02 Apr 2017

The Member of Parliament for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni has urged the newly opened Shoprite store in Kasane to actively seek and establish linkages with local producers for possible procurement of fresh produce.

Mr Shamukuni said this as the official opening of the new Shoprite store in Kasane on Friday. He said there was need for chain stores to support small scale farmers to help them grow.

While appreciating the significant private sector investment in the district, he cautioned against deteriorating labour relations between employees and some employers in the district.

“My office gets inundated with reports of employee ill-treatment and abuse including verbal abuse,” he said, adding that he had received reports of some employees going for months without pay.

Mr Shamukuni warned that such acts would not be taken kindly by those in leadership. Similarly, he urged those employed to apply themselves and work hard.

The need to explore opportunities of growing Shoprite’s footprints was also emphasised through calls for effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies.

The MP thanked the Shoprite management for the creation of 56 jobs for Batswana, of which almost 90 per cent were from Chobe.

The latest store opening brings to 13 the number of Shoprite stores in Botswana. A total of P9 million has been invested into the new Kasane store. ENDS