. . . creates dozens of jobs
Moroke Sekoboto
SEFALANA Cash and Carry, a leading Southern African wholesaler for fast-moving consumer goods, has expanded its operations to Lithabaneng, creating employment for 56 people.
Speaking at the grand opening of Lithabaneng store, Sefalana on Friday, Group Managing Director, Chandra Chauhan, said in 2016, Sefalana entered the Lesotho market through the takeover of the country’s largest distribution and logistics company, TFS Wholesalers, Distribution and Logistics in Maseru.
Mr Chauhan said this acquisition has stamped their presence in the market within a short time.
“With a staff complement of about 300 people, the Lesotho business is led by a strong management team, which will help grow this business as we are opening the sixth store.
“Further sites for additional store openings are being identified as we look to expand in the country,” Mr Chauhan said.
“On 1 November 2016, Sefalana entered the Lesotho market through a takeover of the country’s largest distribution and logistics company, TFS Wholesalers, Distribution and Logistics in Maseru.
“The acquisition provided us with the opportunity to achieve a strong presence in the market in a short space of time, making Sefalana a market leader in the country. In order to meet the growing market demand, an additional warehouse was secured in 2017 and in 2018 we opened our doors to the largest liquor wholesale in the country,” Mr Chauhan said.
“Through understanding the needs of the local population and developing the Sefalana brand name in Lesotho, we gained the trust of small retailers and business owners. This allowed us to further expand operations and we opened a new cash and carry store and liquor wholesale in Maputsoe in 2018, and another in Mohale’s Hoek,” Mr Chauhan added.
“Our stores offer an extensive range of products and services, making us a household name over the last nine years. Understanding local buying trends and customer spending patterns has allowed us to maintain our title of the largest retailer in the country,” Mr Chauhan said.
For his part, Minister of Labour and Employment Tseliso Mokhosi commended Sefalana for its contribution to job creation. Mr Mokhosi also encouraged Sefalana to maintain good labour practices as they operate.
“The government supports businesses because they help in job creation. We are drafting a Social Security bill in the ministry, which will guide employers on best practices, and I am happy because Sefalana is already doing exceptionally well in respecting its employees,” Mr Mokhosi said.