The Human Rights Commission (HRC) met with a Clicks delegation on Friday following the uproar over its alleged racist advertisement.
The meeting was requested by the HRC as the Clicks advertisement according to the commission is contrary to the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
According to Gushwell Brooks, spokesperson for the HRC, Vikesh Ramsunder, CEO of Clicks, again apologized for the incident during the meeting. “He explained exactly how the ad, created by a third party, was eventually posted on Clicks’ website and also provided details on measures that would be put in place to prevent a repeat infringement.”
It was stated during the meeting that all Clicks employees, and specifically the management, will undergo transformation training. “Ramsunder is committed to involving Clicks’ suppliers in its transformation agenda in an effort to ensure that no insensitive advertising is created and placed in the future.”
Clicks further undertook to make available all internal documents on transformation, as well as the measures that the company will put forward in the future. However, the HRC will continue to stay in touch with Clicks. “This includes reviewing Clicks’ current policy on diversity and inclusivity, as well as procedures for determining which content is constitutionally adequate.”
Clicks also met with Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and her department on Thursday.
According to the department, Ramsunder undertook during this meeting to increase spending on small, micro and medium enterprises and to support local beauty and hair care brands and other products.
Ntshavheni noted that Clicks’ preferred acquisition spending focuses on large and established companies, but does not include fully empowered companies and contributes to building an inclusive economy.
The minister further said her department would help Clicks focus on businesses owned by black people, women, youth and disabled people.
The department and Clicks have set up a working team to finalize the implementation plan, as well as to monitor progress in specific focus areas.
