Johannesburg - Fancy wearing underwear bearing the colours of your beloved political party?
That’s not so far-fetched as entrepreneurs turn their ideas, some too crazy to mention, into lucrative businesses ahead of the municipal elections. The fashion narrative at political rallies and campaigns is competitive, with local designers and merchandisers jostling to sell innovative concepts - from stilettos, bags and car registration plates, to toiletries.
Kutlo Marumo, 28, is the owner of the first ANC merchandise store in the Johannesburg CBD.
He sold ANC golf shirts from the boot of his car. “They literally sold like hot cakes so I decided to expand my business,” he said.
He has launched shops in Durban, Mafikeng and Gauteng and now sells ANC-branded sneakers, hoodies, scarves, antiperspirants, women’s headgear, tracksuits, overalls and leather jackets for R3 000 each.
Business is booming for Nkululeko Mpofu, who sells DA-branded sun hats, belts, vuvuzelas and berets along with the usual shirts and caps at rallies. “Every time I go to a rally people stop me and ask where I got this and that from. I tell them that I have created it. That’s how I obtain orders,” he said.
Mpofu is also looking at branching out to produce household items and accessories for men and women.
The EFF is best known for its red berets but there’s also big business for the party in head-gear for women, jackets and magnets.
So can we look forward to IFP socks, ACDP-branded Bibles or even UDF tea cups?
Only time will tell.
Saturday Star