Dis-Chem Does U-turn on Its Memo on Hiring White People Amid Increase Public Blacklash

• JSE-listed pharmaceutical retailer Dis-Chem has been the subject of controversy following a leaked memo announcing a moratorium on hiring white people
• Dis-chem has now backtracked on the wording of the memo that was aimed at redressing inequality
• The U-turn follows public outrage from politicians and threats of legal action from civil rights groups

JOHANNESBURG - Pharmaceutical company Dis-chem has seemingly had a change of heart on its pause on hiring white people.

The company has withdrawn the leaked internal memo penned by CEO Ivan Saltzman, which called for the moratorium. This is a change of tune from the company, which initially stood by the hiring pause on Friday, 14 October.

The original memo aimed to improve Dis-Chem's employment equity profile under Employment Equity Act, but the company has since apologised for the memo. Dischem's board vowed to improve its internal communication processes to avoid offending staff and customers in the future, News24 reported.

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The retailer's backtracking comes as many politicians and prominent civil society groups spoke out against the moratorium.

Lobby group AfriForum campaigns officer for strategy Ernst van Zyl claimed that regardless of the company's intent, the moratorium amounted to racial discrimination, SABC News reported.

South Africans react to Dis-chem withdrawal of the hiring pause memo

Many South Africans aren't pleased with Dis-Chem's sudden U-turn.

Below are some reactions:

@molatelomohale commented:

"It's a victory for minority"

@Achilles0450541 stated:

"Well, if one reads between the lines then what is withdrawn is the actual memo and not the intent as Dischem will continue to strive to comply with applicable legislation like any other corporate ‍♂️"

@colza91 added:

"If @EFFSouthAfrica is really what they say they are, they won't allow this nonsense. Whites should stop using their financial muscles to bully us away from transformation."

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Absa & Dis-Chem promised community of Jagersfontein R200 000, SA prays funds & supplies won’t get looted

In another story, Briefly News reported that the Absa Group and Dis-Chem Foundation have collaborated to help the Jagersfontein community in the Free State following last month's mine dam wall collapse.

Dis-Chem is giving away food and toiletries worth R100, 000, and Absa has promised to donate R100, 000 in cash. According to Times Live, the bank stated that toiletries are a basic need, and this donation will be used to help Jagersfontein residents restore their dignity with everyday products.

Source: Briefly News