advertisement
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit

Clicks commits to spend more on SMMEs to procure local products

For the past week, most of the local news has been dominated by Clicks, and the posting of a racist advert on its social media for Tresemme hair products. In the wake of the debacle, both Clicks and Tresemme have committed to making specific restitutions as outlined by the EFF’s demands.

What is also of equal interest is the retailer’s recent commitment to work closely with local hair and beauty product manufacturers, and specifically those at the SMME scale.

“The Clicks Group, owners of Clicks stores and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD), has committed to increase spending on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and support local beauty, hair care brands and other products,” reports SA News.

“Clicks Group Chief Executive Officer Vikesh Ramsunder made the undertaking during a meeting held with Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and a senior delegation from the department,” the website adds.

The retailer has since removed Tresemme products from its shelves, and will reportedly be using the freed up space to stock locally manufactured products instead. Added to this, the company has committed to engaging and mentoring local companies with regard to its supply chain.

Clicks will also be working with the Small Business Development Minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, in future around many of the issues that have been highlighted over the racist advert debacle.

“The department will assist Clicks to focus on SMMEs which are owned by black women, the youth and people with disabilities. We want Clicks Group to contribute to the localisation drive of government by placing more South African products on their shelves,” the minister said.

Ntshavhedi has also committed that her department and agencies will assist SMMEs with compliance of product quality, safety standards and regulatory requirements, including assistance to upscale their manufacturing capacity.

Whether these proposed plans lead to any tangible improvements for SMMEs, remains to be seen.

[Source – SA News]

advertisement

About Author

advertisement

Related News

advertisement