07 Dec 2020

With a history that spans over 20 years, Mokala Supermarket is almost synonymous with Tsabong. But like many businesses, the store has  to remain both relevant and afloat, in Tsabong’s fast changing business landscape.

The supermarket, which is owned by the Marnewick family, has now relaunched, having expanded into farming supplies.

“Originally we were a part of the Kgalagadi Wholesalers Group and we had a few wholesalers. We started in Ghanzi, we made it our mission to establish wholesales at Tsabong,

Kang, Hukuntsi and Ghanzi but in 2002 we sold to a much bigger group, Metsef, now rebranded Sefalana,” said Mokala Farmers Supplies store owner Mr Jerrie Marnewick in an interview during the official opening of the store.

The store now boasts an expanded and refurbished space, with new product lines,and many, including the village leadership, on Friday thronged the store, to witness the change.

Mokala Supermarket is a true example of a place with staying power, as it remains standing, even with the advent of big wholesalers, some of which bought out its sister businesses, and chain stores, which have swallowed small stores.

Mr Marnewick, told BOPA in an interview, that it was critical to look at key economic drivers in the district to stay afloat, explaining that as Kgalagadi was renowned for farming, it was prudent for them to reshape, to meet residents’ needs in a one stop shop.

He said they started the supermarket in 1998 and at the time, it was the main one in Tsabong, but the bigger chain groups came in, creating a tough competition. “Our turnover dropped to half and we strategised to change the line of business and started looking at a variety of things,” he said.

Mr Marnewick, who owns another store in Bray, narrated that it had been a long journey to transform the store, adding that he continued to explore ways of investing in Kgalagadi, which was his birth place.

He said each year, they set targets for growing the business.

He revealed that the renovations started six months ago, adding that the development was meant to have an open space, to create a more convenient shopping environment for the customers.

“We asked ourselves how we can survive in this changing competition environment, and then we decided to concentrate on the farmer and stay away from the normal grocery line.

We provide farmers’ supplies at competitive prices,” he said.

Furthermore, he said COVID-19 had brought with it, big logistical challenges.

He cited bringing in products as one of the major challenges as some of the most convenient borders were closed.

“The trucks have to go all round using other routes which adds more kilometres to the trip, thus increasing transport costs,” he said.

Kgalagadi South Member of Parliament, Mr Sam Brooks commended the store owners for their perseverance and continuing to come up with strategies of developing their business, which in turn raises standards of livelihoods in the district.  

He lauded them for being bold in business and circumventing challenges, even during times when there was limited road infrastructure.

Mr Brooks appreciated the family for coming up with a new product line and encouraged customers to support the shop.

Furthermore, he appreciated the shop owners for upholding labour laws and relating well with the Kgalagadi community. Ends