NEWSWATCH: The Chinese company that was contracted to produce the 2010 figurine, Zakumi, has been forced to cease work after FIFA's Global Brands Group withdrew its approval of the Chinese company, which, it seems, was paying its workers the equivalent of about R23 a day, reports Times Live.
For more:
Times Live: Sweatshop reports stop mascot production… Shanghai Fashion Plastic Products & Gifts apparently paid its workers on the Zakumi project about R23 a day, and also forced teenagers to work 13-hour shifts to make the figurines.
It's certain government officials in SA that also have a finger in the pie. What happened to keeping the money and jobs in Africa? Our own leaders are so corrupt, why would they care???? I can't wait for the World Cup to be over! Posted on 9 Mar 2010 13:31
You really had to blame someone in Government, didn't you?-
In this country we have Workers Unions. They safefguard workers' rights. That was the reason why FIFA didn't appoint a South African company because they knew they won't make good profit. FIFA is now embarassed about their China decision after it was revealed what their Chinese friends are doing. By the way, FIFA's Global Brands are the ones who decides, not our government. Stop blaming the government for everything...that's pathetic..... Posted on 9 Mar 2010 14:59
If you read the full article, you'll see that the contract was actually awarded to an ANC MP from KZN. The MP then subcontracted the work to a company in China.
...so yes, blame someone in Government.
"About 100000 of the figurines were reportedly destined for Ascendo Industrial, a heavily guarded factory and distributor in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, owned by ANC MP Shiaan-Bin Huang and his wife, Su-Luan, who subcontracted the work to the factory in China."
http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?ArticleId=1518-1786_2575152 Posted on 9 Mar 2010 16:11
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