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Media Statement with Respect to Health and Beauty Retail Store Clicks
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 7 September 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted with concern an advert by health and beauty retail store Clicks. The advert, for hair products, seemingly suggests that African hair is amongst others “dry and damaged”. To this effect, the Commission has launched an own-initiative investigation into this matter. The Commission has further written a letter to and called for a meeting with Clicks, for the retail store to explain itself concerning the content of the advert.
Monday, 7 September 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted with concern an advert by health and beauty retail store Clicks. The advert, for hair products, seemingly suggests that African hair is amongst others “dry and damaged”. To this effect, the Commission has launched an own-initiative investigation into this matter. The Commission has further written a letter to and called for a meeting with Clicks, for the retail store to explain itself concerning the content of the advert.
The Commission has also noted an apology from Clicks’ Group CEO, Vikesh Ramsunder, noting the company’s disappointment at this advert and the hurt caused by it. The Commission remains committed to understanding measures taken by Clicks to guard against such adverts in the future and other accountability and sensitivity measures the company intends to take going forward.
The Commission has also noted that the advert by Clicks has elicited strong emotions and protests from the general public. The Commission supports the right to protest as envisaged in section 17 of the Constitution, and calls for South Africans to exercise this right in a peaceful manner.
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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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