September has been a hugely controversial month for Clicks: After their poorly-judged advert campaign stoked racial tensions, stores all across the country were shut down by EFF supporters. This week, the retailer now stands accused of bribing the Red Berets to call off their protests – but this version of events is hotly disputed.
EFF accused of taking R2 million bribe from Clicks
Clicks eventually entered into discussions with the EFF to try and calm the situation. A number of resolutions were reached, including the agreement that the business would fund university scholarships for students in rural areas. However, a message doing the rounds on social media claims that another ‘sweetener’ was added to the deal.
It’s alleged that a R2 million payment was given to the political party, in order to get their stores reopened. The conspiracy theorists have been indulging in this particular rumour, but Clicks are having none of it. Taking to social media on Thursday, the group branded the bribery claims as ‘fake news’, and denied paying any money to the EFF at all:
“That [suggestion that Clicks gave the EFF a R2 million settlement] is fake news being circulated, as Clicks did not pay or agree to pay any money to the EFF. The extent of the agreement is what is detailed in the joint statement released by the EFF and Clicks on 10 September 2020.”
Clicks statement
Both parties claim ‘fake news’
Earlier this afternoon, the EFF had shared a statement on the matter, reaffirming their denial of any wrongdoing. However, their Tweeted response was deleted from their account just minutes afterwards. It’s believed the party will officially address these contentious claims at some point before the end of the week.
Hi, this is fake news. Clicks did not pay or agree to pay any money to the EFF. The extent of the agreement is what is detailed in the joint statement released by the EFF and Clicks on 10 September 2020.
— Clicks (@Clicks_SA) September 17, 2020
Read the original article on The South African
