From Till Packer to Admin Manager: Gqeberha local’s journey with Africa’s biggest retailer

17 March 2025 | On the move

After finishing school, Nosipho Magopeni-Makinana's studies were cut short due to financial constraints.

Determined to find a way forward, she started working at Shoprite Ziyabuya in Gqeberha in 2006 as a till packer, an entry-level position that proved to be the launchpad for her career.

Magopeni-Makinana approached her work with enthusiasm, meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to customer service. Her positive attitude and eagerness to take on extra tasks quickly caught the attention of her supervisors, and she steadily advanced her career – first to Cashier, then Cash Office Clerk and Cash Office Controller. In 2012, after enrolling in the Group’s Trainee Manager Programme, she took up the role of Administration Manager.

Today, Magopeni-Makinana maintains a strong connection with her team on the supermarket floor. She regularly shares her journey, mentors her colleagues and inspires them to reach new heights. Her commitment to people development extends beyond her own store, Shoprite Motherwell, as she often trains employees from nearby supermarkets, cultivating a culture of growth, collaboration and support across the region.

Reflecting on her career, Magopeni-Makinana says: “Retail wasn’t part of my initial plan, but now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. While retail is extremely fast-paced and presents new challenges daily, it is also incredibly rewarding to be part of the Shoprite Group’s 160 000-strong team that serves millions of customers and ensures their satisfaction. I want people to know that no matter where they start, with hard work and determination, they can achieve more than they ever imagined.”

As Africa’s largest retailer and South Africa’s largest private sector employer, the Shoprite Group offers a variety of career pathways for individuals, especially youth, eager to build a rewarding career in retail.

Young people interested in retail careers are invited to explore the various opportunities available at the Group: Shoprite Group Youth Opportunities | Shoprite Holdings.