MiWay distances itself from racist email
JOBURG – MiWay said the email making the rounds on social media, referring to black people as baboons, is fake.
A screenshot of an email, supposedly from a MiWay employee, surfaced on social media on 20 July, which referred to black people as baboons. The alleged email seems to be a communication between a MiWay claims assessor and another employee, reminding them of a resolution that was allegedly reached at a meeting, where it was allegedly decided that MiWay was to reject 90 per cent of claims made by black people as from 1 August because they are easy targets.
In a statement, MiWay said it has investigated the origin of a screenshot of the supposed email and it can categorically confirm that the email is fake.
In the same statement, MiWay chief executive officer, René Otto said, “MiWay is a proudly South African company committed to diversity and transparency. We have been made aware of a racist email purported to have been written and sent by a member of staff.
An urgent investigation was launched and we can confirm that the email and its content was never sent from a MiWay employee. There was also no such meeting that took place or decision to this effect. We are tracing the source of this fake content on social media and will take strong and appropriate action against anyone using our brand to disseminate offensive and derogatory comments.”
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Despite MiWay disputing the authenticity of the said email, most Twitter users don’t seem to buy MiWay’s side of the story. This is how some people reacted to their statement:
This is not fake. Nothing provided by Miway that's show fake here. Let's cancel our policies and deal with non racial companies
— Smith (@Edies76070153) July 20, 2017
We need proof that it's not fake, not just a statement. The snapshot is real we have seen it. Where is proof showing that it is fake?
— Mandlenkosi 😎🇿🇦 (@mandla_mabs) July 20, 2017
Ok #MiWay that email is fake #NOTED. Now, let's get down 2the #FACTS Why are you not paying out over 90% of the claims? What race are these? pic.twitter.com/h7tPt82Rn0
— Uyanda (@UyandaM) July 21, 2017
Ur press release refers to "diversity and transparency" – U are not transparent if all you going to do is say 💥FAKE EMAIL💥 & not go beyond..
— Uyanda (@UyandaM) July 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/xolimkhwanazi/status/888128026491240451
I've been with @miwayinsurance since 2008 & I'm very offended. I am tempted to believe that racial profiling is your modus operandi
— M s i z i M y e z a (PhD Civil Eng, Pr. Pln) (@TheBlackspice) July 20, 2017
