Clicks has been thrust back into the spotlight after a video surfaced of a man dressed in traditional Ndebele attire was told to leave by a centre manager because what he was wearing was “inappropriate.”
The manager is seen speaking sternly to Ndebele activist, Thando Mahlangu, in the video which has been widely shared on social media.
“Let’s cut the whole story short; we have a right of admission,” the manager can be heard telling Mahlangu. It’s a public place, and you’re dressed inappropriately. It’s not acceptable.”
“You are wearing western (clothes),” Mahlangu is heard telling the manager . This is the continent of Africa. “Are you telling me I can’t wear Africa in Africa?”
The manager is overheard telling Mahlangu that “it’s his mall,” and insisting that the store has a right of admission. Clicks did not ask a customer dressed in traditional Ndebele attire to leave the store. Boulders Centre security and the centre manager entered the Clicks store and demanded that the customer leave, reports The South African.
Clicks released the following statement: “Clicks Midrand Boulders did not ask a customer dressed in Ndebele traditional wear to leave the Clicks Store. The Centre Manager of Boulders, accompanied by Boulders Centre security, entered the Clicks Store and demanded that the customer leave. The Clicks Store Manager promptly intervened and asked the Centre Manager to leave the store. Hereafter, the customer continued to shop in the Clicks store. Our actions clearly demonstrate that we do not condone the Centre Manager’s behaviour and will be lodging a formal complaint.”
The Boulders Shopping Centre issued a “unreserved” apology for the incident at Clicks.
“The center would like to clarify that it does not refuse admission based on appearance or clothing.” Unfortunately, the incident that occurred inside Clicks is being interpreted as being intolerant of other cultures and clothing. We would like to state that, as a result of various complaints from customers, the individual in question was asked to leave the store because his underwear indecently exposed him.
Saddest reality in Africa, I was subjected to inside the @Clicks_SA store at The Boulders Shopping Center. By the center manager, who said it was his shopping complex. I was told that I’m wearing inappropriate I must go & Omega risk solutions harassed me #NdebeleTwitter pic.twitter.com/klzmTQspJO
— #WeNeedAmaNdebeleOnTV (@thandomahlangu_) March 24, 2021
“We had no intention of hurting or discriminating against anyone based on their cultural beliefs and practices, and we have no plans to do so.” The exchange in the video does not reflect the center’s core beliefs and values. We would like to take this opportunity to apologize once more to those who have been offended by the incident. The decision was made in the best interests of other mall patrons and employees.”
Watch: people’s reaction following the initial video going viral on social media.
And then Boulders Shopping Mall, Midrand, South Africa right now!! #XenophobiaInSouthAfrica #SayNoToXenophobia this is just criminal pic.twitter.com/BfSOsWDWfm
— MAFIA (@i_speakit) September 4, 2019
Photo: The South African