The Windhoek Observer can exclusively reveal that media personality, Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, is the local partner in the soon-to-be-opened multinational grocery retailer, Choppies.
Basson-Namundjebo confirmed this week that she was a junior partner in Choppies, putting to rest widespread speculation about the identity of the 10 percent local shareholder.
She, however, did not say how much she had invested in the business, which is set to expend N$150 million over the next three years.
Basson-Namundjebo said she met with Choppies Enterprise Limited Group CEO, Ramachandran Ottapathu, four years ago and subsequently signed the agreement a year-and-a-half later.
“It is so indeed. As stated, I acquired 10 percent and paid for the shareholding to the value that equity represented.
“Over and above that, I bring years of tested leadership in both the public and private sector undergirded with a commitment to create jobs. Obviously, I bring along an established track record in the marketing and service field,” she told the Windhoek Observer in an interview.
Basson-Namundjebo said she is excited to have had the opportunity to partner with the Botswana headquartered retailer, adding that it was very fulfilling to be part of a project that will create new jobs.
Basson-Namundjebo said that what was unique about Choppies was the quality of the leadership, which was humble and people-focused.
She also said that she was enticed by the commitment to increase production in Namibia, which would ultimately benefit Namibian producers.
“I was privileged to meet Ottapathu a few years ago when he was looking to set up office in Namibia. At the time, I was looking (at opportunities) to increase my footprint in the economy, and the opportunity that retail presented was worth considering.
“After a process, which required thorough analysis and a due diligence process along with visits to Botswana, I was ready to sign.
“For two years now, we have been working behind the scenes to set up operations in Namibia,” Basson-Namundjebo said.
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed retailer is set to open its doors in Namibia in the next two months, with at least three retail shops earmarked for Ongwediva, Omuthiya and Windhoek in the short term.
Choppies Enterprise has already fully complied with all regulatory obligations while staff recruitment is expected to start this month followed by the opening of at least 13 shops in Namibia over a period of three years in an investment that will cost around N$150 million.
In a recent interview with the Windhoek Observer, Ottapathu said they plan to have at least 13 stores countrywide in the next 18 to 24 months.
“We will be targeting most of the Northern towns and regions,” he said.
Choppies Namibia will have fully-fledged retail shops with a bakery, butchery, fruit and vegetables and all the groceries that people use on a daily basis.