One of South Africa’s largest companies reported to the SAHRC over school programme
Bidvest has been reported to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights over its school bursary programme.
The complaint, lodged by trade union Solidarity, alleges that the company’s policy is racially discriminatory and violates both the South African Constitution and international human rights conventions.
The bursary programme supports the children of full-time Bidvest employees who earn less than R15,300 per month.
It covers school fees, uniforms, stationery from Waltons, and extra lessons for learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12.
However, despite meeting the income requirement, white employees are excluded from applying for the bursary for their children.
Solidarity has strongly condemned this exclusion, calling the policy “illegal, immoral, racist, and discriminatory.”
Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive of Solidarity, said the programme fails to address inequality in a just and inclusive way.
“Such a policy obviously does not rectify past injustices and sows division in the workplace by judging employees solely based on their skin colour,” Hermann said.
He argued that a class-based approach, rather than one based on race, would more effectively and fairly target those in need. “This is also what the UN prescribes,” he added.
The union’s complaint noted that the programme infringes on the constitutional rights to equality, dignity, and fair labour practices.
It also references South Africa’s commitments under international agreements such as those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
According to Solidarity, these frameworks require that corrective measures be temporary and targeted and do not involve the outright exclusion of any group based on race.
Solidarity is now calling for the SAHRC to launch a full investigation into Bidvest’s policy and to ensure that the company immediately amends the programme to one that is inclusive of all employees, regardless of race.
Bidvest’s responce to the outcry
Last month, Julian Gwillim, CEO of Aprio Strategic Communications, issued a statement on behalf of the company.
He clarified that the bursary is funded through the Bidvest Education Trust, which was formerly known as the Dinatla Trust. The trust was created in 2003 as part of a broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative.
“In line with the B-BBEE Act 53 of 2003, the Trust was formed for the sole purpose of uplifting Historically Disadvantaged Individuals who are employees of the Bidvest Group,” Gwillim said.
The trust was part of the Dinatla consortium, which held a 35% stake in Bidvest at the time. According to Gwillim, the bursary programme has been in place for over 22 years and has had a significant impact.
“It has been operational for over 22 years and very successful in changing the lives of our employees and their families,” he said.
Gwillim also emphasised Bidvest’s commitment to transformation and inclusion in line with South African legislation.
“As a South African company, the Bidvest Group will continue to work toward advancing workplace equality and inclusion,” he said.
“We not only comply with, but fully endorse and support, the principles and objectives of the policies and laws of our country that are fundamental to achieving our collective economic and social ambitions.”
Loading ...