26 Sep 2024

One of the largest chain stores in the country, Sefalana, has been commended for its contribution to employment creation and commitment to serving the people of Botswana.

Speaking at the official opening of the new Sefalana Hyper store in Letlhakane on Wednesday, Acting President Mr Slumber Tsogwane celebrated the establishment as a testament to the private sector’s commitment to driving the economy.

The new hyper store is the first of its kind in the Boteti Region and is part of Sefalana’s expansion strategy, bringing the total number of stores in Botswana to five.

Mr Tsogwane said the  facility not only contributed to the local economy but also provided jobs for 115 Batswana, along with an additional 36 service provider positions in sectors such as security, cleaning, and merchandising.

The Acting President,  said it was gratifying that the company’s workforce had grown from just 233 individuals in 1974 to over 6 600 to date, as it expanded its reach across urban and rural areas.

“We hope that the company’s success will not be measured in profits only, but also in the wellbeing of employees and the communities they serve. We also expect to see value chains created especially replacing some goods that are procured from outside the country,” said Mr Tsogwane.

He highlighted that Botswana Institutions and Batswana held 96.8 per cent of the company shares.

He said Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund owned 48.1 per cent, followed by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund at 9 per cent and Debswana Pension Fund at 6.12 per cent.

“This ownership structure reflects the company’s deep-rooted commitment to the wellbeing of our nation and its people,” he said.

Sefalana Group Managing Director, Mr Chandra Chauhan, encouraged Batswana landowners and business plot owners who have not yet developed their properties to consider leasing them to Sefalana.

“It took us 10 years to acquire the land for this new Letlhakane store, which sits on a 4 000 square meter property leased from a Motswana,” he explained.

Assistant Minister of Health, who is Former Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe also expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Sefalana Hyper store in Letlhakane.

He highlighted the new employment opportunities it would create, particularly for the youth in the area. ENDS