Money Matters Mandela’s clothing line hits SA storesAnti-apartheid hero’s clothes line featuring prison number 46664 makes debut in Johannesburg store.

Nelson Mandela’s clothing line has finally hit the shops as part of a fundraising campaign for HIV.

We revealed in March that the garments released by his Foundation feature Mandela’s prison number ‘46664’ and are manufactured by South African company Seardel.

The clothes, available in the Stuttafords chain of stores in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, debuted at a leading Seardel store in Johannesburg on Wednesday and include men’s jeans, shirts and polos. They also feature the iconic anti-apartheid ‘Hand of Africa’ logo. Women’s dresses are also available.

The label, which will donate seven and nine percent of generated revenue to Mandela’s foundation, aims to open specialised stores next year and sell products in the US and Europe.

Polos are on sale for R600 (around $86), but foundation board member Achmat Dangorm defended the expensive price tag.

“When you buy a 46664 shirt, you are not just buying apparel. You are investing in a process that will help spread the legacy of Nelson Mandela by supporting the long-term sustainability of 46664. You are also helping to positively stimulate the local clothing and textile manufacturing industry,” he said.

Source:African Business Review – Melissa Rudd