What our readers have to say about Dis-Chem shareholder’s shock tweets

One of Dis-Chem’s biggest shareholders – Mark Saltzman – has gone viral over his controversial anti-Palestine tweets, with some even laced with misogyny and sexism. His outspoken views have split the public – including The South African readers – who have shared their comments on social media.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN READERS REACT TO MARK SALTZMAN CONTROVERSY

On Facebook, The South African readers have voiced their opinions over Mark Saltzman’s ongoing tweets, which have criticised and insulted supporters of Palestine.

The son of Dis-Chem founders Lynette and Ivan Saltzman recently came under fire after verbally attacking journalist Redi Tlhabi over her views on the Palestine and Israel conflict.

Saltzman called Tlhabi a “deranged b*tch” on several occasions and also falsely accused her of siphoning money off his parents.

Amid the backlash to his views, Dis-Chem has distanced itself from Saltzman, who they claim is a shareholder and does not represent the company.

Many of our readers have taken a firm stance, particularly on a call for a public boycott of Dis-Chem.

Firm supporters of Saltzman have posted: 

Kelvin Deysel: “I used to enjoy shopping there; now I am going to enjoy it even more”

Julian Cohen: “Good for you, Mark. We will all stand with you and Dischem. Thank you for saying what so many others will not”

Lauren Polevnick: “We have to stand up for our own”

Johan Buys: “I will always shop at Dis-Chem. I am also anti-Palestine”

Some have called out what they believe is racial and social injustice…

Munsief Khan: “Take note. All the racist turds are exposing themselves. We all knew they are still around. They just were hiding all along. Trump gave them some courage to show their true faces”.

Mohammed Faisal Mirza: “Supporting genocide. Those who said who are buying from there are morons”

Others preferred to remain apolitical on the debate…

Terence Lawrence: “Whatever side you choose, support your local community pharmacies. Still supporting mine even though these franchise pharmacies are on my doorstep”

Gretal Mostert: “We are all entitled to be pro-Palestine or anti-Palestine…why should he be any different? Come on, let’s fix our own country before division because of one man’s sentiments”.

Dorion Alexander: “I do not support his views, but I cannot force mine on him. We have the right to choose our allegiance. It’s called free will”.

CALLS TO BOYCOTT DIS-CHEM IN 2022 HAD SOUTH AFRICANS FIRED UP TOO

While many South Africans, including The South African readers, have vowed to continue supporting Dis-Chem, it was a different story a few years ago.

In 2022, an official communique from the pharmaceutical and healthcare company, CEO Ivan Saltzman, the father of Mark Saltzman, addressed senior management, instructing them to place a “moratorium on white individuals”, including “external appointments and internal promotions”.

According to Saltzman, this was due to a recent review of the company’s employment equity profile.

The post was met with outrage by many white South Africans, who accused the company of being “woke” and “racist”.

Many, like Steve Hofmeyr, sensationally threatened to boycott the company and support their local pharmacies instead.

Despite the backlash, Dis-Chem stood firm on its stance of transformation.

It shared in a statement: “Equality, diversity, and inclusivity are important throughout Dis-Chem, and we continue to make great strides in ensuring that we maintain progress in this area”