I have had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Nick Badminton personally during interviews for our magazine and can say that he is extremely proud about who he works for and how they have helped disadvantaged communities. I dont believe he made any accusations and if he did then it was taken out of context by unions eager to cherry pick quotes and twist them. Mr. Ackerman has based his entire company on providing opportunities and helping people succeed, it requires hard work- something that some unions fear. Individuals are responsible for their own futures, that is the true beauty of the new SA.

Ian you are an idiot if you think we aren't in a Civil war!!

And still no evidence of this racism, just a typical union response... it is they who don't understand racism, the unions. Racism is a loose word used for political gain, it is a sensitive subject that invokes a lot of emotion and willfully used by those with a political agenda. I'm not saying there is no racial disharmony, which I am sure could be settled amicably, but why do so when you can milk it for all it's worth - and this the unions use to their full advantage and in the process destroy everything in their way with no conscience of the consequences, to the company in question, race relations and even the workers themselves. Bring the race complaints into the public eye so we too can see what this is all about.... I bet you it will turn out to be extremely fickle.

I am so sick and tired to hear the wrod racism!!!!

Oh Please!!!!!!!!!!!!! PnP have a very good structure for those who want to succeed. Unfortunately it requires quite a bit of work, committment and perseverance for those who care to try but it's the same old story - Do as little as possible for your paycheque and cry foul when it doesn't land in their laps. Good for my brothers who have proved themselves and have their own stores, good positions etc. Success doesn't come easy. To hell with the unions who call for strikes at the drop of a hat and don't give a toss whether these people are having pay deducted etc. The union guys still get their salaries. Perhaps the Unions should pay the workers for the days they are called to strike and then watch the strikes end very quickly.

Who the hell do the unions think they are? All they do is take money from people who are struggling to make ends meet anyway. Raymond Ackerman has fed more people in this country than any useless union representative ever will. We need to get rid of the "give me" attitude of the workers in this country. You can have anything you want provided you are willing to work hard for it. "Nothing for Mahala" PS You cannot meaningfully engage with anyone who honestly believes that unions do any good in the economy of any country.

It's funny how you can spot comments from white people in these submissions. It always seems to be accompanied with a smidgen of how the situation in SA has deteriorated under the leadership of blacks or the ANC.Let's put things into perspective: a) Had the ANC not taken over and the previous regime still been in power, SA would probably by now have been in civil war.b) The only reason why the Rand has lost value is because it is floating on the markets which did not take place under the previous regime. This is good thing.c) There would have been no rugby, cricket and football world cups in SA had the government not changed. In fact, at best, there would have been more sanctions.d) Any government is better than the previous regime.Saccawu has a point and BEE is not taking place fast enough SA.Stop being delusional and get used to the idea that Africa now belongs to blacks and they have to be given the chance to catch-up after years of oppression. Hence, why BEE is good, must stay and must be enforced.

Saccawu would be better employed in educating it's members. A trip to a Pick n Pay is quite a trial these days with their members shouting across a Hypermarket in conversation with their colleagues, even those within normal speech distance from each other. The unfortunate "disadvantaged" (previously that is) cannot be relied upon to keep the shelves stocked with mundane stuff like soap and toothpaste, and forever do not mark every item, resulting in long waits at tills. They do not deserve promotion.

The trade unions HAVE taken this country down. Their constant rubbish about race is just that!

this is reverse racism and blacks trying once more to profiteer with the race card. What a bunch of losers