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MissDela takes world by storm
04/12/2003 14:30 - (SA)
Tisha Steyn
Cape Town - "The phone has not stopped ringing after the story appeared on News24," says Tracy Diamond, Prima Toys' marketing manager.
News24 on Wednesday revealed a new black babydoll with ethnic features that has just appeared in shops countrywide.
"I've received requests from a German network who wants to do a programme on the doll, or at least a news flash. A London network is also interested. The international interest in this doll has blown us away."
Local media has also shown overwhelming interest in the story of the doll, with newspapers and magazines wanting to publish the doll's story, and television wanting to do follow-ups.
Wanda Ambrosini, Prima Toys marketing and sales director, says consumer interest is two-fold. People phoned to find out where they can buy the doll, either because their children want one, or because they are collectors.
The doll is the first of its kind with the features "of a beautiful black baby", says Judith Oosthuizen, who conceived the doll.
She is dressed in either an orange or turquoise outfit with a modern ethnic design, and sells for between R99.99 and R120 at most big stores.
Oosthuizen says she has been toying with the idea of a black doll for the past decade.
She said the doll was named in honour of the former president.
But the Nelson Mandela Foundation requested that Nelson Mandela's name not be connected to a black doll.
In a letter to the toy company, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO John Samuel requested that the toy company not use Mandela's name or image in connection with the doll, so as not to contradict the Merchandise and Marks Act.
Honouring the request, Prima Toys immediately issued a statement, saying: "So as not to contradict the Merchandise and Marks Act, Prima Toys would like to bring to the attention of all media, that MissDela is in no way associated or endorsed by Nelson Mandela.
"In future it is requested that no reference be made to Nelson Mandela when referring to MissDela."
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