National pharmacy chain denies violations of language rights claim in East Rand

In a recent press release from the Pan South African Language Board, spokesperson Sibusiso Nkosi stated an alleged language violation at retail pharmacy chain Dis-chem was reported in an article by media.

According to Nkosi, the article alleges pharmacy staff members embarked on a strike following ill-treatment by management, which included not being allowed to speak or use African languages with customers, Benoni City Times reports.

“It has been indicated that staff members are only allowed to speak in English to customers, as well as Afrikaans,” said Nkosi.

Dis-chem spokesperson Caryn Barker said the accusations were categorically false.

“We wish to make it clear that employees are encouraged to communicate with customers as directly and clearly as possible in their language of choice,” said Barker.

“Enforcing the use of English is not company policy and we are investigating claims that this is happening at some of our stores.”

Regarding the strike action that took place, Barker said the strike was “unpopular”.

“The majority of Dis-Chem employees have no appetite for the industrial action.

“Unfortunately, some have had to stay away from work due to intimidation.”

She added the pharmacy chain strongly condemned the intimidation of non-striking workers and their families.

According to an employee of African descent from the chain in Benoni, the accusation was false and he stated: “I am African and I speak the language I want to, nothing of that sort (violation of language rights) happens here.”