The racist advert was met with public outrage, protests by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and calls to boycott and ban Clicks stores and TRESemme products.

On Tuesday morning, Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni called on Clicks to do more to include a wide range of black hair and skin products on its shelves.

Clicks said that it would replace the American brand with locally sourced haircare products and that it would be engaging with all of its suppliers to enforce its code of conduct.

All employees responsible for publishing the racist advert have been suspended while a senior executive resigned. The suspended staff members will now face a disciplinary hearing.

The company said that it was in the process of developing and expanding the local beauty market in partnership with the government.

The retailer said it had delisted TRESemme and was now removing all of its products from store shelves.

These products will now be replaced by locally sourced hair care brands.

EWN