Dis-Chem impacts the world and our stakeholders in many ways. We identified the most material impacts to better understand our ESG risks and opportunities. These impacts have been guiding us to focus on the right issues in our decision-making.
We are committed to fair labour practices in our operations and have been working with our suppliers to ensure compliance with local and international standards such as the International Labour Organization. We have zero tolerance for child or forced labour and recognise workers’ rights to form and join trade unions of their choice.
Dis-Chem does not employ anyone under the age of 18, irrespective of the nature of the employment. Since 2016, a matric qualification is the minimum requirement for employment, except for delivery drivers. Employees work according to set schedules, and overtime, absenteeism or sick leave records are monitored for trends outside set boundaries.
Our supplier code of conduct promotes ethical supply chain practices. Compliance with the code is a condition of doing business with Dis-Chem.
The Social and Ethics Committee monitors Dis-Chem’s activities with regard to labour and employment.
Dis-Chem takes a zero-tolerance approach to theft, fraud and corruption. We have a set of corporate values that guides our actions and a code of ethics with mandatory employee compliance.
We measure employees’ values-based behaviours through a 360-degree survey. Dis-Chem’s values are included in the recruitment process as part of competency-based questionnaires and individual assessments. These values are also included in the onboarding programme to ensure new employees know and understand expected behaviour.
The Dis-Chem code of ethics sets out expectations in terms of compliance with laws and regulations, disclosure of conflicts of interest, relationships with customers and suppliers, gifting, insider trading and more. The code includes a gift declaration form and sets out the whistleblowing procedure should any employee wish to report allegations of fraud, corruption or unethical behaviour.
Whistleblowing
Call 0800 444 315
SMS 33490
Email dischem@whistleblowing.co.za
Website https://www.whistleblowing.co.za/
Read more about ethical business conduct and governance in the Sustainability Report
We are committed to protect customers’ information as well as the Group’s own. The Audit and Risk Committee provides oversight of privacy protection and data security, and considers the entire data lifecycle related to creating, accessing, storing and disposing of information. The Committee ensures that we have adequate systems to manage privacy protection and data security risks to avoid compliance gaps, reputational damage and financial loss.
We have a data governance department that focuses on setting standards and putting policies in place on how the data lifecycle works, and how information is stored, processed, and shared with third parties and internally within Dis-Chem. The department is responsible for data protection and limiting data breach risks to ensure that the Group’s data is credible and accurate. It has the responsibility to ensure that systems that can access Group data have the required security controls to limit any possible data breaches.
Dis-Chem adopted COBIT 5 and the CIS/SANS Top 18 Critical Security Controls Framework. This ensures process focus and ownership, including Dis-Chem’s fiduciary, quality and security needs.
Read more about privacy protection and data security in the Sustainability Report
Innovation is a strategic priority for Dis-Chem to diversify revenue streams and enhance customer convenience. It will also contribute meaningfully to our Better Health Starts Here initiatives.
Dis-Chem’s in-house brands are the most promising opportunity for product innovation. Dis-Chem engages with bigger international suppliers on product innovation through annual formal innovation sessions, as these suppliers often have innovation centres and dedicated teams. We communicate opportunities for innovation when we identify gaps in the market.
Dis-Chem has an unwavering commitment to uphold the highest standards of product safety and quality. Our rigorous quality control measures span the entire supply chain, encompassing meticulous sourcing procedures, comprehensive testing, and stringent distribution protocols.
Dis-Chem collaborates closely with trusted suppliers who strictly adhere to technical agreements. Through continuous supplier audits, employee training, and routine store audits, Dis-Chem remains dedicated to setting the standard for safety and quality assurance in the retail industry.
Dis-Chem’s standard operating procedures for dispensary and over-the-counter recalls have been prepared in compliance with the National Consumer Commission guidelines and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) requirements.
All the products available in Dis-Chem stores, walk-in and online, must comply with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.
For product queries or concerns, feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team:
Careline: 0860 347 243
Email: careline@dischem.co.za
Switchboard: 010 589 2200
Whatsapp: 0860 347 243
Dis-Chem is committed to responsible supply chain management throughout its value chain. We acknowledge that third-party manufacturers have an impact on our operations and products.
Supply chain risks relate to potential areas of concentration, scarcity and distance. As a result, Dis-Chem and our suppliers have started diversifying raw material sources and partnerships, and have put more emphasis on localisation. We also recognise that the development of local suppliers can address other socio-economic challenges, such as unemployment and skills development.
Dis-Chem has six state-of-the-art distribution centres designed for a mix of pharmaceutical and front-shop retail inventory. This includes temperature-controlled environments where necessary. The distribution centres are supported by stock management systems across the Dis-Chem network, including stores. These systems are well suited to deal with the complexities of pharmaceutical stock compliance requirements, batch expiry dates, stock rotation and volume spikes driven by promotions.
Dis-Chem relies on a variety of employee skills, ranging from entry-level retail workers to highly skilled healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, qualified pharmacy assistants and clinic nurses. In South Africa, the most pressing skills shortage is in nursing, where the country is expected to face a deficit of about 100 000 professional nurses in the public sector by 2030.
Dis‑Chem competes with other employers, including other pharmacies, healthcare providers and the government, in recruiting and retaining these professionals.
Dis-Chem contributes to the healthcare skills pool in South Africa by providing bursaries to pharmacists and nurses as well as comprehensive in-house training.
Dis-Chem offers internships to students who have successfully completed four years of pharmacy study and passed their university degree. We also offer more than 500 learnerships across retail, warehousing and support functions annually. This allows unemployed youth to gain a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) aligned qualification and work experience.
Employees also benefit from specific functional development programmes, for example in retail, dispensary, management and leadership development.
Children of employees can apply for Dis-Chem bursaries to study in fields that provide scarce skills or are aligned with the Group’s core business.
Find a list of vacancies at Dis-Chem
Read about two employees’ unique career journeys at Dis-Chem
Dis-Chem is committed to reduce emissions, releases and waste. Our waste streams originate at stores, clinics and distribution centres. As we operate in a highly regulated industry, waste is subject to similarly high levels of scrutiny when it comes to hazardous waste disposal, contamination, toxicity and waste ethics.
Dis-Chem recognises that safe and sustainable healthcare risk waste management practices reduce environmental and health risks. These practices can also convert waste into reusable resources.
Dis-Chem is a registered member of Polyco’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme in accordance with South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Waste Act regulations.
In the development of our in-house brands, Dis-Chem focuses on the selection of more sustainable packaging material and ensures that product labelling includes guidance on the correct way to dispose of waste.
The health and safety of our employees at all our operations are crucial and we aim to protect them against any harm or injuries. Employees at Dis-Chem often face long working hours in an environment that demands high levels of care and attention, as they need to meet customers’ health-related needs. They are further exposed to hazardous materials, chemicals, viruses and other operational risks.
Health and safety training is compulsory for employees, combined with strict rules around the use of machinery in our distribution centres. Automated systems ensure that employees are qualified to use certain types of equipment.
In-store clinics act as the first point of call for injuries at store level. All stores have standard operating procedures related to infectious diseases and hazards, with measures in place to avoid transmission.
We are committed to looking after our employees in all aspects of their employment, including their well-being, remuneration and health benefits. This includes, for example, stress, anxiety and depression management sessions for employees. We also have clinical psychologists who provide employees with face-to-face counselling.
The Board has mandated the Social and Ethics Committee to be the primary oversight body with regard to health and public safety.
Read about people as our biggest asset in the Sustainability Report
Dis-Chem is committed to being a good corporate citizen. As such, we provide access to affordable healthcare through our stores and clinics.
Dis-Chem serves all income groups, which include medical aid members and cash customers. We have stores in all provinces, all major centres, and in a mix of formal and informal commercial areas.
Through mobile clinics, the Dis-Chem Foundation brings health services to those in need, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to get healthcare services.
- Dis-Chem Direct is a courier service that delivers chronic and prescription medication nationwide. It services medical aids, corporates, individuals, healthcare providers and the government
- Dis-Chem DeliverD is an on-demand delivery service available on the Dis-Chem app. Orders can be delivered in 60 minutes in selected areas
- Dis-Chem Oncology is a specialised courier pharmacy focused primarily on managing oncology treatments in collaboration with patients, doctors and funders
- Dis-Chem’s pharmacy delivery service uses permanently employed drivers to dispatch and deliver orders to customers. If within 15km of a store, deliveries are free and take place during local store trading hours, seven days a week
- Some of Dis-Chem’s primary healthcare clinics are contracted by the Department of Health on both a national and provincial level to carry pre-packaged vaccination and family planning state medicine stock, which patients can collect at their convenience
These channels offer customers options to access their medication in fast and cost-effective ways, contributing to better health outcomes and increased social value.
Find more information about our medical insurance offering
Read more about our first inner city community clinic partnership