ANC takes on fashion world
2010-01-19 22:59
Johannesburg - The ANC is now selling leather jackets.
And those who wear them needn't worry about disappearing in a crowd.
Quite a number of the 19 styles advertised on the party's official website, anc.org.za, are neon green, neon yellow or a combination of the two.
The jackets are available in several styles and prices range from R1 620 to R1 944.
President Jacob Zuma even danced in one of these jackets - in a style called "The President" - at the ANC's victory party in front of Luthuli House in Johannesburg in April last year.
"The President" is black with green and yellow panels in a military style.
Another design seems to hint at a school blazer with its bright yellow body and black sleeves with lime green facing around the sleeves.
'Satisfying' turnover
Daryl Swanepoel, co-convenor of the ANC's Progressive Business Forum, said the range of jackets, all made with genuine leather, are part of a series of marketing items sold by the ANC to promote its identity.
While it might be a bit too soon to say how sales are going, he did say: "We're satisfied with the turnover. We receive daily enquiries."
Swanepoel said that because the ANC believes in "buying South African", the jackets are manufactured in Durban by one of the companies which participate in the forum.
Regarding sentiments that the price is quite steep, he said: "Leather jackets are expensive as a rule, but the price is market related."
Designer: ANC should avoid fashion
Fashion designer Abigail Betz said she doesn't like the jackets at all.
"I suggest the ANC avoids getting involved in fashion, since that would be rather confusing. Let's rather stick to ANC T-shirts, banners and caps," she said.
Another designer, Simon Rademan, from Pretoria said his first and "actually" his only choice from the available styles would be the fitted royal blue jacket with green facings.
If the jackets are made of leather, the price should "work", he feels.
It they aren't genuine, it's "quite a lot" to pay for something which is produced in "massive amounts".
However, Rademan feels the style and use of colour are of such a nature that there will be "something for anyone".
According to him, it's a good thing that the jackets don't look like the ANC flag.