MiDesk creators address ongoing criticism of invention
Recently, the Department of Basic Education faced backlash for endorsing McDonald's branded MiDesks, which were distributed to rural schools.
MiDesk creator Talita Boodhram. Picture: X/DBE_SA
CAPE TOWN – The creators of the MiDesk have addressed ongoing criticism of their invention, a wheeled school bag that converts into a desk and chair.
Recently, the Department of Basic Education faced backlash for endorsing McDonald's branded MiDesks, which were distributed to rural schools.
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Concerns arose on social media after a video circulated showing a child struggling to lift the bag.
MiDesk’s global chief sales and marketing officer and creator, Talita Boodhram, responded to the footage: “You’re giving a child this new gift for the first time and they're manoeuvring it for the first time, and they want to take care of it. It's a brand-new gift and they're getting used to it.”
Boodhram detailed the functionality of the desk bag: “So, the backpack is two kilograms, and the pulling force makes it much lighter, so we don't really recommend that any child has to carry it on their backs. We just give it as an option if needed.”