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ZAF | Sep 7, 2021

Americans rage but South African designer stands by fashionable ‘rope necktie’

Gavin Riley

Gavin Riley / Our Today

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Models showcase South African designer Daniel Ngobeni’s eye-catching rope neckties—which has enraged thousands of Black Americans on social media platforms. (Photo: Facebook @DanielsRopeTies)

A South African fashion stylist continues to face backlash for a necktie design that thousands of social media commenters say resembles a ‘noose’.

Despite the strong reaction, designer Daniel Ngobeni, who unveiled his Daniels Rope Ties back in 2018, has apologised to those who felt offended by the accessory.

In a statement, Ngobeni declared that contrary to the American rhetoric, he isn’t ‘evil’; neither is he trying to glorify lynching or suicide.

Through his eyes, Daniels Rope Ties aims to challenge the narrative that ropes are not just an instrument for great cruelty—in the case of racial prejudice—but also can double as a symbol of the changing times.

“The rope tie is my work and the motive is to change the past [actions] and the mindset that when people see a rope all they think is [suicide] or lynching. I know the history and I’m not here to offend any family [that has] been a victim in the days. We need to change that; the rope is not only used to take people’s lives but also something good can come out of the same object (rope). I’m not promoting [suicide] or saying people should hang themselves, those who like the idea will understand and focus, some will look at it as a bad idea. Past is past and somethings need to change in the new generation. It is unfortunate people have been killed by a noose but I am not evil,” he said.

The rope neckties some in a varity of colours and styles. (Photo: Facebook @DanielsRopeTies)

Notwithstanding, after several interviews with US-based journalists asking for the South African to explain his work, Ngobeni remarked he would not discontinue the controversial ties.

Ngobeni’s brand went viral across Facebook on August 27 and much earlier on Twitter, when Black Americans were introduced to the product that sells for 150 rands (roughly US$10.50).

Describing the ties as bringing tomorrow’s fashion today, Ngobeni further stated that his style is “unique, simple and fashionable”.

The product, suitable for both men and women, is available in all South African provinces, and, riding the wave of publicity, will be sold at a ‘special’ price of 100 rands.

Daniels Rope Ties are quite the fashion statement in South Africa, which Ngobeni credits to his hard work and use of local models to showcase the accessory.

The allegations of its similarity to a noose are not shared by some South Africans, who say that while blacks were affected by racism in the former British colony, “lynching” was not commonplace in South Africa as other divisive tactics were used during the Apartheid regime.

According to South African History Online, between 1961 and 1989, about 134 political prisoners were executed by the apartheid government at Pretoria Central Prison. Two decades in particular – the 1960s and the 1980s – witnessed many political executions.

The neckties, however, elicited disgust, anger and comparisons to the Jim Crow era by African Americans.

“This is so sad. It’s a mockery of what my ancestors went through. Praying for you,” replied Philadelphia native Michelle Tate Watkins.

“Is it really necessary to start wearing something, anything reminiscent of lynching? I’m pretty sure our ancestors wouldn’t appreciate this so-called fashion trend,” another American, Alizabeth Jetter from Chicago asked.

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