02 Mar 2025

Sefalana Holdings has been lauded for its contribution towards creating employment and empowering the communities within which they operate.

Speaking at the official opening of Sefalana Hyper Jwaneng store recently, the Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said Sefalana stores across the country boosted other sectors such as real estate and the informal sector. He said such initiatives resonated with the government’s objective of economic growth.

“The opening of this store is a manifestation of our aspirations as the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship to witness the dawn of booming business growth that would ultimately lead to economic growth, job creation and community empowerment,” he said.

Additionally, he applauded the company for being one of the major supporters of locally produced goods, including agricultural produce. He noted that such support created a thriving environment for the development of the value chains, thereby creating more jobs and improving lives. He further appreciated Sefalana Group’s contribution to various charitable organisations in an endeavour to give back to the communities.

“Beyond business, the Sefalana Group has demonstrated commendable corporate social responsibility by actively giving back to the community. Through initiatives that support organisations such as Masiela Trust Fund, Motswedi Rehabilitation Centre, Journey of Hope breast cancer awareness, Kgabo Kwena Cultural Exchange, Cheshire Foundation and the construction of homes for the less privileged, Sefalana has shown that corporate success is possible alongside social impact,” he said.

For his part, Sefalana Group Managing Director, Mr Chandra Chauhan said as their third largest store in the country, Sefalana Hyper Jwaneng meant an additional 80 employees, bringing the total number of employees to 130 in Jwaneng. He said plans were underway to open 10 new stores across the country this year, adding that sites were already identified and developments ongoing.

While he appreciated the additional jobs created by extension of the store, Jwaneng deputy mayor Mr Mothibedi Watshipi said it was important for the company to also prioritize the welfare of its employees. He implored the company to align their operations with the government’s call for decent salaries for workers.

“As the largest company by revenue in the country, we expect you to lead by example by implementing the P4000 minimum wage. Our employees need decent salaries to cope with the high rentals in Jwaneng,” he said.

He further urged them to partner with the government in infrastructure development and invest in sustainable corporate social responsibilities in the district. ENDS