EFF statement following a meeting held with Pick n Pay management on plight of black former franchisees and market store owners

6 September 2022

The Economic Freedom Fighters and Pick n Pay had a constructive meeting with the nominated delegation of black former Pick n Pay franchisees and market store owners to discuss their allegations that Pick n Pay's franchise model and market store initiative were damaging to their interests and raised systemic issues of racial and financial discrimination.

In a collaborative effort to build trust, and to seek a consensus on the way forward, it was agreed that:

An independent inquiry led by a senior counsel will be set up to review the company's actions, policies, and conduct, in relation to its franchise and market store scheme, and in particular the outcomes for former black franchisees. The senior counsel and the scope of the inquiry will be agreed by the parties;

transparent one-on-one consultations will take place as a matter of urgency between Pick n Pay and individual former franchisees and market store owners to investigate and seek to resolve individual grievances raised;

the duration of the independent inquiry, Pick n Pay will suspend any legal action for the recovery of monies owing by any former franchisee.

All parties appreciate that the allegations made require urgent attention and are committed to this process in good faith. The EFF delegation was led by EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and Treasurer General Omphile Maotwe, and Pick n Pay delegation was led by Group Chief Executive Officer Pieter Boone and Lead independent non-executive director Jeff van Johannesburg.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 6 September 2022