Issued by: GCIS
September 2000
YOUTH COMMISSION PRAISES PEP MANAGEMENT'S CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH
Following National Youth Commission (NYC) queries to Pep Stores corporate management regarding the widely-reported incident at the Pep Stores outlet in Louis Trichardt, the NYC is pleased to record the prompt, constructive and satisfactory response of Pep Stores National Managing Director, Mr Andre Labuschagne, to each of the 6 questions and concerns raised with him by the NYC on 30 August 2000. For the record, the questions submitted to Pep Stores in terms of Sections 3 (i); 8 (1) (a) (viii); 8 (1) (a) (x) (dd) and 8 (1) (b) (i) & (ii) of the National Youth Commission Act, were as follows:
1. What are the guiding policies of Pep Stores with regard to interaction with customers?
2. Does Pep Stores have any formal policy on racism in place?
3. What disciplinary action has been taken or is intended by Pep Stores with regard to the incident?
4. What advisories, statements or directives have been issued to store managers subsequent to the incident?
5. Has Pep Stores issued any formal public or media statements condemning the alleged actions of your Louis Trichardt store management?
6. What efforts have been made by Pep Stores to offer support to the victim and her family, particularly in light of the cruel and traumatic nature of the incident and the alleged theft by your Louis Trichardt manager of the family's electricity payment money?
It is important for the NYC to stress Mr Labuschagne responded to each of the questions with comprehensive information on Pep Stores' policy, response and intentions with regard to the specific issue as well as the broader issue of racism. In all these respects, Pep Stores sets a good example for other companies to emulate in dealing with issues of racism. In particular, we note with great encouragement the speedy disciplinary process resulting from the incident as well as the efforts of Pep Stores to provide support to the victim and her family. The company's clear proactive restatement of its zero tolerance for racism in internal communication to all store managers strengthens our view that Pep has done all it reasonably could to deal responsibly with this issue.
The Commission is therefore satisfied that the response of Pep Stores and its management team was not only credible, but commendable. The NYC expresses its appreciation for the receptive and co-operative attitude of Pep MD Mr Andre Labushagne in ensuring a swift and clear resolution to this issue.
For further comment please contact NYC spokesperson Paul Johnson on Cell 082 770 0034.
NYC 2000
Transparency, intervention and impact
Issued by GCIS on behalf of National Youth Commission