Johannesburg – Cell C today marked a deeply personal milestone in its retail transformation journey with the official handover of its Cell C store at Cresta to Mohamed Zaheer Vallee, a long‑serving employee who has now become the owner of the store.
The handover reflects Cell C’s commitment to creating real opportunity for its people, recognising the talent, dedication and lived experience of employees who have built the brand on the ground – and giving them the chance to take the next step in their professional journey.
For Vallee, the moment represents a transition from employee to entrepreneur, and the trust placed in him to carry forward the Cell C brand in his own right.
“I started here as an employee, today I stand here as an owner. Cell C believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and that belief changed everything. I’ve grown with the company, learned the business from the inside, and I now have the chance to build something lasting for myself, my family and my team, while continuing to serve customers with pride,” said an elated Mohamed Zaheer Vallee.
A people‑centred approach to change
The Cresta handover forms part of Cell C’s broader move to a franchise‑based retail model, which included a deliberate shift towards shared ownership, sustainability and long‑term livelihoods.
Cell C CEO, Jorge Mendes, commented; “Moments like this remind us that a company is ultimately built by its people. Zaheer’s journey from employee to owner is about trust, dignity and recognising the contribution of those who live the brand every day. This is the kind of progress that matters, because it changes lives, not just structures.”
Central to this approach was the principle that employees are not left behind by change but invited to take part.
Existing store employees have been given the opportunity to apply to become franchise owners through a structured and fair process, with Cell C remaining closely involved to support the transition and continuity of the business.
“This is about recognising the people who know our customers, our communities and our brand best,” said Chris Lazarus, Chief Sales, Regions and Customer Care at Cell C. “Zaheer’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to create pathways, not exits and to ensure transformation is human, not abstract.”
Continuity, care and confidence
Cell C has consistently emphasised that the transition of stores to franchise ownership is underpinned by job security, continuity and care. Employees are transferred to the new employer on the same terms and conditions, and customers continue to experience the same Cell C brand, service and values.
For customers at Cresta, recently revamped to give customers unparalleled store experience, there is now the added layer of meaning: it is led by someone who has earned the opportunity through commitment and belief in the brand.
The official handover of the Cresta store took place on 1 April 2026, marking a new chapter for Vallee, his team, and the community the store serves.
