Watch EFF retaliate against H&M over controversial sweater ad

Listen as KZN and Damon share their view on the topic in the podcast, then read more below:

Last week, Darren Maule and the team chatted about a very controversial advert which sparked outrage after a black boy wore a sweater for an international clothing giant which read, 'coolest monkey in the jungle'.

Read: International retailer sparks outrage with 'racist' sweater ad

On one side of the spectrum, the advert was met with anger by those who accused the retailer of 'racism'. On the other hand, many have said that people were overreacting and making a fuss about nothing. Social media was divided over the matter.

Political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), took to malls this weekend to protest against H&M over the ad which has ruffled many feathers. Stores were trashed and chaos occurred at Sandton City and Menlyn Park in Johannesburg. As a result of the protest, the brand decided to close all of its shops in the country until further notice. 

Read - H&M monkey blunder: Failure to empathise?

As you can see in the videos shared on social media, almost every piece of clothing was thrown to the ground, and mirrors and mannequins were broken as a representation of their rage that they feel towards the brand for posting the ad. 

According to EWN, police are busy reviewing the footage to find out who exactly was responsible for the damage to their Johannesburg stores. Leaders of the party in the Western Cape are also expected to meet with the management of the brand to discuss the advert.

Julius Malema has not apologised for the party's actions as he feels that the actions should have 'taught the brand a lesson', reports IOL. It seems as if the party is standing their ground as it is also reported that Benjamin Desoloane, the EFF chair from Tshwane, has said that if the brand wants to reopen their Menlyn store, they will be back.

I understand that some, including the party, feel strongly about the brand's advert and have every right to make their voice and opinion heard on the matter, but behaving the way they did was unacceptable. Damaging their stores and causing chaos will not solve anything. I know they say that 'actions speak louder than words', but in this case, a conversation would go a long way to ensure that their voice is heard.

So now that the protests are over (for now), what happens to the costs of the damages, who is responsible? That's my question I'd like to put out to you. After viewing the videos of the protests, do you think the party should be accountable for the cost of the damages that they have caused?