OVER the past years, it has become a trend for the delivery assistants who distribute the various titles across the Caxton Local Media group, to request gifts, food and Christmas hampers from readers while on their specific delivery routes.
“The distribution team has received complaints of this nature from readers in the past. We do not condone such behaviour, which mainly happens over the festive season, ” said the group’s distribution manager, Dhinesh Harilal.
He added that delivery assistants, over the years, become friendly with readers as they frequent the same areas, on the same day and at the same time each week.
“Readers usually leave a treat, food or a juice in their postboxes for the assistants, so there is this familiarity between both parties. This is something that is done through the reader’s on goodwill. However under no circumstances should any delivery staff ask for Christmas gifts,” said Harilal.
In some cases, he said that delivery staff became demanding, which often made the reader feel uncomfortable.
“We encourage our readers to immediately report such matters via our toll-free line so we can investigate and take it further,” he said.
Should you, as a reader, find yourself in this situation, ensure that you have the following details on hand, when filing the complaint:
• Name and surname
• Physical address
• Time of the incident
• Contact details
Complaints can be logged by calling 0800 4444 66 or send an email to distribution@dbn.caxton.co.za
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).