‘Racist’: Dis-Chem’s moratorium on hiring whites sparks ourage

Some white South Africans are now boycotting Dis-Chem for its decision to enforce a moratorium on the appointment of white people, including promotions. The pharmaceutical retailer’s CEO Ivan Saltzman announced the moratorium in a letter to senior management dated 19 September, saying they had reviewed their Employment Equity profile and found that there hadn’t been enough effective transformation within the organisation.

“Remember, we are growing at a fast rate and a few appointments other than white don’t cut it. It’s the ratio between white and black that counts. So, when no suitable black candidate is found, and a white is appointed, we need several blacks just to maintain the status quo, never mind moving forward,” said Saltzman.

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DIS-CHEM BOSS DEFENDS MORATORIUM ON WHITE HIRES

Dis-Chem’s CEO Ivan Saltzman says keeping the moratorium on hiring white people and other measures, were necessary, particularly if they are to remain profitable and to avoid a potential fine of 10% of turnover which would cripple the business.

There has been a wave of reaction to Saltzman’s letter, which has been labelled racist towards white people. The letter was circulated on Twitter and even prompted the reaction of the DA’s Helen Zille, who questioned its authenticity.

“Hermann, I am sure this is a fake letter. No CEO would write so sloppily, and have such poor grammar and syntax. If it is real then Dischem will soon see the consequences of this type of racism in the business outcomes. They deserve whatever comes their way,” Zille wrote on the app.

Another Twitter user wrote: “Idk why white people are so pressed about this Dischem thing. Literally most white people I know either won’t be caught dead working retail or simply don’t HAVE to work retail. Funny, that whole privilege thing”