The South African Human Rights Commission has opened a formal investigation into alleged racist social media content linked to Dis-Chem shareholder Mark Saltzman.
The probe follows reports of posts circulating online which allegedly included the k-word and other racially inflammatory language attributed to Saltzman. The SAHRC said it launched the investigation on its own accord, in line with its constitutional and legislative mandate.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the matter is still at a preliminary stage. Investigators will first verify whether the material is authentic before assessing it under the commission’s complaints process and equality law.
Alleged Exchange Sparks Backlash
Saltzman, who is the son of Dis-Chem founders Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, reportedly became involved in a heated exchange with journalist Redi Tlhabi on X after her posts about Israel.
Saltzman, who is the son of Dis-Chem founders Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, reportedly became involved in a heated exchange with journalist Redi Tlhabi on X after her posts about Israel.
The alleged posts triggered public anger and calls for a boycott of Dis-Chem.
Commission Condemns Racist Language
The SAHRC said the k-word remains one of the most painful and degrading racial slurs in South Africa’s history. Baloyi said South African courts, including the Constitutional Court, have recognised the serious harm this language causes to dignity, equality and social cohesion.
The commission also condemned racism and any conduct or language that undermines the constitutional values of human dignity, equality and non-racialism.
Because the matter is now part of a formal process, the SAHRC said it will not give further detailed comment for now.
Dis-Chem Distances Itself
Dis-Chem said it does not condone misogynistic or derogatory language directed at anyone. The company said Saltzman is a shareholder, but is not a board member or employee and has no authority to represent the group.
The retailer also denied having any record of a personal payment made to Tlhabi by the company or the Dis-Chem Foundation. It said any suggestion otherwise is false.
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