A fashion designer from Pretoria’s Mabopane township launched a range of clothes inspired by suspended ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema on Thursday.

The branded caps, T-shirts and vests, which feature a brightly coloured mouth, were inspired by his speeches, says the 27-year-old designer, Obakeng Ramabodu.

“I have not met someone, who, when he speaks, 80 percent of people listen.”

It was the outspoken Malema’s drive to achieve his goals against all odds that inspired Ramabodu to persevere with his idea to develop the JuJu label. Juju is Malema’s nickname.

“He is always pushing for things,” he said.

The JuJu label was selling well, with 300 T-shirts snapped up soon after coming on the market.

The designer was aiming at the 10- to 36-year-old market and would include a JuJu Babe range for women, JuJu Boy for young men and JuJu Kids.

Despite Ramabodu’s enthusiasm for South African politics, manufacturing costs forced him to look to China to produce the first range.

“It is a South African idea. The Chinese could not have made this thing if it was not in my mind.”

He was now hoping to interest big retailers like the Edcon Group and Woolworths in selling the clothes. The JuJu range’s first provincial launch would take place in Malema’s home province of Limpopo.

Are you going to buy any of the clothing?

By Sapa