Anger at controversial Pick n Pay mugs

The retail store experienced backlash after they stocked mugs labelled as ‘maid’ and ‘gardener’.

Pick n Pay spokesperson, Janine Caradonna, says the must were bought and put on display by the owner without their knowledge.

"We are sorry that this has caused offence. We asked the franchisee to remove them immediately, which he did," Caradonna says.

But the union’s Myrtle Witbooi says the mugs are degrading and very reminiscent of live under the apartheid regime.

ALSO READ: Woman burnt alive in Joburg

"It is dehumanising the domestic sector and the gardeners. We also feel it was taking us back to the apartheid years where all the utensils we were using were outside.

“It hurt the domestics very much because it makes them feel like they are nothing," Witbooi says.

She says they are owed an apology by the franchise.

Witbooi says the union demands to know who the manufactured the mugs.

"The question is now what are they doing with all the cups, are they going to destroy it?" Witbooi says.

Witbooi says they are planning a small picket outside to shop to show their anger.