According to the statement released by the EFF this comes after the offensive and racist advert by Clicks that undermined the dignity of black people and suggested that the hair of black people is damaged and inferior to that of white people.
Clicks later removed the images and posted an apology.
We would like to issue an unequivocal apology. We have removed the images which go against everything we believe in. We do not condone racism and we are strong advocates of natural hair. We are deeply sorry and will put in place stricter measures on our website.
— Clicks (@Clicks_SA) September 4, 2020
According to The Citizen in a statement, secretary-general Marshall Dlamini said the party viewed the brand’s conduct to be “disturbing” and reminded South Africans of “our past painful history that was centred around racism that subjected black people to inhumane treatment and conditions”.
Among the demands, Clicks must immediately terminate the contracted company which commissioned the advert.
The command is very clear, tomorrow and for the rest of the week, I will report @Clicks_SA Mall of the North in Polokwane at 9am with my ”DRY & DAMAGED HAIR.” #EFFMustRise pic.twitter.com/Or3519j8MO
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) September 6, 2020
“Should you not meet our demands above, we will close all Clicks stores in South Africa without any further notice. We urge you to take this letter seriously, as it is our last and final communication with your organisation until our demands are met,” said the party.
Social media users have been voicing their opinion on the matter using the hashtag #clicksmustfall.