{"id":431750,"date":"2020-09-07T10:00:53","date_gmt":"2020-09-07T08:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=431750"},"modified":"2020-09-07T10:00:53","modified_gmt":"2020-09-07T08:00:53","slug":"watch-eff-moves-to-shut-down-clicks-stores-across-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/business\/431750\/watch-eff-moves-to-shut-down-clicks-stores-across-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch: EFF moves to shut down Clicks stores across South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday (7 August), moved to close pharmaceutical retailer, Clicks stores across the country as part of a campaign against racially insensitive<\/span> advert shown on the retailer’s website.<\/p>\n

The advert included pictures of four women \u2013 two black and two white \u2013 and described the hair of the two black women as \u2018dry and damaged; and \u2018frizzy and dull\u2019, while the images depicting the white women’s hair were described as \u2018fine and flat hair\u2019 and \u2018normal hair\u2019.<\/p>\n

The EFF said that the advert undermined the dignity of black South Africans and suggested that the ‘hair of black people is damaged and inferior to that of white people’.<\/p>\n

Clicks, apologised for the campaign, calling it a mistake. As of April 2020, group data showed that Clicks has 881 total retail stores across the country, employing 15,347 people.<\/p>\n

“We have made a mistake and sincerely apologise for letting you down. We recognise we have a role to play in creating a more diverse and inclusive S.A, starting with our website content. We know we need to do better, and commit to ensuring our content better reflects this value,” it said.<\/p>\n

And in a statement on Sunday evening, Clicks said that it planned to trade as normal on Monday despite the EFF’s attempt to close stores.<\/p>\n

“Clicks provides a much-needed healthcare service to South Africans and stores will not be closed. Contingency plans have been put in place to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.<\/p>\n

“Clicks has taken full accountability and apologised unreservedly for the advertisement published on its website and has taken immediate action to address all concerns.”<\/p>\n

Pictures posted by the EFF’s official social media accounts show members protesting inside and outside of Clicks stores across the country.<\/p>\n

\n

Secretary-General @DlaminiMarshall<\/a> is outside the Clicks at the Mall of Africa, Midrand.<\/p>\n

We will not permit the unrepentant and perverse racism of Clicks to go on in South Africa. #clicksmustfall<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/7W3beffauA<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 7, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n