Independent SPAR retailers have strengthened the brand’s presence in South Africa with two major store developments this October: the relaunch of an expanded and modernised SUPERSPAR Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal, and the opening of a new SUPERSPAR at Blue Downs Shopping Centre in the Western Cape. SUPERSPAR Mtunzini reopens after expansion On 15 October, the Mtunzini
Pick n Pay has launched Smart Shopper PRO, a new subscription tier of its Smart Shopper loyalty programme. At a launch price of R99 a month, PRO members get four benefits on top of their existing Smart Shopper rewards: Customers can sign up on the asap! app. “Customers are increasingly looking for practical ways to make
Organic spring produce grown by over 80 community food gardens across South Africa, Botswana and Namibia was snapped up by shoppers at selected Shoprite and Checkers stores during Market Day on Tuesday, 27 October. The annual project connects community gardeners directly with customers through a curated pop-up retail environment, which provides a platform to sell
Pick n Pay asap! turns up the tech as online grocery sales accelerate Pick n Pay asap! is building on a year of digital innovation with a further investment in the technology and in-store capabilities that support its growing online grocery business. Following a multi-store pilot that reduced average order-picking times by around 30%, Pick
It was a triple celebration for Boxer Superstores last week as not one, not two, but THREE brand-new stores officially opened their doors, bringing unbeatable savings and everyday convenience to even more communities! Shoppers in Rondebult, Springs and Hillcrest joined in the excitement as Boxer welcomed customers to its newest stores, with fantastic opening specials,
By Wayne Steppe, Enterprise Architect at Ecentric Payment Systems Everyone will remember the hype before the pandemic about the so-called fourth industrial revolution. 4IR was everywhere. While we were distracted by a global shutdown, the 4IR has not gone anywhere. In fact, all eyes are trained on the single-most disruptive and powerful tool of the
As a brand of the leading global home appliance manufacturer Beko,Ariston is rolling out an extensive campaign highlighting its legacy, introducing advanced caring solutions to households across the region. Ariston, a trusted name in household appliances and a trusted care expert with a rich Italian heritage since 1960, is proud to announce its high-profile brand
Under Group CEO Etienne Pieterse, the 34-year-old restaurant brand is extending its business through GO outlets and retail distribution, responding to changing consumer needs while retaining its Italian-inspired food identity. Col’Cacchio is consciously expanding the way in which consumers can buy their food through dedicated takeaway outlets and supermarket shelves, alongside the sit-down restaurants that
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being deployed across Africa faster than some countries can introduce the regulatory frameworks needed to manage its risks and fully realise its benefits. According to Vodacom Group, AI governance must reflect the continent’s unique economic, social and technological realities to ensure responsible innovation and inclusive growth. This principle sits at the
Community food gardens across South Africa have another opportunity to grow their impact, with Shoprite’s second Act For Change Food Garden Competition opening for entries on 20 October 2026. Five winning gardens will share R1 million in tailored support, while each winning garden will receive tailored support, determined through a needs assessment. This could include
There is enormous economic opportunity for SA wine producers. As rising costs, changing consumer habits and unpredictable weather increase, producers are finding new ways to protect profitability and remain competitive. South Africa’s wine industry remains a significant contributor to the national economy, but shifting trends are forcing producers to rethink how they farm, manage costs
More than 3,600 stores, 400+ brands and hundreds of deals come together in one connectedshopping festival, powered by TFG and Bash TFG (The Foschini Group) today launch SHOPFEST ’26, a sixweek shopping festival connecting the group’s retail network and the Bash platform in one joinedup campaign. Rather than concentrating trade into a single Black Friday
Cape Town – Clicks Group increased turnover by 5.4% to exceed R50 billion for the first time in an environment of constrained consumer spending and aggressive competitor discounting in the financial year to 31 August 2026. Headline earnings per share increased by 4.4% to 1 422 cents while the total dividend rose by 4.4% to
The foundations of a more sustainable business are paying dividends, says Pick n Pay, as its turnaround efforts begin to take hold. The Group announced its interim financial results for the 26 weeks ended 30 August 2026 (H1 FY27), today, 16 October. While Pick n Pay segment’s trading loss of R516m underscores the scale of
As South Africans increasingly move towards cashless payments, Pick n Pay has launched an Appreciation Voucher initiative nationwide, giving customers another way to tip or thank people who provide everyday services when they don’t have cash on hand. Available in R5, R10 and R20 denominations, the vouchers can be purchased at till points at Pick
eading logistics provider Bakers SA Limited has further strengthened its commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and innovation through the introduction of 67 new Serco dry-freight bodies mounted on SANY electric trucks. The investment forms part of Bakers SA Limited’s ongoing fleet renewal programme and reflects the company’s proactive approach to adopting technologies that improve
South Africans are online, but millions still do not shop online. While 79.1% of adults regularly browse the web, only 34.2% of them buy goods online, according to the new Online Retail in South Africa 2026 study. “Bridging the gap between browsing and buying depends on merchants building consumer confidence throughout the shopping journey, from
Namibian-owned company emerges as one of Southern Africa’s fastest-growing fuel retailers, advancing local ownership, economic transformation and energy security Nasan Energies, founded by the Group CEO of Millennium Investments, has completed the acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell-branded retail service stations across Namibia in a transaction with an estimated enterprise value of US$50
Boxer Retail Limited, South Africa’s leading grocery discounter, today announced its interim financial results for the 26 weeks ended 30 August 2026 (H1 FY27), demonstrating the continued strength of its value proposition with increased market share and earnings growth despite increased economic pressure. Highlights include: Boxer grew turnover by 6.3% to R24.1 billion in H1
The East African Community (EAC) Partner States have advanced regional efforts to strengthen e-commerce and digital trade, with a focus on improving data and monitoring, building consumer trust, enhancing preparedness for implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, and accelerating implementation of the EAC E-Commerce Strategy. The measures were discussed during the EAC Regional
Oikocredit joins a USD 40 million funding round for East Africa Foods to strengthen climate-resilient food supply chains, reduce food loss and improve market access and incomes for up to 100,000 smallholder farmers. Social impact investor Oikocredit has invested in East Africa Foods (EAF), a Tanzanian agritech company, as part of a USD 40 million
Valu, the leading universal financial technology powerhouse in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced a strategic partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading franchise operators, to expand access to flexible payment solutions across participating Alshaya retail brands in Egypt. The partnership brings together Valu’s financial technology capabilities and growing merchant ecosystem
Seven months after winning Shoprite’s inaugural Act For Change Food Garden Competition, six community food gardens are putting their support to work in different ways, and preparing to mark Garden Day on Sunday, 18 October. Now in its 11th year, Garden Day invites South Africans to enjoy the green spaces and the many ways they
Pick n Pay is bringing colour cosmetics into the grocery shopping basket with the launch of Real Cosmetics, a new own-brand makeup range comprising more than 100 Beauty Without Cruelty-endorsed products, all priced below R90. It is available in over 100 Pick n Pay stores nationwide and on Pick n Pay asap!, making it the
International e-Waste Day, on 14 October, serves as a timely reminder that electronic waste (e-waste) remains one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, and due to the hazardous materials often contained in these products, their improper disposal continues to pose environmental and public health risks. Managed in collaboration with the e-Waste Recycling Authority
Food security in South Africa deteriorated in 2025, and hunger remains stubbornly high even as food inflation has eased, according to the South African Food Security Index 2026. In response to the country’s significant research gap on hunger and food insecurity, the Shoprite Group commissioned the Index to provide credible, independent, and reliable data
Cape Town will welcome young leaders from more than 190 countries for the One Young World Summit from 3 to 6 November 2026, bringing together a global community working to create positive change. Spur Corporation will help set the tone for the gathering as sponsor of the Opening Ceremony dinner on 3 November.The Summit will
Following a successful pop-up trial, Woolworths’ W.Outlet will return to Access Park in Kenilworth, Cape Town, as a permanent store on 9 October 2026, giving customers access to Woolworths fashion with even more value. The dedicated outlet will stock end-of-line and older fashion items from across the Woolworths store network. New products will arrive regularly,
Whether topping up, sending to family and friends, or gifting, Shoprite and Checkers customers can now purchase airtime, data and digital vouchers, all through Sixty60. Purchases are delivered instantly via SMS to either the sender or recipient and no minimum basket value is required. The offering includes airtime and data across all major mobile networks,
Stokvels are a significant part of South Africa’s financial landscape, with an estimated annual value of R50 billion. More than 800,000 active groups serve between 11 million and 11.5 million members. These range from burial societies and education stokvels to property investment groups and grocery stokvels that regularly shop at Makro. After months of saving
Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, today unveiled the redeveloped Shell Amber Court service station, bringing together fuelling, dining, retail, connectivity and everyday services in one modern destination. Located in the heart of Jinja, Shell Amber Court has been significantly redeveloped to serve the needs of
Vodacom South Africa and SmartOps Fleet have brought together partners from the technology, financial services, automotive and e-hailing sectors, in a new integrated programme designed to broaden participation in South Africa’s growing e-hailing economy. With an ambition to introduce up to 55,000 vehicles over the next 9 to 12 months, the programme could support up
The award recognises an organisation actively applying the Reinvention Method and creating meaningful business, societal or systemic impact. Spur Corporation has received the Reinvention Impact Award at the first Reinvention Fest, held on 28–29 September 2026 at Boschendal Estate in Franschhoek.The award recognises an organisation that is actively applying the Reinvention Method and creating meaningful
Proudly South African hard seltzer brand takes the next step in its retail growth journey October 2026 – Homegrown South African hard seltzer brand Nawty Water is expanding its retail footprint through a new listing with Pick n Pay, marking the next phase of growth for the locally built brand. Founded by Michael Tones and
Addressing the country’s supply chain skills deficit is becoming increasingly critical as the sector responds to infrastructure constraints, private-sector participation, digitalisation, automation and more complex global trade requirements. SAPICS has highlighted the need for appropriately skilled and qualified people across supply chain roles. “South Africa’s logistics challenges are often discussed in terms of infrastructure, congestion,
The Shoprite Group has opened a new Checkers FX, UNIQ Clothing by Checkers and Petshop Science at Eastway Midstream Estate in Centurion, collectively creating 72 new employment opportunities in the area. In the coming weeks, this store will also become the first Checkers in Gauteng to introduce the retailer’s smart Xpress Trolleys, following successful trials
Today, at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kabete, Kenya launched three national initiatives: the Kenya Soil Partnership, Kenya Soil Laboratory Network and national rollout of the Global Soil Doctors Programme, to pave the way soil information is generated, shared and used. As part of the Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER)
Partnership combines DP World’s global logistics expertise with TGI Group’s strong market presence to expand logistics capabilities and support trade growth in Nigeria and across West Africa DP World and Nigeria-based Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group have joined forces to strengthen logistics capabilities in Nigeria, leveraging their combined expertise to support trade and unlock future
Every litre of fuel consumed on South Africa’s roads reflects the underlying health of the country’s logistics economy. Changes in fuel prices have a far-reaching effect on the country’s supply chain, transport systems, the wider logistics industry as well as the pricing of goods on store shelves. The October increase in the price of fuel
Vodacom South Africa has successfully tested the world’s first integrated passive-active Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution, which supports the continued evolution of its 4G and 5G network. The technology will enable Vodacom to increase network capacity at sites where physical and structural constraints can limit network expansion. For customers, this means a more consistent 4G
TFG (The Foschini Group) is redefining what its stores can sell through Bashstore, its omnichannel retail platform developed by digital innovation division Bash. Now live across more than 3,000 TFG stores and 14 brands, Bashstore connects store associates, tills and customers to one shared digital catalogue – removing the traditional limitations of floor and shelf
South African shoppers can now skip the frustrating redirect to their bank and the one-time PINs that slow down online card payments and instead approve a purchase with a simple biometric check on their phone. Walletdoc, one of South Africa’s leading payment technology companies, is bringing Visa Payment Passkeys to local merchants, enabling them to
UNIQ Clothing by Checkers has reached a milestone of 50 stores with the opening of its newest location in Sea Point, Cape Town. This marks a significant moment for a brand that is redefining what customers can expect from everyday clothing. In just over three years, the clothing brand has established a presence in eight
Kenya Airways selects Branchspace’s best-of-breed ecommerce capabilities to launch its transformation into a true retailer. Personalised experiences and continuous innovation — from day one. Branchspace, a boutique travel technology and consulting firm, today announced that it has been selected by Kenya Airways to deliver new generation digital commerce and transformation consulting services as part of
African business leaders call for a bigger share of the continent’s growth, with investment and local value creation high on the agenda. Africa must stop sending its capital abroad and start investing in its own industrial future, Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, told global business leaders at Unstoppable Africa 2026, as he set
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Africa50 and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) unveiled a new investment vehicle to spur renewable energy investments in Nigeria. The [$300 million] Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Fund has reached a major milestone with its commercial launch, marking the transition
Vodacom Group is stepping up its efforts to make digital services more accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across its African footprint, as it works to remove communication barriers that can prevent people from accessing essential and financial services, and customer support. The focus coincides with International Week of Deaf People, taking place from 21–27
Partnership aims to help 500,000 women in Nigeria access higher-quality maternal health care by 2030 MTN Group Foundation (MTN) and the Gates Foundation today announced a strategic partnership to launch the Nigeria Maternal Health Multiplier, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria to improve maternal health outcomes through an integrated digital ecosystem that connects women, frontline health
With meteorologists warning that this could be the strongest El Niño this century, bringing hotter and drier conditions to parts of South Africa in the coming months, Agrimark Managing Director, Arno Abeln, says for farmers who are prepared, the impact may be less severe. The Food and Agriculture department at the UN forecasts a bigger
South Africa’s Tech & Durable (T&D) goods consumer has entered a new era of consumption embodied by “justify it” behaviour. Their mindset has adjusted from “Can I afford this?” to “Will I feel this purchase was worth it six months from now?” with consideration given not just to money but to relevance, longevity and quality.
