Vryheid KZN – EFF protests against Clicks stores nationwide

Lolo Madonsela
The Clicks advert that has sparked emotions throughout the country has led to the business being forcibly closed due to protest by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) nationwide.
Clicks in Vryheid (like many others) was forced to shut its doors on Monday while the regional EFF protested outside the store, chanting freedom songs.
The EFF cited that Clicks
“participated in public dehumanizing of black people through an advert which presented the hair of black women as ‘damaged’ in comparison to white hair, which is described as normal, fine and flat. The implications of this are that black identity exists as inferior to the identity of white people. It is an assertion that white standards of beauty are to be aspired to and the features of black people represent damage, decay and abnormality. This characterisation is the founding stone of anti-black racism and the EFF will not tolerate it”.
As the outcry about the advert flared on social media, Clicks tweeted its apology and wrote: “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 SA, starting with our website content.
We know we need to do better, and commit to ensuring our content better reflects this value”.
The advert was also taken down from the store’s website. However, the apology was not well received, as the EFF then called on all Clicks shops to be closed for the whole week.

Also read: Vryheid KZN: Bikers unite against farm murders and racism

Clicks lost the court application to stop the protest by the EFF; their application was dismissed with cost.
“We welcome the dismissal of racist Clicks SA’s court application to stop protests against their racism.
“The application by Clicks was dismissed due to being defective, with cost, and as the EFF, we are vindicated that their arrogance was dealt with harshly by a court of law,” stated the EFF.
During the nationwide protests, a number of images surfaced on social media showing some Clicks stores that were allegedly petrol bombed and others ransacked.
Responding to the EFF’s actions, the Clicks Group said in a statement that they will be taking all the necessary precautionary steps to ensure the safety
and well-being of customers and
employees.
“Protest action by the Economic Freedom Fighters is currently happening at 37 of our stores across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape. Seven stores were damaged, including Saveway in Witbank and Cycad in Polokwane.
Clicks strongly condemns violence of any kind or intimidation of staff and its customers. Clicks will take legal action against perpetrators and those seeking to incite violence or harm our people and our stores. Clicks provides a much-needed healthcare service to South Africans. Stores will remain open for trading, and contingency plans have been put in place to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. Clicks has taken full accountability and apologised unreservedly for the advertisement published on its website, and has taken immediate action to address all concerns. Clicks will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement read.

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