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Cashier quits Woolworths over traditional dress

A NEWLY wed Port Elizabeth Woolworths store cashier has quit her job after she claimed she was forced to swap her traditional outfit for skin-tight jeans and a skimpy top.

Now, her irate husband, Eric Mbinda, has blasted the food and clothing store for allegedly disrespecting their culture.

Mbinda's wife, Nomvula Jende, had pitched up at work on Monday in her traditional "makoti" outfit as part of her initiation as a new Xhosa bride. For two weeks after the marriage ceremony, some Xhosa women only wear traditional dresses and skirts.

She had worked at the store for the past six months.

Jende had apparently explained to management that she needed to wear the bridal outfit, and not the Woolworths uniform, for the remainder of the week.

However, on her arrival on Monday, the store manager apparently expressed his dissatisfaction with the outfit. He allegedly demanded she change into a pair of jeans and a shirt found in the shop's storeroom.

Mbinda said the clothing was far too tight.

The Woolworths press office said: "We are committed to building a diverse workforce. We respect our employees and do our best to accommodate their ideas and beliefs.

"We were not aware that Mrs Jende was unhappy to wear the uniform and are investigating ..."

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