17 Sep 2019

The management of the newly opened Choppies supermarket in Shakawe has been challenged to procure products such as vegetables, meat and eggs from residents as a way of empowering them.

Speaking at opening of the store, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Bagalatia Arone, said beneficiaries under the poverty eradication programme would also be mentored and trained so as to position them to supply and meet Choppies demand.

He said the store would serve the community of Shakawe and other 37 villages that constitutes Okavango and also create employment opportunities. It has already employed 80 people from the district.

On other issues, Mr Arone told residents that banks such as Barclays, FNB and BancABC would soon open branches in Shakawe.

Choppies CEO, Mr Ramachandran Ottapathu said they would continue to employ more residents.

He said they would identify two people living with disabilities from Shakawe and employ them at the newly opened store.

Shakawe East councilor, Mr Lesedi Boy commended Choppies management for having opened shop in Shakawe.

He said people would no longer travel long distances to places such as Gumare and Maun to buy household items. ENDS