By: Natasha Archary

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng is holding pickets at all Cash Crusaders stores in the province on Tuesday, 21 November to escalate what it calls unfair business practice by the franchise.
Over 100 black-owned business franchises have according to the party, been unjustly dispossessed of their stores by Cash Crusaders.
Various engagements with the affected business owners have led the EFF in Gauteng to the realisation that black and other minority-owned businesses contracted to Cash Crusaders, were coerced into canceling their franchise agreements due to unethical business practices on the part of the franchise.
According to the EFF, business owners were forced out of their contracts, with Cash Crusaders being accused of taking over the stores by paying a mere R1 for fixtures and furniture.
Cash Crusaders is also being accused of institutional racism, with claims that black employees are being paid significantly less than their white counterparts.
“The 100 Cash Crusaders stores in Gauteng that the EFF is holding pickets at are mostly owned by Africans and Indians.
Many franchisees have purchased the legal route to resolve their matter, only to find no recourse because Cash Crusaders has used its financial advantfage to frustrate and prolong the legal processes until the franchisees can no longer afford to finance their cases and remain in business.
Over the past 12-months the EFF in Gauteng has explored numerous, amicable avenues to resolve the situation with success. This is due to the sheer arrogance of Cash Crusaders, particularly the behaviour of its CEO, Brent Dixon Topat, who has on numerous occasions, refused to engage with both the EFF and the affected parties in order to obtain the necessary relief.
We call on Cash Crusaders and its CEO to suspend their arrogance, meet with the concerned franchisees, and find an agreeable solution.”
The EFF holds pickets at Cash Crusaders over unfair business practices
🚨Happening Tomorrow🚨
It is a recurring scenario where already struggling small businesses fall victim to the bullying tactics of big franchises and monopolies.
Over 100 stores belonging to small businessmen have been appropriated by Cash Crusaders.
We are picketing at all… pic.twitter.com/kQW9HUvojz
— EFF Gauteng (@EFFGautengProv) November 20, 2023



