Clicks drops TRESemmé brand, products replaced with ‘immediate effect’

The health and beaty retailer has also accepted the resignation of one of its senior executives responsible for the racist ad campaign that has so angered South Africans.

The TRESemmé advert on the company's website depicted black people's hair as "dry and dull" while white people's hair was depicted as "normal”.

Clicks CEO Vikesh Ramsunder says TRESemmé products will be replaced with locally-sourced hair brands.

"Clicks will be delisting and removing all TRESemmé products from shelf with immediate effect and will be replacing the gap with locally-sourced haircare brands, of which Clicks has an extensive range already. Furthermore, Clicks will be engaging with all suppliers to enforce their ethical code of conduct.

“In addition, Clicks has been involved in extensive discussions with the departments of labour and trade and industry over the past few days and will be working closely with them to help develop the local beauty market in South Africa.”

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Ramsunder says the company has accepted the resignation of a senior executive.

“Apart from suspending all employees involved in publishing the recent offensive advertisement, Clicks has accepted the resignation of the senior executive responsible.”

Pressure has been mounting on Clicks to take action since the advertisement hit the headlines last week.

On Monday, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) closed some 400 Clicks stores during a nationwide protest.