Woolworths must withdraw 'blacks only' job ad - Solidarity

Woolworths positions must be open to all race groups - Solidarity

Trade union Solidarity will tomorrow at noon start a public campaign against Woolworths if the group does not withdraw job advertisements for which only black candidates will be considered. The campaign will be conducted mainly via social media.

In a letter sent to Woolworths today, Solidarity demands that the group amend advertisements for positions which are only available to "African Blacks" or "to Africans, Coloureds and Indians only" so that people of all race groups will be considered for the positions. Dirk Hermann, Solidarity's Deputy General Secretary, demanded in his letter to Woolworths that the group amend the advertisements before noon on Wednesday. Hermann informed Woolworths that the group is not correct in its implementation of the Employment Equity Act, and that its implementation amounts to unfair discrimination.

"The Employment Equity Act does not make provision for the exclusion of any race as far as applications are concerned. The current advertisements amount to an absolute quota, which the Act explicitly prohibits. The trade union has appealed to Woolworths to revisit its internal affirmative action policy to ensure that it does not discriminate unfairly against current or prospective employees of any race." According to Solidarity, the Act does not allow such discrimination, nor will public opinion tolerate such discrimination.

Text of letter from Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary, Solidarity, to Ian Moor, CEO Woolworths Holdings Limited, September 4 2012:

URGENT

4 September 2012 
Mr. Ian Moir 
Chief Executive Officer 
Woolworths Holdings Limited 
and to 

Mr. Mark van Buuren 
Woolworths Legal Advisor 

Dear Sir, 

UNFAIR EXCLUSION OF CANDIDATES BASED ON RACE 

The above matter refers. 

We place the following on record: 

1. Following a public outcry aimed at Woolworths' selection criteria for certain advertised positions, Woolworths made a media statement setting out its position with regards thereto. We quote the following section thereof: 

"Like all South African companies, Woolworths has a role to play in transformation. For this reason, SOME positions (where there is under- representation) are designated for EE groups.

The designated groups are Blacks, Coloureds, Indians, women and people with disability.

As per the Employment Equity Act of 1998, Woolworths is expected, like all SA companies with more than 50 employees, to plan our work force by race, gender and disability.

Our workforce is diverse and includes people of all races (Black, White, Coloured, Indian), gender and disability."

2. We have in our posession at least one advertisement for a vacant position in Woolworths, exclusively designated for African black candidates. In this regard we attach the advert details for the position of Divisional Visual Merchandise Manager: Marketing - Head Office hereto.

3. From the contents of this advertisement it is clear that White, Coloured and Indian applicants are barred from applying for this position as the same is already designated for an African black candidate.

4. Woolworths' interpretation of the Employment Equity Act, as set out in the quoted section from its statement above, is both legally and morally wrong.

5. Contrary to Woolworths' application of affirmative action, the Employment Equity Act, in section 15 (3) thereof, states that affirmative action measures include preferential treatment and numerical goals, but excludes quotas.

6. The practice of Woolworths excluding candidates from certain races from applying for vacant position, is nothing else than quotas. This setting of an absolute barrier on the basis of race constitutes unfair discrimination.

7. We contend that this application of affirmative action is not sanctioned by the Employment Equity Act. 

8. Besides what is stated in the preceding paragraph, we are of the opinion that Woolworths will also be found guilty in the court of public opinion on account of its recruitment and selection process as described above.

9. In view of the aforesaid we request the following from Woolworths:

9.1 That Woolworths withdraw the advertisement attached hereto and mentioned in the preceding paragraphs before 12 pm on Wednesday, 5 September 2012 and ensure that the advertisement is amended so that candidates from all races are allowed to apply.

9.2 In addition hereto we request that all other positions that are currently advertised within Woolworths are screened to ensure and amended, if necessary, to ensure that candidates from all race groups are allowed to apply. In regard to this request we received written confirmation of Woolworths' actions in this regard by 12 pm on Wednesday, 5 September 2012.

10. We herewith place on record that, should Woolworths choose not to respond favourably to our requests mentioned above, Solidarity will launch a full scale campaign against Woolworths to mobilise public opinion and pressure in order to ensure that Woolworths adhere to these requests.

We await your most urgent reply.

DIRK HERMANN 
DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY: SOLIDARITY

Statement issued by Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, September 4 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter

Share this article

Tweet

Services

Subscribe to newsletters
News feeds

Comments

If you come across comments that are injurious, defamatory, profane, off-topic or inappropriate; contain personal attacks or racist, sexist, homophobic, or other slurs, please report them and they will be removed.

 

responses to this article

Customers Well the customers know what to do...or what to not do at Woolworths... by . on September 04 2012, 18:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why is this a problem? Do we have AA, EE or whatever laws or not? If we have them, then companies must hire people from the correct racial groups to meet their quotas. If the problem is that the laws exist, then why give Woolworth's a hard time? If the problem is that . .more Woolworth's is trying to obey the law, then you are stupid and/or insane. . .less by Anon on September 04 2012, 19:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Yes, Anon, obeying the law.. Woolworths is welcome to obey the law. That is, the new apartheid laws, where white job reservation has been changed with black job reservation. Do you remember that little word "boycott" from the "struggle" years, Anon? Come on Whites . .more - MAKE YOUR MONEY DO THE TALKING, and the bullshit can keep on WALKING! (Or toy toying, or burning a couple of tyres, or whatever is their flavor of the month!) BOYCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . .less by James on September 04 2012, 19:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

They have all cut in the ANC elite with Black Racist BEE policies So the only hope you have of justice is the Constitutional Court by Lyndall Beddy on September 04 2012, 19:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anon We do indeed have AA and EE laws. Neither specifies quotas as the article said-- don't you bother to read before you rant? by Carlf on September 04 2012, 19:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A question or two Will there be a bench in the WW staff room marked " For Blacks only" "Alleen nie-blankes"? And will it be painted green? And will it be uncomfortable enough to catch the 4th vertebra? Will a pencil be used in vetting job applicants? I . .more mean not for writing but for measuring hair density? What standards will determine "blackness"? If anyone can prove a line through neandertalensis back to Homo erectus or even homo habilis will he be qualified to apply? what idf the applicant states that he is a descendant of homo rudolfensis and offers his jawbone to be measured. Will that be O.K.? I suppose Australopithecus sediba is just too far back along the evolutionary stream to have a hope. What about a modern descendant of australopithecus africanus? Now, the discussion becomes difficult when we start talking about australopithecus afarensis because there does indeed appear to be some link from that species through homo. Who knows? Will maeve Leakey now be employed by WW in the H.R department. Prof Tobias would have had a chuckle at this one. of course, I suspect the real succesful applicants will be descendants of Piltdown Man. Ramopithecus bosiei does not stand a chance. . .less by Cassandra on September 04 2012, 19:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Pipe down Solidarity Why must I waste my time interviewing white people when I know I cannot hire them in order to meet my required BBBEE score? I simply son't have the time for it. If we find absolutely nobody capable of filling this job, we will readvertise to include other . .more races? Make sense? Its about being efficient. If you disagree with the BBBEE scorecard design, then that is a different issue and nothing to do with Woolies. . .less by Sympathy to Woolworths on September 04 2012, 19:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Cassandra and Sympathy with Woolworths Leave the arguments. It won't help. It is MUCH easier than this. In the USA a chicken outlet recently almost got closed because of their views on homosexuality. TAKE A QUE PEOPLE! Just don't buy from Woolworths anymore. Easy . .more as that. Spread the word. (In true South African fashion, like Blacks did in the 80's when they boycotted stores with racial discrimination - you could hang around your local Woolies and assault white people who buy from them. If it worked for blacks, I'm sure it could work for whites? Look over your shoulder next time you shop there... I'm watching you....) Don't shop Woolies. I might shoot you. . .less by James on September 04 2012, 20:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@james If you have evidence that WW sells homosexual chickens then you should bring this to the attention of the Minister of Agriculture because she will certainly insist that WW must give equal shelf space to chickens of all sexual orientation. She might . .more even ask a few of them to sleep with her in her car. . .less by . on September 04 2012, 21:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Whites should stick together Do not support black owned companies and employ whites only. Why not? Forget the government tenders. by Time on September 04 2012, 21:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Homosexual cheeken @. Where can I find these chickens. I want to make party time with these things by Mute fool _makhoya on September 04 2012, 21:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Employment W.W Woolies talk about ee but they know that they got issues with their employees. Now they are retrenching their full time worker or giving them what they call voluntery packeges at the minimun cost.We talk about potential workers also turning them . .more into flexis at a low cost and again cutting their salaries which is not fair to the poor people. . .less by E.E on September 04 2012, 22:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

WW 1) I won't leave Woolies, and most people won't - there are no other stores that compare and I would have emigrated were it not for Woolworths and Discovery (they let me keep up the 1st world feeling in this 3rd world sh!thole) 2) Woolies might take . .more back the ad, but we all know the practice of shutting out whites won't change. Solidarity is at the PR again, it's good for their brand name and gets them more paying members. But the end effect : like fighting against street name changes, will be nothing. . .less by John on September 05 2012, 02:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

By . on September 4 2012, 21:22 Fakester. by . on September 05 2012, 03:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Solidarity should go further Even if WW changes the wording of its RACIST ads, they will simply not appoint a white person. I suggest that Solidarity tests this by submitting white and black CVs for the same position and see who gets invited to an interview. As for me, it's . .more simple: If I am not white enough to work there, my money is most certainly too white to shop there. . .less by Boer on September 05 2012, 07:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolwoths only gives employment to "black " Africans Yes Woolworth appoints only Black Africans >>>>and you can see it when you shop at Woolworth>>>So I wonder what would happen if Checkers, P&Pay would only advertise for Coloured , Indian and white . .more staff????????? People must be hired for their ability and capability >>>>not by race<<<<<< or via family connection.Check it out>>>tooo many uncles and aunties are employed in Woolies retail shops...... . .less by A. Mphuti on September 05 2012, 07:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bantuheid is here to stay - Get used to it... Or at least until the misruling party voting fodder can compete with other groups on an equal footing, which say "racist jokers" affirm that it will only happen when Jesus comes... Other "nasties" claim that it will only be a reality when the some . .more crowd manages to acquire the specific brain mutations that genetically it may lack and that some others may have inherited. . .less by Injala Apera on September 05 2012, 08:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woollies - ANC lapdogs Woollies seem happy to act as kapo's for the ANC's race based laws don't just not buy from them. Fill a trolley with frozen and refrigerated food then leave it at the till without paying saying, if you like, that it's in protest. by Herman Hanson on September 05 2012, 08:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bluf julself Solidariteit moet liewer sy energie fokus op die verwydering van diskriminasie deur die Regering. Na 18 jaar van regstellende gemors behoort die beste kandidaat aangestel te word. Tans is dit nie die geval nie en as Woolworths 'n swarte soek is hulle ten . .more minste eerlik. Wie op aarde bluf julle ? . .less by Jannie on September 05 2012, 08:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why single out Woolworths? Some examples of what I found in the careers section of a local newspaper this morning: "For this position, we are particularly seeking to attract South African females and Black African South African males only" - for IT Helpdesk . .more consultants "Only black African candidates will be considered" - HOD Maintenance Engineer The usual wording found in most advertisements "---- is an equal opportunity employer, all appointments will be made in accordance with the company's employment equity policies" is a EUPHEMISTIC way of saying essentially the same thing: race is a consideration, but they are saying it in a less direct way. Woolworths made a mistake in the wording of the advertisement and no doubt they will retract it. But the problem does not lie with them - the problem is the LAW with which they are forced to comply. As for those who are saying that they will boycott Woolworths - have you considered that Woolworths employs about 20,000 people, and that their jobs may be at risk because of your action? Will you also boycott all the other companies using the euphemism? . .less by Honest Citizen on September 05 2012, 08:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Jannie Absolutely. by Honest Citizen on September 05 2012, 08:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Et tu Woolies In the early 90's, Harvard University was already using exclusive racist labelling to bar South African whites from applying for scholarships etc. Woolies is just obeying the racist laws of the day, but it still leaves a sour taste. The point is, for how . .more long does the ANC feel the need to place an artificial handicap on white advancement? Being white, I take pride in knowing that despite everything the ANC has thrown at whites to discourage us and dishearten us through racist legislation, I can still admirably fend for myself through hard work without depending on a proverbial handout. I'll savour my Woolies pain au chocolat this morning - Ithen, it's a week's boycott. Very disappointing Woolies! . .less by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 08:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies EE This is all about the misinterpretation of the Employment Equity Act. There seems to be a lack of skills in the Woolies human resource department. by Pieter on September 05 2012, 08:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Argus Eye But then you must be consistent and boycott all the other companies who have to comply with the same Affirmative Action law - but then when do you start? by Honest Citizen on September 05 2012, 09:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Arrogant replies from black racists It is amazing the amount of arrogant replies from what seems to be black people. It is obvious that these people have no intention of ever sharing this country with whites and I have a strong feeling that all these freedom fighter types like never had . .more the intention of a non racial society and that they were nothing but racist in thier ideology. I think we as white people are going to have to stand up and fight for ourselves if we do no want to be sidelined and driven into the backwaters of society. Black people are afraid of us and do not want to compete against whites. BYE - BYE Woolies you racist pigs . .less by Donkervlie on September 05 2012, 09:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies I agree we must boycott them, Now to get this pass my wife by Johan J on September 05 2012, 09:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Donkerville Sigh...Did Woolworths make the law, or are they complying with the law? Are you also going to boycott all other companies who comply with the Affirmative Action law? by Honest Citizen on September 05 2012, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Be realistic In a society whose policies are exclusionary and race based one has to be selective in fighting racism and boycott in high profile cases where it will have most impact. During apartheid, ANC members still bought at "white-owned" shops and used facilities . .more provided by white tax payers. They were selective in their boycotts and it worked. . .less by @ Honest Citizen on September 05 2012, 09:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Be realistic Sorry that was by Argus eye. by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 09:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

WW Join us at https://www.facebook.com/noworths?ref=ts to uphold your disdain at this appalling policy held by a company loved and supported by the majority of whites in SA over many years. This is so distressing! by monique on September 05 2012, 09:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Honest Citizen: Time limit @ Honest Citizen I think most people realise the need to redress the imbalances of the past, but I think most people also realise deep down that the ANC's policies (possibly well meant at first) have been thoroughly corrupted for purposes of . .more self-enrichment. The fact that the ANC won't put a time limit on its affirmative action policies indicates that they are reactionary, punitive and likely to stay. The other point the ANC fails to realise is that their policies, even if well meant, are undoubtedly racist. It is the victim of the policy that decides whether or not it is racist legislation, not the legislator. So, while the ANC's race-based policies may be expedient, they remain morally indefensible. But that's politics! . .less by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 09:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

GM Labeling Hi Woolies dragged their feet with regards to the GM Labeling of all goods sold in their stores blaming suppliers and the likes. It was THIER requirement and after a year it is still not good. They stated that it was too expensive to implement. . .more Well their chicken is available locally at R40 p kg and in their shops the same is R69per kg 150% mark ups are no longer viable! Hope they go to the wall R . .less by Rob on September 05 2012, 09:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

BOYCOTT IS THE ACTIVE WORD AND ACTION. PEOPLE MUST BE HIRED ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS,ABILITY AND CAPABILITY NOT BY RACE COLOUR CREED OR SEX.THE BEST MAN OR WOMAN FOR THE THE JOB. This would and should then alleviate the customer service and service delivery issues we are experiencing . .more throughout the country. The solution is to boycott ALL companies who use apply and enforce the employment equity act to ensure that their pockets are lined by government policies and that they stay in the same bed on the same gravy train.Mainly only in the top management structures"Look at salary parity at LONMIN and Marikana Massacre. Sadly 20,000 Woolworths employees would or may loose their jobs but if a country democratically stands together that will be the result.As would be the result when other companies with the same policies are found out this would then start to bring about a balance. Woolworths and SAA must be boycotted for their racist discriminatory policies.Changing their add is not the answer because they do not have to do what they say and will still only interview whites as an eyeblind and will NOT give the job to the better or best qualified person if he is not Black. THE THING IS WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AND FORCE THE GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS POLICIES 20 YEARS ON AND REMOVE ANY THAT ARE DISCRIMINATORY. . .less by Befair on September 05 2012, 09:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies debacle So what else is new? Whites in this country are being forced into poverty. The real meaning of the words 'We demand white wealth" will be made abundantly clear in the very near future. Read a book entitled 'Words of a prophet 'by Adraan Snyman to get . .more a clearer picture of what is yet to come. This debacle with Woolworths is laughable in comparison to what the purveyors of Uhuru have in store for the whites the day Mandela dies.If you read this and are living in Gauteng, you despeately need to read this book and learn more about operation Uhuru and operation Iron Eagle and especially the night of the long knives. You have been warned. . .less by Dr Roger Powell on September 05 2012, 10:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Anon Anon, the law DISALLOWS any rigid quotas. Therefore, Woolworths is NOT obeying the law. Also, you're making a mistake if you equate legality and morality. Something can be legally right but morally wrong. by John on September 05 2012, 10:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolworths Woolworths might have not made the law - that is the priviledge of their corrupt, racist and incompetent masters, the ANC, but their blatant racism certainly hasn't done anything to build bridges in this sad and unfortunate land. Aren't we lucky, here in . .more SA? We have crime on a scale unseen anywhere else in the world, we have a corrupt, greedy, racist, arrogant and useless government, high unemployment, dangerous self serving clowns who have the ability to set this country ablaze, investors and skilled people who are leaving in droves, and we have companies like Woolworths, who, through their racial utterings, feel the need to remind us that whites have no place here. This once prosperous and successful country will always be just another hopeless African basket case. Wow - paradise on earth!! We were warned - we ignored the warnings, and the price to be paid is going to be horrendous! . .less by Rocker on September 05 2012, 10:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Capitalists are all Gutless! They are petrified of the Black racist ANC! by Lyndall Beddy on September 05 2012, 10:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Black Racists have Double Standards Screaming for MINORITY protection in America, the UK and Europe - AND screaming for MAJORITY rights to disadvantage Minority Whites and Indians in Africa! by Lyndall Beddy on September 05 2012, 11:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I support EE Lets look at the broader picture. 90% of the population of SA is made up of people of colour(Africans,Coloured & Indians) Abt 9.8% are whites. The question is shouldnt that be represented in all companies? Shouldnt be 90% of all companies b made . .more up of people of colour? What makes you think there arent enough qualified Black people to occupied those jobs?Lets be informed before we go around making uneducated statements please. . .less by Debug on September 05 2012, 11:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I support EE For your information, those who think Woolies's customer base is more whites than blacks are fooling themselves. Trust me you are fooling yourselves, Woolies is realising that most of their customber based is from the black middle class.They are only . .more trying to get on with the programme & not be left behind. Remember there are over 48miliion black people in this country and the black middle class has risen significantly recently. Take a moment and go to any Woolies big store and see who are the majority of it's customers. So these empty threats of boycott will not do much damage, if any. Not every white person is against EE policy bcs they udnerstand what it intends to address.So only a few may join the boycott.Again lets get real, where else would you buy food if you strive on quality & good customers service and cleanliness? What are your options, Shoprite/Spar? Common people get real. . .less by Debug on September 05 2012, 11:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

LOL I will make an assumption (I admit it is an assumption) that all the white people commenting here have a job. To me it seems that white people believe that everytime a black person gets a job over a white person then the best person for the . .more job hasn't got the position. I don't know where this notion of best person for the job comes from. Take this scenario: Only white people applied for a position and out of the 3 top candidates 2 are the best qualified but the 3rd interacts well in the interview with the person who is about to employ someone and he shows potential and talent. If you think one of the first 2 are going to get the job most times I have news for you. That aside, I do not see the most talented white people without a job, I see many white family members or kids of friends appointed into leadership positions, I see many white businessmen involved in bribes for government tenders. If a white person is half as good as is being made out in the comments, I dare say that he will not struggle to find a job. If there is a call for a boycott then there should be boycotts of companies employing white females as they also fall into the AA category. . .less by Warren on September 05 2012, 11:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I believe in IE (Integrity Employment) - Did so even before 1994 change Both the AA & EE Act is based on lip service. Experience and Qualification should not be the second criteria. Pre and Post 1994 political change, employment of any person was not based on their individual integrity. The best predictor for the future is . .more the past and it remains evident that many employed (be it sport or commerce et cetera), whatever their race, have given light to their lack of integrity as an individual or group which proved to date to not have them removed from the work force to enable those with integrity to be employed. We can only change the past by what we do in the present to ensure a better future for all. There is no evidence that we are creating a better future neither statistically nor in reality. Get rid of the corrupt workforce and employ candidates of virtue irrespective of our colour. "We are not conscripts in the army of virtue, but volunteers in virtue of honourable character of integrity in accord with ethical and moral conduct." . .less by Picassi on September 05 2012, 11:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Good Why do you guys not contact ex employees and find out why they left this company. You might be surprised what you find. by Anon on September 05 2012, 12:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Warren As long as race-based laws prevail, of course there will always be assumptions (rightly or wrongly) that blacks got the job because of colour - those assumptions would not be unreasonable when policies are skewed in favour of "non-whites" (to use old Nat . .more and current ANC jargon). Further, as long as race-based laws are in place, of course white businessmen (and blacks - takes two to tango) will be involved in bribes - how else will whites get a slice of the pie? You are just confirming the argument that the ANC's policies will encourage corruption by both black and white and perpetuate pre-judgments on whether blacks got the jobs fairly or not. Same applies to your point about employing white females. The only fair way all round is to remove race-based criteria in favour of a merit. Even then, I take your point that there will still be dissatifaction from those who aren't selected because of nepotism etc, but the imperfect system would at least be less corrupt than it is now. . .less by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 12:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Sympathy with Woolworths The word is spreading, my inbox is being flooded with friends, colleagues, business contacts from all over the country who urge me to stop buying at Woolies. And indeed, I have no intention of buying at Woolworths as long as they stick to such racism. I'm . .more spreading the word, and am happily shopping elsewhere. . .less by Theresa Papenfus on September 05 2012, 13:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolworths employing white staff I shop at many woolworths outlets and never see any white staff (unless they hidden away behind the counters etc). I have always wondered why the front line staff do not represent the shoppers (mainly white). by CC on September 05 2012, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@by Honest Citizen on September 05 POINT TAKEN HONEST CITIZEN.!!!!!!!! The problem is the LAW with which large buinesses are forced to comply with. I CAN SEE IN TIME TO COME>>Coloured, Indians , Chineese & wihte South Africans have to concider their own . .more state on the Southern African continent........I really looking forward to the reaction to this comment !!!!!!!! . .less by A. Mphuti on September 05 2012, 14:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

will not stop shopping at woolie Many ads ask for bilungual peeps in english and afrikaans to intentionally exclude black africans. by oho on September 05 2012, 14:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ oho My local Woolies is entirely black staffed and is excellent - so they certainly haven't been excluded there on linguistic grounds. But I've never heard of employers asking whether potential candidates have one or two "lungs". Must be a new requirement! by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 14:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

exclusion on the basis of race I suppose I must ask the difficult question: How many of you saying that you intend to boycott Woolworths over this advertisement did the same during the Apartheid years? Did you boycott the 'whites only' schools & universities, theaters, . .more cinemas, beaches, public transport, post offices, etc? Did you object to the Affirmative Action in favour of 'white people' in those days? Let's be honest rather than self-righteous. . .less by anti-hypocrisy on September 05 2012, 15:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Argus Eye the problem with many bi "lunged" whites is that even if they have, they cant stand to see africans get anything by Oho on September 05 2012, 15:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ anti-hypocrisy Of course anti-hypocrisy is smugly assuming that contributors here did not oppose apartheid in any way. Well, you don't know that. One could also ask the rhetorical question about how many anti-apartheid activists handed back their degrees and . .more certificates obtained under apartheid. Of course people are going to start boycotting when it hurts them. Blacks correctly protested when they were discriminated against, why shouldn't whites protest when discriminated against? If anti-apartheid activists truly abhorred racial discrimination in any form, they too should be protesting against Woolworths today for its apartheid-style selection criteria. But that silence is deafening. So, I agree "Let's be honest rather than self-righteous". . .less by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 15:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

hiding Racism is only caused by today’s youth. Its past tense, and thing that all non-whites should really stop to hide behind this racism “thing” it’s becoming racism towards us whites. by Anon on September 05 2012, 15:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies boycott Whites need to get used to the idea that they constitute only 10% of the population of SA.This means that proportionally employers should reflect the same in employment numbers.Those who advocate boycotting WW will not achieve any meaningful impact on . .more WW`s profitability after all there is a growing Black middle class who shop at WW because of it`s high quality merchandise.Their exodus will be a drop in the ocean in terms of customer numbers and also deprive themselves of good qualty shopping. Congratulations WW for your courage of conviction and I am going to instruct my Broker to buy on my behalf a sizeable number of WW shares. . .less by Mdizman on September 05 2012, 16:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Mdizman You yourself say that there should be proportionally 10% of whites working in Woolies. Well that clearly isn't the case in the Woolies I frequent, which are 100% black staff operated - all perfectly charming and efficient. Where I differ with you, and . .more also with ANC race-based policies, is that I'm quite happy with a 100% black staff complement if they are the best workers for the job and applied on an equal footing with people of all races. I think also it is disingenuous to say that Wooolies can do without whites because there is an emerging black middle class. That exclusionary approach is just so like apartheid thinking. Race based thinking in quotas has to go in this country or we'll get nowhere. . .less by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 16:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Black employment Why does Mr Ian Moir not give up his position to a black person? by Basil van Aswegen on September 05 2012, 18:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Oho Oh ho ho ho ho. I see the censor came to your rescue and pulled my very mild reply. Talk about uneven playing fields! by Argus Eye on September 05 2012, 19:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolworths Advertising discriminating on race, colour, creed or sex should not be allowed. Any position should be filled by whoever has the right qualifications and disposition for the job! You disappoint me Woolworths! by Diane on September 05 2012, 19:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Employees I am sure WW employs a disproportionate number of muslims in their Cape Town stores. They make up about 5% of the population, and seem to occupy about 50% of the staff positions. You can't even buy a pork sausage roll in their food stores. Also I see . .more a number of job adverts these days looking for bilingual applicants: must be fluent in English and Chinese. . .less by Jeff on September 05 2012, 21:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

WOOOLLLIES Shame on you poepols by South African on September 06 2012, 07:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racial Issue Sent this letter to custserv@woolworths.co.za. No reply as yet: As a loyal customer, I hereby want to notify you that I am very dissatisfied with your positioning regarding the whole BEE issue. First you excluded everybody except . .more African Blacks to apply for certain positions, and later changed the wording to exclude everyone else but African Black, Indian or Coloured. Even later you have changed it to only consider applicatoins from “designated groups”. I am sorry, with the first wording you have already shown that you are biased towards only a certain racial group. There are many other ways to promote affirmative action than to insult the group that I belong to. Also, a lack of a sensitive response to your customers leaves me no choice but to suspend any purchases from the Woolworths group until you have positioned yourself in a non-discriminitory way. . .less by Dreban on September 06 2012, 09:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Capitalists Bribed the ANC Tribal Chiefs under the disguise of BEE How did Patrice, Cyril and Tokyo becoming multi -billionaires benefit 'the people"? I bet when they distributed Sasol shares they copied the Board of Executors - who gave 25 percent of shares to "staff" when they listed - which meant 20 percent . .more to the top Brass and 5 percent to the rest. . .less by Lyndall Beddy on September 06 2012, 09:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To the ignorant Argus Eye @anti-hypocrisy, I also have to ask the following very difficult question: Why don't you, the very vocal protester against discrimination during the apartheid years, don't raise your voice and protest against new forms of discrimination? Against those . .more very laws that denigrates your people to tokens and insult my children because of their skin colour. . .less by Dreban on September 06 2012, 09:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Got an answer from WW Thank you for taking the time to write to Woolworths. As a proud South African company, we are committed to transformation and the spirit of diversity in this country. Over the past few days, we have been dealing with rumours and allegations . .more that we have racist recruitment processes. This could not be further from the truth. Our employees are representative of the demographics of South Africa – something we are exceptionally proud of. In order to meet our transformation commitments we use various mechanisms, such as designation to deliver on our Employment Equity Plan, which is in line with the Employment Equity Act. We remain open and transparent about which vacancies are designated in our job adverts. Jobs are only designated and preference indicated where there is a need to address representation and ensure the diversity of our teams. Other than that, all other jobs are open to applicants from all demographic groups. Our recruitment and employment equity policies meet the requirements of the Employment Equity Act and all other related legislation. We hope this explanation assists in giving clarity to this very sensitive issue? If you need any further assistance please feel free to contact us on custserv@woolworths.co.za or call our service centre on 0860 022 002. . .less by Dreban on September 06 2012, 16:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

My answer back to WW Your answer does only clarify that your company is still insensitive to certain groups within your customer base. You are not convincing at all in terms of your company’s stance on racial discrimination during appointment. Your company’s policies may . .more comply with the Employment Equity Act, but I disagree strongly that all your company’s latest employment advertisements comply with it. The act specifically stipulate that only measures of “preferential treatment and numerical goals, [but exclude quotas]” may be implemented. Your company deliberately excludes people of certain race groups before even giving them a change to proof competence! What if a highly competent Coloured women from a poor community competes with a African Black billionaire’s son? She will not even get a change, although she might be a better worker! This is blunt racism and morally wrong! Are you also transparent in terms of current demographic representation of employed people at your company? If yes, would you then be willing to share the statistics? Can you also share your formulae/criteria as measurements for your BEE targets? Do you, for instance, use demographics of area or do your calculations on a national level? Therefore, you still have not given me a satisfactory response on how your company is going to position itself in a non-discriminatory way . .less by Dreban on September 06 2012, 16:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Existing employee needs scarcely met I often speak with the WW employees I get in contact with when shopping at WW and many of them experience job dissatisfaction, which makes me wonder why one would want to work there... For instance - I have approached their management on their behalf to . .more ask about unbearably cold temperatures they have to work in (even as a customer it was unpleasant), just to get some lame answer that they cannot do anything about it... I do think that as a business that is thriving, they can try to attend to staff issues to make their them more comfortable and not give their staff just the bare minimum of consideration. . .less by Irrespective on September 06 2012, 20:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

so i checked it out I went to 6 wollies stores to see - and lo and behold it MUST be true - not 1 white person. How does our years graduates now hope to find honest employment if the racism continues? - I'm also offially boycotting woolies. by ED on September 08 2012, 08:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ww Never again shall I use a ww store. The Chinese imports sold at astronomically high prices against the cost is what is killing this country's economy, lost thousands of jobs and now they only employ people who will work for little renumeration. It is . .more all about PBIT for ww, they do not care about staff, quality, customers or this Country. It is ONLY about the profits. Wake up and boycot this nonsense, away with woolworths away !!!!!!!! . .less by Allan J on September 08 2012, 11:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies outdated and dark-age mentality regarding their employment policy Woolies has really already had 18 years since the 1994 elections to committed itself to "transforming their workplace by implementing their employment equity plan, as approved by the director general". So why after 18 years of transformation in SA is . .more Woolies only now committing to a policy of "seeking genuine transformation, one that continues to encourage transformation and integration of society"? This 2012 announcement and policy is essentially a racial policy, one that identify race as a reason for preferred employment, whilst discriminating against minorities - I cannot see how Woolies can justify the logic behind their boards decision to support such an outdated policy - one that clearly discriminates against SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS that have a lighter skin colour. Surely if the youth of South Africa are the countries future then Woolies should have policies that allow the best applicants to apply for career opportunities irrespective of their race or gender? So as a proud South African, (one who supports a multicultural, progressive society) I will personally not shop at Woolies again (I have supported Woolworths since the the 1980"s) for my family needs until they remove this discriminatory and outdated policy from their employment manifesto. . .less by sshewan01 on September 08 2012, 14:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Woolies Advert. What would happen if a company advertised for White staff only. This is blatant discrimination and until they offer a public apology, boycott Woolies as well as South African Airways. Just wish I could boycott SARS. by Roger Davis on September 11 2012, 02:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

USA Thank god I live in America. That whole article whose SO hypercritical in every way. Seriously no one else caught that.....wake up. by Angela on March 17 2013, 11:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Name
Subject
Comment