Dis-Chem Starts a Big Change at Its Headquarters
What Is Section 189?
Section 189 is a South African labour rule that companies must follow when they want to reorganize how they work. It forces the business to talk openly with employees who might be affected before any final decisions are made.
Who Is Affected?
About 500 people who work at Dis‑Chem’s head office have been invited to the talks. That’s only around 2.4 % of the whole company’s staff. Employees who serve customers in stores or work in the warehouses are not part of this process.
Why Is Dis‑Chem Making This Change?
The pharmacy group says the shake‑up is not just about cutting jobs. Instead, it wants to:
- Create a clearer way for teams to share responsibility.
- Bring fresh ideas closer to the daily work.
- Add about 200 new positions in areas that have not gotten enough investment before.
Dis‑Chem hopes the new setup will help it make healthcare easier to reach and more affordable for everyone.
What Will Happen Next?
The Consultation Phase
The talks have just begun and could last several months. During this time, the company will listen to suggestions, look for ways to avoid layoffs, and explore alternative solutions.
Looking Ahead
If the discussions lead to a new structure, Dis‑Chem plans to set up stronger links with its innovation hub, called X – Bigly Labs. This team already runs projects like the Better Rewards program and will help drive fresh ideas forward.
Conclusion
Dis‑Chem’s Section 189 process is a legally required step toward reshaping its head office. While some roles may change, the goal is to grow the workforce in key areas, improve teamwork, and support the company’s aim of making health care more accessible. Front‑line store and warehouse staff will keep doing their jobs as usual, and the outcome of the talks will shape how the business moves forward.
