WATCH: EFF shuts down Clicks stores across the country

This follows after a controversial hair advertisement was posted on the health and beauty retailer’s website on 5 September.

Social media went into a frenzy, claiming that the retailer was racist as the advert described black hair as damaged and dry and white hair as normal.

Clicks has since issued an apology and removed the offending images from the social media.

In the statement they said the images go against everything the group believes in. “We do not condone racism and we are strong advocates of natural hair. We are deeply sorry and will put in place stricter measures on our website,” the statement read.

The EFF, however called this apology condescending and said it lacked any remorse for what they called a ‘racist act’.

Here is what is happening at Clicks stores across the country, brought to you by Caxton Local Media:

Clicks in Polokwane and Mokapane

In Polokwane, EFF’s Commander-in-Chief, Julius Malema along with the provincial leadership, arrived at the Mall of the North in line with the party’s directive and national shutdown.

Malema addressed the crowds calling for the suspension of all those involved in the online campaign, which they said depicts ‘black people as ugly’.

Clicks store at the Cycad Shopping Centre in Polokwane was damaged during a suspected petrol-bombing in the early hours of Monday morning:

Clicks in Alberton

EFF party members have set alight Clicks Pharmacy at Lemon Tree Shopping Centre in Alberton this Monday morning

Clicks at Sandton City

Gatherings have started at Sandton City. A Sandton Chronicle journalist, Chante’ Ho Hip is on the scene:

The @EFFSouthAfrica have gethered outside of @Clicks_SA at Sandton City this morning.

📍Sandton
📰 @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/LuEnIs3UhO

— Chanté (@Chante_Poppie) September 7, 2020

Clicks in Witbank

Clicks petrolbombed at Saveways Crescent and protests at other local stores in eMalahleni, the protest at Clicks Highveld Mall and Ben Fleur Boulevard is peaceful and under control. Watch more here.

Clicks Witbank petrol bombed. pic.twitter.com/XF07POyMET

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 7, 2020

Clicks in Pretoria

Clicks store at Menlyn Mall closed after EFF members protested outside, following outrage over an online advert published by the retailer this past week. Police and security companies from around Pretoria confirmed there had been no incidents of violence reported by early Monday afternoon.

Clicks in George

Outside Clicks in the George CBD this morning, EFF provincial chairperson Melikhaya Xego said they want to close Clicks for the whole week, throughout the country.

“It is not the first time that something like this happens. Big corporate companies insulting black people. We want to hit them where it matters,” said Xego.

Clicks in Northern Natal 

EFF members in Dundee gathered outside the Clicks store at the Pick ‘n Pay Boulevard Centre this morning, as the party promised to shut down Clicks Stores across the nation.

Clicks in Brakpan

EFF members gathered outside the Clicks Store in the Mall@Carnival earlier today to protest the use of an offensive advert on the store’s website. Shopping was not disrupted and police, the EMPD and local security companies kept a close eye on the peaceful group.

Clicks in Hartbeespoort

Village Mall security and the Hartbeespoort police quickly dispersed a group of EFF-supporters who vandalised the Clicks store’s windows in Village Mall early on Monday following a call by the EFF to forcibly shut down the chain stores all over the country. Watch more here.

Clicks in Midrand 

Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gathered outside the Clicks store at the Mall of Africa. Watch the video here. Please not that the video contains swearing.

Members of the EFF protest outside Clicks at Mall of Africa over the racist advert @MidrandReporter pic.twitter.com/h06FHOW0Fm

— Sarah Koning (@SarahKingon) September 7, 2020