Times Of Swaziland:  AmaKip Kip squaring up with Macford'

AmaKip Kip squaring up with Macford'
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 MIMI DLAMINI on 16/01/2009 00:00:00


MBABANE-The AmaKip Kip clothing label owner Nkosana Lesedi has threatned legal
action against Minister Macford Nsibandze.
The word ‘KIP KIP’ is contested by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental
Affairs Macford Nsibandze, who claims he was first to use it as a brand. The
minister named his dance troupe, ‘KIP KIP’, when he founded it back in 2005.
The group was launched the following year.
However, AMAKIP KIP’s Lesedi did not hide the fact that they would take the
legal route should the minister use the name in clothing. But the minister
insisted that he would not require anyone’s permission to use the name.
Below is how he responded to our questions;
1. Where did the name AMA KIP KIP originate from?
The brand originates from the vibrant streets of Soweto where people are suckers
for big brands and loyal to few.
2. Who came up with the name?
It was Siyanda and me whilst brain-storming.
3. When did you come up with the concept, and when then did you launch it?
Early 2006 and we launched the brand and the T-shirts mid 2007.
4. In Swaziland, we have a dance group called ‘KIP KIP’, the whole concept
of the dancers came from one of our Cabinet ministers. Have you ever heard of
them?
No.
5. If not, what do you think about the fact that the two names are almost
identical?
Well it’s okay to be inspired as long as they don’t make clothing, that’s
if they haven’t already.
6. Do you feel that will affect you or your brand in any way, seeing as the KIP
KIP dancers often tour South Africa, what might people think?
It’s not an issue as of yet. We are a fully registered brand, so an apparent
infringement will result in legal action.
7. How, why and when did you partner with Siyabonga Ngwekazi?
Siya has been involved from the beginning, he is a co-founder.
8. Who is your target market? Is your brand Kasi orientated or what?
We are an aspirant brand, targeting the middle class, urban market. We want to
be relevant in the suburb and the locations.