Bacon boycott leaves community laughing
A local resident took to social media to express his concern at not being able to buy bacon at his "one stop shop".
When Eskort learned that life was not delicious enough for local, Mellie Botha, it made a plan.
A week ago Mellie, a businessman, publicly expressed his dissatisfaction upon learning that his preferred grocery store no longer stocked pork. In a Facebook post on the Laevelders group, he urged community members to boycott the store – Sonpark SPAR.
Eskort‘s local branch’s reaction was classic. The butchery, known for its wide variety of pork, erected a large sign stating “Hi Mellies! you are welcome to buy your bacon from us!”
Mellie spoke to Nelspruit Post about the post, the community’s widespread reaction to it, and the butchery’s invitation.
He placed his post into perspective.
“Sonpark SPAR has always been my one-stop shop,” he said.
Prior to turning to Facebook, he sought to buy pork chops from the establishment. “I could not find it and learned that the store stocked no bacon, polony and other pork products either,” he said.
According to Mellie, he was told that a Muslim owned Sonpark SPAR.
“I just felt that if we can accommodate the religious groups that eat halaal foods, we should accommodate those who eat pork. To me, it seemed fair,” he said.
This argument was reflected in his Facebook post, which has since been removed.
“I call on the Christian community… to support me in boycotting the store,” it stated.
Yesterday, Mellie said that his statement was not intended to spark outrage or to fuel hatred.
“I have since learned that those who are not allowed to eat pork for religious reasons are also not allowed to sell it,” he said. Learning this gave Mellie a better understanding of the situation.
He did not expect thousands of locals to react to his statement. “Judging by the comments community members made online, the statement was misinterpreted and things got out of hand,” he said.
Included in the comment storm were admonishing, ridiculous and downright hilarious statements. It was clear that the love of bacon could inspire Mbombelans to transcend the limits of reason.
“Don’t allow this to steal your joy. Rather drive to another store,” advised Adele Strydom.
Another user, Suzelle Toerien had a message for prospective boycotters:
SPAR Lowveld DC responded to Mellie’s Facebook complaint. “SPAR abides by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which guarantees freedom of religion,” said SPAR Lowveld managing director, Alison Zweers.
She confirmed that the owner of Sonpark SPAR – who did not address the paper directly – is a Muslim who does not stock pork products in accordance with his religious beliefs.
“SPAR does not dictate what its retailers must offer in their stores, and upholds the right to freedom of choice,” she said.
Mellie decided to exercise his freedom of choice, and said that he will support Eskort in future.
“They did not just stick with the notice. I got a phone call from Eskort and was invited to purchase pork from them.
They even surprised me with some pork!” he said with a laugh.
