Trade union federation Cosatu said it is furious that the country’s World Cup mascot was being manufactured in China.

Cosatu said it was appalled that World Cup t-shirts and Bafana Bafana jerseys were not being made in South Africa to help create jobs.

Thousands of clothing workers have already lost their jobs due to the credit crucnh, and the union said the sector had pinned its hopes on the World Cup to revive the ailing clothing industry.

The federation’s Tony Ehrenreich said FIFA made empty promises and has totally disregarded locals.

“The fact that the mascot is made in China is an absolute disaster. This would’ve been an important boost for the clothing industry in South Africa. It’s meant to be part of the legacy of the World Cup. What’s the use of our country having poured billions of rand into building stadiums and all the other infrastructure; if no benefits will flow from the World Cup,” said Ehrenreich.

He added hey would protest at all FIFA-related events until the football body "sorted the mess out."

“We can’t allow FIFA to continue in this way. COSATU, in the absence of FIFA apologising for this slight toward the South African population and not committing to ensure that [Zakumi] is manufactured in the country, is going to protest FIFA events,” said Ehrenreich.