Shoprite offers R102m bonus to thank workers

AS THOUSANDS of South Africans anxiously headed to the shops to stock up on essentials, Shoprite took the opportunity to thank their frontline workers by committing to pay them a R102 million bonus.

The Shoprite Group is the largest private employer in South Africa, and announced a one-off R102m appreciation bonus for its shop-floor and distribution centre employees to thank them for their efforts to feed the nation in unprecedented times.

Shoprite chief executive Peter Engelbrecht said their supermarket employees were at the forefront of serving and safeguarding customers by implementing strict hygiene measures, while distribution centre employees were key players in the supply chain to restock stores as quickly as possible.

“Our employees are crucial players in the task ahead, and the group wants to thank and reward them for their efforts to stock our shelves with food and other essentials for our 29 million shoppers.”

He said the bonus would be paid next Thursday.

“This is one of the many measures we have initiated to support our most vital teams, including the supply of free hand sanitiser and expanded leave guidelines to cater for those impacted.”

He also urged customers to shop responsibly and they would ensure that gaps on shelves would be filled as warehouses remained well-stocked.

“We have also increased orders and are sourcing new and additional suppliers. We are doing everything in our power to remain open, safe and our prices remain low,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pick n Pay has come together with some of South Africa’s top artists to create a special message to encourage calm and responsible shopping during the lockdown.

The song, Don’t Panic Buy, urges shoppers to buy only what they really need. The song features local artists including Lira, DRB singer Madjozi, Kahn Morbee, Arno Carstens, Karen

Zoid, Early B, Jack Parow, Francois van Coke, Loyiso Bala and Zolani.

“There is enough food in the supply chain, and we ask customers to support us by not stocking up beyond what they need. Our stores will remain open, safe and well-stocked for our customers during this time, so that they can continue to get what they want and need,” Pick n Pay retail executive, John Bradshaw, said.

Pick n Pay has limited purchases on specific products per customer.