Current African News
The human cost of peak season: Why retail's busiest period demands a people-first strategy
By Ashwin Rajah, Founder of the Stress to Success System and Mindset Matters, and a Partner at Change Partners
As South Africa counts down to the holidays, most industries are winding down for the year. But retail is doing the opposite. While other sectors move toward closure and rest, retail accelerates. Stores extend hours. Customer volume surges. The strain builds before the season even begins.
Awards and achievements
Woolworths shines at the 37th World Cheese Awards in Switzerland
The37th edition of the prestigious World Cheese Awards took place from 13 – 15 November in Bern, Switzerland. Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, a British organisation dedicated to celebrating artisan food and drink, the competition has been spotlighting exceptional cheese producers from around the globe since 1988.
Innovation meets impact in NIQ’s 2025 South African Breakthrough Innovation Awards
NielsenIQ (NIQ) South Africa, a leader in consumer intelligence, has unveiled the South African winners of its 2025 Breakthrough Innovation Awards.
Woolworths shines at the 37th World Cheese Awards in Switzerland
The37th edition of the prestigious World Cheese Awards took place from 13 - 15 November in Bern, Switzerland. Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, a British organisation dedicated to celebrating artisan food and drink, the competition has been spotlighting exceptional cheese producers from around the globe since 1988.
Going green
Driving Wellness Forward: Engen’s 2025 trucker health campaign keeps South Africa moving
As another successful Transport Month draws to a close, Engen’s annual Driver Wellness campaign has once again delivered vital healthcare support to South Africa’s truck drivers - the unsung heroes who keep the nation’s economy on the move.
The coolest trucks on the road: Woolworths and DP World expand fleet of Axlepowered refrigeration trailers
Since launching Africa’s first AxlePower refrigeration trailer in January 2024, Woolworths SA and DP World have grown the fleet to 16 trailers reducing carbon emissions.
Massmart reaffirms commitment to E-Waste collection as 17-year-old programme continues to grow
Electronic waste (e-waste) remains one of the world’s fastest growing and most hazardous forms of waste, with improper disposal posing significant environmental risks due to the toxic components that are contained in these products, such as lead and mercury.
Supplier Chain
First LEGO shop-in-shop debuts at new Checkers Hyper in Paarl, Western Cape
With 143 new stores opened in South Africa between July and November 2025, the Shoprite Group is firmly on track to meet its target of 223 openings for the 2026 financial year.
Packaging battle brews between Eskort and Rainbow Chicken
Source: BizCommunity
The Advertising Regulatory Board has partially upheld a complaint by Rainbow Chicken, ruling that Eskort’s new Kiddos packaging improperly imitates Rainbow Chicken’s Chickees range and could dilute its advertising value. Eskort has been given three months to change the packaging.
Pick n Pay rides the K-wave with new range of authentic Korean flavours
By: Ashley Lechman – IOL Business
As South Africa continues to embrace global culinary trends, Pick n Pay is set to add a little more flavour to its aisles with the introduction of a new range of authentic Korean cuisine.
Eskort unveils robotic production line for premium sliced meats.
Eskort, South Africa’s leading pork producer, has made a multimillion-rand investment in robotic slicing, weighing and packaging machinery for its premium sliced meats range.
World’s first Fine Water tasting room opens in Stellenbosch
By: Sarene Kloren - IOL
Stellenbosch’s historic Lanzerac Wine Estate has just made a splash - by launching the world’s first Fine Water tasting room.
Petshop Science launches premium private label pet food: vet endorsed and locally produced
Responding to the growing demand from South African pet owners for affordable, high-quality nutrition for their four-legged family-members, Petshop Science has launched a private label range of premium dry dog and cat food.