Bellville landmark M-Kem 24-hour pharmacy won’t be changing its operating hours anytime soon, despite being sold to the Clicks Group.
The competition tribunal announced the decision in a press release last week, saying they recommend the sale without any preconditions.
Residents quickly picked up on the news, which soon spread.
The founder of M-Kem, Hylton Mallach (Mr M, 83), took to Facebook to clarify the situation saying “many rumours regarding the sale of M-Kem have been circulating, many of which are untrue”.
He will be staying at the pharmacy, along with his co-director Leigh Hershaw, the executive team, managers and all staff.
“Service and standards (Mr M’s Gold Standard) will continue as before, as well as the running of M-Kem barring a few subtle and advantageous changes.”
He welcomed any queries from customers and said to speak to him personally.
“Part of Mr M’s legacy is to see M-Kem continue to be a successful, unique service-driven pharmacy.”
He is and will remain passionate about service and continue to put the needs of M-Kem’s customers first.
Big year
It’s been a big year for the pharmacy, which said goodbye to Gillian Watson, a pharmacist and co-director, who worked at the pharmacy for 42 years.
“Gill’s contribution to the growth and success of M-Kem has been invaluable,” the pharmacy says.
Graeme Lillie, a spokesperson at the Clicks Group, declined to comment in detail, saying that the Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the Clicks transaction with no conditions. “However, the transaction has not yet been approved by the Competition Tribunal.”
He said Clicks currently has no intention of making any changes to the business.
“The plan is to retain the M-Kem name and brand and the pharmacy will remain open 24 hours.”
