Twitter reacts: Woolworths responds to employee suspended for wearing Isiphandla at work
BLAIRGOWRIE – Woolworths has responded to these allegations and said that Nkopane was not suspended for wearing isiphandla but for disciplinary matters.
Twitter was abuzz yesterday afternoon (4 February) when it was reported that Mathapelo Nkopane was suspended for wearing a traditional animal skin wristband also known as isiphandla in Zulu.
Speaking to the Independent Online, Nkopane, an interactive coordinator for Woolworths Blairgowrie, said she had received permission from her line manager to wear isiphandla when she first had it in September 2019 but was advised to cover it at all times when at work.
Nkopane explained to the Independent Online that she had her second isiphandla for 10 months when a bakery specialist advised the managers to move her to another department until the isiphandla fell off because the managers understood that she could not remove it for cultural reasons.
Nkopane said she had to write a statement and explain why she had isiphandla and whether she received permission for it. She said that she was then suspended with immediate effect until further notice as an investigation is still ongoing.
Woolworths has, however, responded to these allegations and said that Nkopane was not suspended for wearing isiphandla but for disciplinary matters.
Hi Sakhile,
We share your sentiments on equality and can assure you the story is not true. Ms Nkopane was suspended for disciplinary matters, not for wearing isiphandla.
Woolies will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) February 4, 2020
This is what people on Twitter had to say after the issue started trending.
The #woolworths line manager had no problems with the sphandla as long as it was covered. A bakery specialist suggested she be moved to another department until it fell off. Whoever decided to suddenly suspend the worker after the recommendation is wrong.
— A girl has no name (@Kokiiizy) February 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/TrueTsonga/status/1224788570453499912?s=20
Sphandla must be covered. It is food safety, like covering rings, hair, beard #woolworths
— Sandi (@SandiJaftaRSA) February 4, 2020
#Woolworths Power has never valued or supported our beliefs neither have they seen the importance or even tried to respect our cultures. Everyday as black Africans we're expected to maintain eurocentric beauty standards and subscribe to that instead of appreciation ours.
— S. (@skylaronline_) February 4, 2020
This #Woolworths debacle sounds like a hygiene issue. Persons wearing isiphandla shouldn't be near any food items, covered or not. They're trying to maintain a sterile environment. However, the dismissal does seem odd, given that the individual was moved to a different department
— uMonde Fezile wakwaDlomo🤗 (@mf_dlomo) February 4, 2020
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