed down and rate of unemployment sky rocket, and complain again, let keep it south african i support proudly SA initiative.
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I agree 100%, SA used to have brilliant clothing factories until vavi and his cronies decided to strike for everything. anc is in bed with china so the import and export rates have dropped, instead of importing the machinery and employ people businesses can do it cheaper in china in their sweat shops. the very thing vavi was apparently fighting against.
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asaowe
PleaseGetRealThk 4 insite info, wht wuld be an ideal solution to the fukup, ppl need wrk, SA ned to get ppl to wrk to sustain economic growth. wht yr take?
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Pointman
They are going to manufacture in China and ship it 15 000km to South Africa - and it will still be cheaper than if made here. Something not right with in SA. Our government must set up manufacturing areas called SEZ's (Special Export Zones) - and then declare that our lacour laws do not apply in those areas. This will give our factories a fighting chance.Report Abuse
SifisoHadebe
This is a classic case of a misunderstood entrepreneur. This designer was rejected so many times yet he has succeeded in getting the t-shirt to start being manufactured. He should be congratulated so that up-and-coming S.A. entrepreneurs will be inspired to never give up. I won't buy the shirt but I do congratulate him.More entrepreneurs = Less poverty.
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tpaz
@RobinH, i am waiting for your respected comment- most of the time you make sense but i can safely say you are a passive rac.icst. I want to tackle and debate with you on economic/finance issues....@Pointman, you are 100% right. Our labour costs are too high.
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Mdala
"Juju designer is a traitor"The same can be said about Jujuman himself
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