01 May 2017

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi says government appreciates the contribution of small medium enterprises as they contribute significantly in the creation of employment and reduction of poverty.

Speaking during the official grand opening of Saverite Supermarket in Bobonong last week, Mr Kgathi stated that the store had created 35 employment opportunities to people in the Bobonong and its catchment areas.

Mr Kgathi, also Member of Parliament for Bobonong indicated that the employment creation opportunity had direct and indirect impact to the families and community of the area as it would improve their societal status.

The opening of the supermarket, he said came at the right time for the area because Bobonong constituency was one of the areas hard hit by unemployment.

The situation, he said was worsened by the closure of the BCL mine last year. The mine closure, he said had direct impact in the community, which many able-bodied and able-minded people lost their jobs; thus affecting the general quality of life in the people of the area.

He said the 35 people employed at the store were youth and appealed to them to work diligently to ensure that the supermarket succeeds. Furthermore, he said the Saverite Supermarket brings competition, better price and quality service.

Also, he reminded customers that the store was not set up in Bobonong only for profits, but stated that it also had a social corporate strategy which it had contributed in the Presidential Housing Appeal, adding that the food hampers donated to elderly during the official opening was part of ploughing back to the community.

Mr Kgathi also said the store was committed to procuring local produce from local farmers and called upon local farmers to support the store by selling quality products.

For his part, Eureka sales manager from South Africa, Mr Nic Hagerty said Saverite had opened 12 stores countrywide last year, in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, Tsabong, Lerala, Sefhare and others creating employment to over 800 workers.

Mr Hagerty appealed to customers to support the store to ensure its success in the area. ENDS