The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) announced on Friday that it will launch an inquiry into the advertising industry relating to racism.
This comes after a TRESemmé advert on Clicks’ website depicted natural black hair as “dry and damaged”, which drew widespread criticism and inspired nationwide protests by the EFF.
The SAHRC met with the management of Clicks on Friday.
READ | Clicks hair advert: senior exec resigns, TRESemmé to be removed from shelves, employees suspended
“During the engagement with Clicks, it emerged clearly that structural racism continues to hinder the industry more broadly,” said spokesperson Buang Jones in a statement.
“[T]he Commission’s Gauteng Provincial Office will together with the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Offices convene an inquiry into the advertising industry, advertising standards and their adherence to human rights in an endeavour to address structural racism in the industry.”
Meanwhile, Unilever South Africa said it was shocked to discover that it had supplied images for a TRESemmé advert that portrayed black hair as inferior.
“This was racist and we apologise unreservedly,” said Unilever SA, which licenses TRESemmé products, in a statement on Friday.
“At the same time, we began reviewing all the marketing campaigns and images in our South Africa portfolio to make sure they match our commitment to celebrate all beauty and promote diversity and inclusion,” it added.
– Compiled by Adiel Ismail
