EFF’s pressure forces Clicks to dump TRESemmé

Group to close stores today despite winning interdict to stop Red Berets disrupting business

TWO days of protests which have led some of Clicks stores to close has forced the group to ‘’de-list’’ hair-care brand TRESemmé from its list of suppliers, and in its place expand its range of locally-sourced hair-care products.

The announcement follows protests by the Red Berets at about 425 of its 880 stores across the country on Monday and yesterday over an offensive and, what many have called a racist advertisement.

Clicks announced that all employees responsible for the publishing of the advert had been suspended and that it had accepted the resignation of a senior executive responsible for the campaign.

Clicks chief executive Vikesh Ramsunder said all suspended employees would be subjected to a fair and unbiased disciplinary hearing, overseen by an independent chairperson.

The retailer also announced that it be closing all stores today.

“We recognise this event has had a significant impact on our people and our customers, and we have taken a decision to close our stores for a day on Wednesday.

“We will use this opportunity to engage directly with all our store staff across the country, to provide counselling and support. We will be supported by the ICAS Employee Health and

Wellness Programme,” said Ramsunder.

The gap left by the removal of TRESemmé products from Clicks’ shelves would be filled by locally sourced haircare brands.

“We are prioritising our diversity and inclusion training programme for our head office staff. We will be reviewing its content, extending it wider and implementing with more urgency and focus. We are working with the SAPS to ensure the safety of our staff, customers and members of the public, and thank them for continuing to shop with us.”

The nationwide chain has also won an interdict sought against the EFF, prohibiting members from continuing their intended five-day-long protests at its stores.

The interdict stops EFF members from disrupting business and intimidating staff and customers.

EFF member Mbulelo Dwane, who dubbed the protests #ClicksMustFall, said: “You can’t interdict the right to assets, one’s dignity and their right to protest if ever they feel that their humanity was undermined. They’re losing revenue and they’re panicking; we’re sure that they’ve lost millions already.”

Provincial police spokesperson Andrè Traut said protests at Clicks stores yesterday were monitored by police, and no violent incidents were reported.