What does the divisional manager of Shoprite do?
I lead the Shoprite KwaZulu-Natal division, managing operations and marketing and ensuring the profitability of more than 125 supermarkets. In addition, I oversee nearly 13,000 employees. This includes mentoring and coaching the deputy divisional managers and regional managers to equip them to lead their teams and keep all Shoprite supermarkets in KwaZulu-Natal trade-ready and in compliance with food safety and other regulatory standards.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
The qualities that stand out most are discipline, resilience and humility. Discipline has kept me consistent, resilience helps me overcome challenges, and humility has ensured that I continue to learn from others. I’ve always made it a priority to stay hands-on and listen to people on the ground.
What do you love about your job?
The dynamic nature of the retail industry and the privilege of working with diverse teams. Retail constantly evolves, with changing customer needs, technology and market trends, which means there is always room to grow, innovate and improve. Most of all, seeing people develop from trainees to strong leaders and knowing I played a part in their journey has been deeply rewarding.
I thrive in the retail environment, especially when I get to work with people from different backgrounds and watch our collective efforts deliver real impact for customers. I am fortunate in that I work with a team of ordinary people who always strive to achieve the extraordinary.
What drew you to work in retail?
I was initially drawn to retail because of its pace and the opportunity to engage with people daily. Early on, I saw how retail touches lives — not just through products, but by building communities and developing people.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
As a child, I dreamt of serving my community and wanted to become a policeman. I was inspired by my brothers, who followed that career path.
What do you look for when recruiting for your team?
Retail is a career that rewards hard work and commitment. Start by learning from the ground up because every role teaches you something valuable. Always put people first; your customers and your team. Stay adaptable, as the industry changes fast, and remain resilient through challenges.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Effective leadership is about inspiring trust and maintaining focus even in high-pressure situations. A phrase that has become embedded in our division is “retail is detail”. To me this means that if I do the basic things right, my chances of success are so much greater.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.