Stokvels and tuckshop owners in Metsimaholo
have launched their own Supermarket.
Named Upkasi Supermarket, the first of its
kind was launched in Zamdela, Sasolburg, this week.
The launch lays a foundation that intends to
develop a model of assisting black businesses and as part of township economic
recovery plan.
According to the Founder and Director of the
Upkasi supermarket chain stores, Mr Piet Mothepu, being the first of its kind
in Metsimaholo and 100% black owned the aim is to develop and restore black
local economy back to the community in a form of affordable investment
opportunities and create sustainable jobs.
“Upkasi was started by stokvel and tuckshop
owners around Metsimaholo in June this year. Effects of Covid-19 made us
realise that as business owners we must join hands and work together and in
that way we will have a greater voice, buying power, and using models such as
crowd-funding and investment we will surely revive our township economy” said
Mothepu.
The stokvel started with seven members and
who worked together and buying stock in bulk, and it has now grown to 25 active
members, who owns and have shares in the Upkasi supermarket.
The first Upkasi supermarket is now open and
in operation at Mooidraai next to the old farmhouse.
“We have a big and a bold plan, we will be
opening other Upkasi supermarkets around Metsimaholo in the near future, and
working with other role players such as emerging farmers, other black owned
Supermarkets and various organizations and stakeholders we will be able to grow
our business to processing, packaging and distribution level.”said founder Piet
Mothepu.. “We are optimistic that we will one day have our own Upkasi, bakery,
butchery, vegetable store and all this will benefit members and most
importantly create employment, and members will leave legacy behind for
generation to come” added Mothepu.
In attendance during the launch and opening
of the Upkasi supermarket were Metsimaholo Exucutive Mayor Cllr Lindiwe
Tshongwe and her team. From the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural
Development in the province were directors Mr Steven Modise and Mr Njonji
Skhalele, DESTEA Fezile Dabi Mrs Matlape, Mrs Julian Koaho(Seda Fezile Dabi
District), Mrs Dikeledi Motsumi(Member Free State Farmers Stockvel, Mr Simon
Mofokeng( Chairperson Nafcoc Fezile Dabi), Mr Poggie Mapohoshe(Dep. Chairperson
Tlholo Cash & Carry), Mr Kaizer Molelekwa(Chairperson Thaba Nchu Business
Forum) and Mrs Ntutho Mbiko Motshegoa(Afasa National Women’s Desk).
“I would also like to thank the assistance
and co-operation we have been receiving from various stakeholders including our
Municipality, Seda, Destea and our own community and we encourage members of
our community to use this opportunity to support and also be part of this venture” concluded
Mothepu.
