All employees responsible for publishing the offensive advertisement have been suspended. Clicks has accepted the resignation of the senior executive responsible.

Cape Town, 8 September 2020 - Clicks is implementing a number of proactive measures to drive diversity and inclusivity, while helping develop and expand the local beauty market, in partnership with the government.

Apart from suspending all employees involved in publishing the recent offensive advertisement, Clicks has accepted the resignation of the senior executive responsible.

CEO Vikesh Ramsunder says all suspended employees will go through a fair and unbiased disciplinary hearing, overseen by an independent outside chairperson.

In a key update, Ramsunder says Clicks will be delisting and removing all TRESemmé products from shelf with immediate effect and will be replacing the gap with locally sourced haircare brands, of which Clicks has an extensive range already. Furthermore, Clicks will be engaging with all suppliers to enforce their ethical code of conduct.

In addition, Clicks has been involved in extensive discussions with the departments of labour and trade and industry over the past few days and will be working closely with them to help develop the local beauty market in South Africa.

“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 9 September. 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.

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," Ramsunder says.

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