World Cup mascot factory probed

GBG, FIFA's exclusive worldwide master licensee, has contracted Intertek, an international organisation, to visit the factory and to conduct an ethical and social compliance audit of its operations.

Intertek has tested products for the textile, footwear, toys and petroleum industries worldwide.

As FIFA's licensee, Global Brands can manufacture and sell 2010 products and operate the FIFA brand at all stages of the tournament, anywhere in the world.

Global Brands spokeswoman Chantal Riley said yesterday, 3 February 2010, the “blanket audit” into all necessary aspects of the product, including its production process, has begun.

Licensees and manufacturers “have committed to comply with the code of conduct of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry and the declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work adopted by the International Labour Organisation. These codes include ... compliance (with) national laws and international working condition standards,” she said.

GM of GBG SA, Paul Zacks, explained that GBG is concerned about allegations made in the media, such as reports from Britain's News of the World, of workers being paid the equivalent of R23 a day.

“Global Brands Group takes these matters very seriously and we have therefore launched a review audit as a matter of priority.

“We stress the fact that the Chinese manufacturer in question does not produce any of the other Zakumi plush toys, merchandise or products that are available in the market place. Global Brands Group has a variety of other manufacturers that handle these products and they are in no way linked to the same factory or industrial plant,” he said.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions said it welcomed the audit.

Source: Business Day