South Africa: Nationwide protests at H&M stores

Event

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party has organized a series of protests outside stores affiliated with clothing retailer H&M in recent days, and has stated that it plans to continue its mobilization. Protests led by the EFF first took place at stores on Saturday, January 13, in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Boksburg, and Pretoria. Another protest was organized in Durban on the morning of Tuesday, January 16. Reports of participants storming the stores and damaging property emerged following some of the demonstrations. As a response to the protests, H&M announced it would close its stores in South Africa until security conditions improve. Additional protests outside H&M stores, along with an increased security presence, are expected in the coming days.

Context

Global outrage erupted after an image included in an H&M advertisement (posted online on Sunday, January 7) was accused of being racist. The clothing company retracted the advertisement and issued an apology on January 9. In 2015, H&M also faced intense criticism in South Africa for allegedly not featuring black models in its advertisements.

Advice

Individuals in South Africa are advised to avoid any large gathering as a precaution and keep abreast of the situation via local media.