By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet,the Shoprite Group Communications Manager, has expressed the giant and globally recognized retail company’s full commitment to support businesses owned by emaSwati particularly,in the agriculture sector.

In a press statement sent by Shoprite Group to Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini via email on Friday, Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet said, Shoprite Group created thirty-one(31) more jobs after the official opening of the Hlathikhulu Branch adding-up to the overall over one thousand(1000) jobs across the country.

“Shoprite creates jobs and boosts economic development in Eswatini Shoprite has opened a supermarket in Hlatikhulu, Eswatini, creating 31 new jobs and expanding the retailer’s growing footprint in the Shiselweni Region, where it also operates Usave Hluthi, Shoprite Zam Zam, Shoprite Nhlangano and Usave Hlatikhulu.Together, these stores employ approximately half of the more than 1 000 people that Shoprite has provided with job opportunities across the country.The new Shoprite Hlatikhulu offers customers a convenient shopping experience with 11 pay points and access to several in-store fresh food departments including a Meat Market, Hot and Cold Foods Deli, Bakery, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

Shoppers can further save time by making use of the in-store Money Market counter”, she said through the statement.

The Group Communications Manager said, services in the new Hlathikhulu Shoprite include money transfers, paying municipal bills, topping up data, airtime or electricity, or purchasing gift cards.

“Shoprite’s impact extends beyond its stores, as it plays a key role in providing local businesses with access to its consumer market, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to driving economic growth in the region.Customers will find the products of local suppliers such as Eswatini Kitchen, Black Mamba, Vital Tissues,Hazeldene Jam, and Swazi Fire condiments, and more, on the shelves of their nearest Shoprite.Through its Growing Programme, Shoprite is also giving 55 small-scale farmers access to its supply chain and providing guidance on seasonal crop selection and volume requirements. This not only supports the country’s agriculture sector, but ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers to its stores across Eswatini”, said the Communications Manager.

Shoprite Hlatikhulu is managed by Jabulile Matsebula, who joined the company in 2008 and was previously the Branch Manager at Usave Hluthi.

On another note,the official opening of Shoprite at Hlathikhulu was graced by Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Mancoba Khumalo and, Shoprite Eswatini Director and Shareholder Sylvia Mtsetfwa who also emphasized the retail company’s commitment to support businesses owned by emaSwati.