South African labor union COSATU, which has close ties to the ruling African National Congress, has protested that a figurine of World Cup mascot Zakumi is being produced in a Chinese sweatshop. Itdemanded an investigation into the allegations and threatened to disrupt the World Cup.
“COSATU has consistently demanded that all World Cup paraphernalia must be manufactured in SouthAfrica so that we can create jobs and inherit a legacy from the tournament which will permanently improve the lives of South African workers,” it said in a statement. “South African consumers,thinking they are making a patriotic gesture by buying the over-priced mascot, are unaware of where it comes from and how it is produced.”
Global Brand Group (GBG), the firm that managesbranding for FIFA, had inspectors check out the factory in question and said no Zakumi merchandise was found. “As often as possible first choice of production is South Africa,” said GBG. “However,in cases where this is impossible, international manufacturing partners are considered.”