Pros
Experience working on one of South Africa’s biggest retailers.
Cons
Title: A Cautionary Tale for Prospective Employees There’s a reason why 99c has earned the nickname “the revolving door” within the industry—it faces significant challenges in retaining employees, which stem from several deeply entrenched issues. As many reviews here attest, excessive overtime has become an accepted norm rather than an exception. Compounding this is a leadership structure dominated by a select group of individuals—primarily white, Afrikaans men—whose management style reflects outdated, patriarchal values. A chauvinistic and bullying culture reportedly thrives, particularly when dealing with strong, ambitious female employees who are perceived as threats rather than assets. The company also struggles with a severe lack of diversity, both in its workforce and leadership, further perpetuating a one-dimensional approach to decision-making and innovation. The creative environment feels more mechanical than inspirational, with unrealistic expectations and relentless deadlines taking precedence over nurturing talent. Employees are often treated as tools of production rather than as individuals with creative potential. The agency’s approach to work is rooted in antiquated practices, hindering both the quality of output and opportunities for employees to build impressive portfolios. This, paired with the lack of emphasis on award-worthy creativity, makes it a challenging place for those looking to establish themselves in the competitive advertising industry. Ultimately, the culture at 99c seems to prioritize short-term results over long-term employee well-being, career growth, or meaningful creative work. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this agency to anyone seeking a fulfilling career in advertising.
