By Siphamandla Mbewa
Demand for makoya fan helmets - or makarabas - is set to increase as South Africa draws closer to hosting the World Cup.
Companies are preparing to meet demand for the wacky headgear affixed to safety hard-hats and worn by diehard fans at soccer matches.
The colourful helmet has become as synonymous with South AFrican soccer as the vuvuzela, with designs becoming more and more outrageous.
While hard-hats have been known as makaraba for decades, they have more recently become integral to the image of African football.
The standard makarabas that display support for local teams and their sponsors originated in the early 1980s and are worn by passionate South African soccer fans.
Traditionally, makaraba helmets are hand-sculpted and painted, making it difficult to produce easily and quickly for large orders.
A local company, Makoya Designs, has now introduced a merchandised version.
Artist and graphic designer Michael Souter started Makoya Makaraba six years ago as a project to create employment and develop a product for sports fans around the world that was uniquely South African.
The Makoya directors say the demand is huge, with serious interest shown from the US, Europe, and even Canadian ice hockey teams.
In South Africa, the Makoya helmet not only targets the beautiful game, but also rugby and cricket.
"From small beginnings, the company and the makaraba have grabbed world attention. Every component of the product is manufactured in this country, making it uniquely South African," said Souter.
Managing director Paul Simon joined Makoya Designs to help grow the business. He said he recognised the massive potential when he first saw the product six months ago.
The company says the makarabas are perfectly suited for corporate branding as well as the retail market.