Recently, the community of Thabazimbi in South Africa experienced devastating floods after incessant rains caused the local dam to burst, cutting off road links and isolating settlements. Some local heroes, including Hannes Coetzee, an independent retailer operating the SPAR Supermarket Thabazimbi, stepped up to make a difference.

Hannes and others used off-road vehicles, canoes, and even helicopters provided by local owners to deliver essential supplies to stranded residents. “Our region experienced rainfall about three times heavier than usual,” said Hannes. “Communities were cut off, and people urgently needed basic foodstuffs. We responded by donating hundreds of meal packs, delivered by helicopter to isolated areas.”

“Our efforts were all about strengthening our relationship with the communities we serve. Some businesses may say they care, but SPAR retailers demonstrate through action that we genuinely do,” Hannes Coetzee concluded.

The swift response by SPAR Supermarket Thabazimbi highlights the strength of SPAR South Africa’s extensive network of approximately 2,500 stores across the country and underscores the crucial role independent retailers play in their communities.

SPAR South Africa supports several NGOs, including Operation Hunger, by providing financial aid and food donations. Additionally, the company collaborates with FoodForward SA, a leading food redistribution organisation, to redirect surplus food to needy communities, thus reducing food waste and combating hunger.

SPAR South Africa’s actions during the Thabazimbi floods and their ongoing sustainability efforts underscore the company’s deep commitment to community resilience and sustainable development, setting a powerful example for other businesses to follow.

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About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. It operates four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood supermarkets, SPAR Express forecourt stores, KWIKSPAR convenience focused stores and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets.  SPAR South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats, with almost all the current store portfolio being independently owned.