A ragtag band of local EFF red berets have gathered at Clicks Ermelo on Monday morning, after a call from Julius Malema to shut down the outlets following an alleged racist advertisement on its website. The picketers claimed that they would return with 4 500 protestors soon, to close down Clicks Ermelo. According to Malema, the alleged racist campaign referred to black women's natural hair as "damaged, dry and frizzy" while depicting a white woman's hair as normal.

“We are going to the ground, we are going to close all the stores. That is a directive of the EFF. We are going to close the doors of Clicks, that's what's going to happen when we arrive. There's no Clicks store that's going to trade, it's guaranteed.” These were the words from the EFF's Marshall Dlamini. Clicks Group CEO, Vikesh Ramsunder, said that while it could not bow to threats from the EFF, it would not hesitate to close stores if the situation became violent. Ramsunder said that they would keep their customers and staff safe. “If there's picketing or unrest around our stores, we will close our doors. It's very important that our employees are protected. We certainly cannot bow to threats and violence. It's not acceptable in any democracy.” he stated.

The Clicks group has issued an unreserved apology for the advertisement, has taken full accountability and apologized unreservedly for the advertisement published on its website and has taken immediate action to address all concerns. However, the EFF is having none of it. “The only way to make capitalists apologize and feel genuine remorse is for them to lose money. #ClicksMustFall,” the party stated. Residents are advised to exercise caution during the week when visiting the Clicks Ermelo branch.