H&M apologises

THE EFF said protests at H&M stores will continue despite the global retailer appointing a “global leader” to address issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

EFF supporters have protested at various H&M stores across the country since Saturday, vandalising some outlets.

The protests come in the wake of an advertisement by the international clothing company showing a black child in a green hoodie with the words “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” inscribed on it, which caused worldwide outrage on social media and other platforms.

“Protests will continue until they (H&M) come to the table and they have not done that,” said EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Meanwhile, the Swedish retailer said its efforts towards diversity and inclusiveness were genuine.

“We are reaching out to gather ideas, feedback, comments and observations from our staff, critics, experts, influencers and business partners.

“We are open to constructive thoughts to help us create a better future.”

H&M had apologised and has since removed the controversial image.

“We got things wrong and we are deeply sorry.

“The recent incident was entirely unintentional, but it demonstrates clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand and how sensitive and mindful we need to be about different cultures and particularly about issues of race.”

Ndlozi previously called for tough consequences against “racists”, saying an apology was not enough.

I FULLY agree that the H&M advertisement was insulting and unacceptable.

But here, once again, is the EFF bleating on about white monopoly capitalism.

Perhaps instead of destructive protest action, Bernard Joseph should set an example to his party members by eschewing motor cars, cellphones, brand sunglasses and shopping at householdname supermarkets to name but a few white capitalistic enterprises.

Too inconvenient one would think; better stick to a bit of trashing.