Dis-Chem are the equivalent in SA to what Boots is in the (Uk) or Walgreens (US).
Back in September one of the big 2 retail pharmaceutical companies in South Africa called Dis-Chem put in place a "no more whites' hiring policy. This news didn't go down too well amongst the white and Indian customers resulting in many moving over to the competitor called Clicks.
I can understand the reasoning behind this which others around the world would not have ever experienced. The Government has a black empowerment process in place where blacks are first in line for jobs even if they are not competent enough for the role. That is the reality as I can recall seeing the table companies have to hire by in order to qualify and it is rather sickening. if they don't as you can see by the letter they face a 10% fine on turnover which is seriously wrong and the crux of the problem.
Black male and female followed by disabled black male and female followed by coloreds, Indians and then whites. Imagine being a white female at the bottom of the job market as that is what was stated. This is not great for businesses as being dictated to who you can and cannot employ only hinders the growth of the business. This is why we find people in positions who are not capable of doing the job and have someone who is working underneath them doing their job for them. This only increases the overall running costs of the business which should never be the case.
Back to Dis Chem who have had a some what poor quarter due to their statement which was leaked to the press and social media. The share price is down having lost almost $1.9 billion which is in the ball park of $120 million converted. Their competitor Clicks is up over 5% having benefitted from the sudden boost of sales. Clicks no doubt sticks to a similar policy, but keeps that in house out of the public spot light.
Woolworths made a similar announcement 5 or 6 years ago and to be honest didn't hit the headlines like this one has even though many whites have boycotted that chain since. They are hoping time heals bad publicity but I am afraid this won't as it is hitting too close to home and whites have had enough of being alienated in the job market.
If we have to think that the ANC has been in power for 28 years and they are still carrying on in this fashion it is pure racism in reverse. In any other country these stores would be burned to the ground especially if you had a no black hiring policy in place.
Race should never dictate whether you are hired or not as it should only be on ability. This will never be the case in sunny South Africa as even though we are called the rainbow nation there is no rainbow. The youth of all races are leaving the country as there are no job prospects as there is no future for them. Where will the next generation be in 20 years and what will the country look like is anyone's guess but the situation is definitely not a healthy one to live and work in.