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- Cotton On has come under fire on Twitter after South Africans saw that it is selling an enamel mug for R199.
- A similar mug, known as lebekere is Sesotho, retails for R9.99 at Shoprite and R9.90 at West Pack.
- Various Twitter users were shocked by the price, but one cited the durability of the mug.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
Retailer Cotton On is selling a single enamel mug for R199, causing a frenzy among South Africans on Twitter, especially since other retailers charged substantially less for a similar mug.
The retail giant's website shows that the mug, which comes in in pink, blue, and green, has a matching bowl and plate for an additional R399.
Shoprite has a similar mug for R9.99, and a set of 12 enamel mugs retails for R85 at Osbro Home.
West Pack also offers an 8cm enamel mug for R10.90, and a 6c one goes for R9.90.
One Twitter user posted: "The price hike is insane." Another added: "We're being mugged in broad daylight. Quite frankly, this is not my cup of tea."
But one Twitter user didn't seem outraged and cited the mug's durability and potential to last for generations.
"This price is the right price... This cup does not break," she said. "Your children's children will even use it... There's nothing wrong."
Enamel mugs, also known as lebekere in Sesotho and Setswana, are not new in South Africa but a staple utensil in many households.
They are made of cast steel or iron, dipped in liquid enamel under scorching heat. The enamel glaze seen on the cup prevents rust, leaving the item with a glossy finish. The mugs come in many different colours.
The enamel mug has also been used in different parts of the world for centuries. It was part of soldiers' kits during wars and a necessity in Chinese households in the 1970s.
Today, the item is still used in homes and for outdoor activities such as camping.
Cotton On hasn't responded to the controversy yet.
