Calls for Dis-Chem boycott after shareholder’s anti-Palestine rant
· The South African
Dis-Chem has distanced itself from anti-Palestinian comments made by one of its major shareholders, Mark Saltzman, the son of founders Ivan and Lynette Saltzman.
The pharmaceutical and healthcare company is facing calls for a boycott from the public.
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DIS-CHEM DISTANCES ITSELF FROM SHAREHOLDERS’ ANTI-PALESTINE RANT
On the X platform, Dis-Chem responded to veteran journalist Redi Tlhabi’s complaints about Mark Saltzman, who had verbally attacked her over her political views.
This comes as Tlabi – a former 702 radio personality, tweeted her views on the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Tlhabi revealed that Saltzman – a proud Zionist – had called her a “demented b*tch” and falsely accused her of being a beneficiary of his parents’ company.
Dis-Chem responded in a tweet: “We unequivocally distance ourselves from the comments and sentiments that have been expressed. These views are not endorsed by Dis-Chem and do not reflect the position of the board or management. We are a proudly South African, apolitical and non-partisan company with the primary focus of improving access to affordable healthcare and delivering better health outcomes for all South Africans”.
It added: “We are, and will remain committed to respectful engagement, sound governance and constructive relationships with all our stakeholders, especially our customers and partners”.
Mark and his brother, Dan, inherited almost R7 billion in shares from their parents, Lynette and Ivan Saltzman, in 2025. Several months later, the siblings, who had emigrated from South Africa, sold more than R600 million in shares
The brothers now hold shareholding positions in the company.
Dis-Chem has clarified that Saltzman is “not a board member nor an employee of Dis-Chem and has no authority to represent us in any way”.
We do not condone misogynistic or derogatory language directed at any person. The language used in the exchange by Mark Saltzman does not reflect the values of Dis-Chem, our board or management team.
— Dis-Chem (@Dischem) May 19, 2026
While Mark Saltzman is a Dis-Chem shareholder, it is important to note that he…
CALLS FOR BOYCOTT
Amid the backlash of Mark Saltzman’s tweets, the public has called for a boycott of Dis-Chem.
Has the director been fired ? Has he received disciplinary action?
— I'm not black, I'm African! #KnowYourDa (@TypicalBantu) May 19, 2026
Be prepared for a Dis Chem boycott!
I don’t care what you say! If the owner’s views are so strong about a genocidal state to a point of insulting those who differs with him it is considered as putting the company into @Dischem into disrepute! I really have to re-consider how we move on supporting them!
— BokMakierie (@NgamlaJo) May 17, 2026
It’s not the first time Dis-Chem has faced fierce public backlash.
In 2022, Afrikaans singer Steve Hofmeyr sensationally claimed that he had collected his last prescription from the pharmacist. This was over outrage over an internal memo that went viral, in which the group revealed that they were placing a “moratorium” on hiring white individuals. This was due to their adherence to labour legislation.
Hofmeyr encouraged all white South Africans to boycott the company.
Dis-Chem later apologised for its “tone” and “wording”