23 Jul 2018

Extra Save Supermarket has been commended for opening shop in Bobonong in a move to help the growth of the local economy.

Speaking at the official opening of the supermarket recently, Member of Parliament for Bobonong, Mr Shaw Kgathi said the shop had created employment for people in the area as well as bringing choice to customers.

Mr Kgathi also commended Welcome Cash n' Carry, of which Extra Save is a subsidiary, for coming up with a new concept of franchising to empower youth and Batswana to venture into retailing.

He said Welcome Cash n' Carry’s new concept of franchising was totally different from others and will ensure Batswana’s participation in business and not just mere spectators.

Mr Kgathi, also Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, said the Extra Save opening would also help lower prices of items unlike in the past when there were fewer shops leading to high prices. 

He urged those employed to help customers with courtesy to retain customers for the growth of the shop.

Further, he said President Mokgweetsi Masisi in his inaugural speech, promised that he would facilitate a conductive environment for trade and business and urged council not to delay with the issuance of permits.

 Extra Save has 15 workers and Mr Kgathi said he was hopeful that other sectors such as agriculture would also benefit from selling produce to the shop.

The shop also donated hampers to 25 beneficiaries of Dandane/Mabeleng ward as part of the official opening ceremony. 

Extra Save managing director for Lerala, Ms Johanna Modise said the shop was a franchise of Welcome Cash and Carry established in 2016 to empower Batswana to own supermarkets and shares in the industry.

The franchise, she said, was growing and was competing with established supermarkets in the country, revealing that the Bobonong supermarket was the seventh in the country.

Kgosi Ezekiel Joel of Bobonong said the opening of the shop was a welcome development for his village, as it has provided employment for youth.

He said since the village was growing, there was need for villagers to build attractive houses for rent to those coming to invest in the area. ENDS