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The label was inspired by controversial ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema. Picture: Giordano Stolley/SAPA

Local fashion designer Obakeng Ramabodu believes his new Julius Malema-inspired “JuJu” clothing label will take the local fashion industry by storm, regardless of the outcome of the ANC youth wing firebrand’s appeal against his suspension.

Ramabodu said on Thursday he believed in the longevity of the label and that it would not be affected by Malema’s political future.

This is despite the label being primarily centred on Malema and his controversial character.

Malema is fighting for his political future by appealing against a five-year suspension handed to him after an ANC disciplinary committee found him guilty on various charges last year.

Ramabodu announced in December that he would be launching the clothing range, named after the youth league president’s nickname.

The designer recently travelled to China to have the clothes produced there as it was more expensive to have them produced locally – a move met with fierce criticism from SA labour unions.

Ramabodu has also been accused of riding on Malema’s fame to make a quick buck, but he has dismissed the criticism. Launching his label to the press yesterday, Ramabodu was in high spirits and claimed he was not fazed by criticism of his label and only focused on making it a success.

“I am a fashion designer. I do what I think will work and this label will definitely work.

“I have already sold more than 350 T-shirts and I have only been back from China for four days,” said Ramabodu.

The label will be launched in Malema’s home province Limpopo next month, where Ramabodu claims to have already sold more than 270 T-shirts.

He had already received interest in the clothes from Botswana and Zimbabwe, Ramabodu said.

“The aim is to have the label sold everywhere. I am meeting big clothing groups to discuss selling the label in their stores,” he said.

Ramabodu hopes to have the second batch of the clothes produced locally if the demand and popularity of his range continues to rise.

Malema and the ANC Youth League have previously distanced themselves from the label.

Ramabodu said on Thursday that Malema had nothing to do with the label and would not be getting any royalties from it.

“I chose to make this label because I am inspired by Malema. I have met him only once and I am sure he does not even remember me.

“I first met him when he was general-secretary in Limpopo, but I followed him more when he became youth league president. I like how he does things and how outspoken he is about what he believes in.”

The clothing range includes male T-shirts, female vests and caps bearing the name, JuJu, and the label’s trademark image of an open mouth.

ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu did not return messages requesting comment. - Pretoria News

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