Choppies champions employee welfare, excellence

Hosted at Spark Capital Hall in Commerce Park, the ceremony honoured employees who have served 10, 15, 20 years and beyond, including individuals whose dedication continues to propel the retailer’s growth across Botswana and the region.

Choppies Group Head of Human Resources, Molatedi Kgotla, paid tribute to the award recipients, describing them as the heart of the company. He said the awards, now in their sixth year, reflect Choppies’ belief that loyalty and hard work must be acknowledged and celebrated, not overlooked. The tradition, he noted, is built on recognising the people whose consistency forms the backbone of the company’s success.

Kgotla highlighted Choppies’ leadership in employee welfare, reminding attendees that the retailer was among the first companies to implement the P4,000 living wage. He called the move a bold, people-centred decision taken at a time when many were uncertain about its feasibility. He said the step reaffirmed Choppies’ commitment to uplifting livelihoods and placing employees at the centre of its corporate strategy.

He also announced the forthcoming Choppies Housing Scheme, a major initiative aimed at supporting employees in building secure and sustainable futures. The housing programme, he said, aligns with the company’s long-term approach to welfare and empowerment.

Kgotla further highlighted the success of the Choppies Graduate Training Programme, an initiative conceptualised in Botswana and now expanding across Namibia and Zambia. Many graduates have already been absorbed into the organisation as branch managers, HR officers, accountants and regional managers. Plans are underway for a regional exchange programme to broaden their exposure. He said this expansion underscores Choppies’ belief in developing young talent and strengthening regional cooperation.

Debswana Chief Operations Officer, Koolatotse Koolatotse, provided a brief but powerful motivational message. Drawing from his personal journey from truck driver in 1998 to COOhe reminded staff that excellence is built on consistent habits, discipline and purpose. He encouraged employees to treat their work as an investment in their future, emphasising that success follows those who remain committed to self-improvement and service.

For his part, Minister of Labour Pius Mokgware delivered a strong endorsement of Choppies’ labour practices. He thanked the retailer for being one of the first companies to respond to the government’s call for the P4,000 minimum wage, describing the decision as courageous and forward-thinking.

“Some companies hesitated. Some believed it was impossible. But Choppies acted,” he said. “This shows you value your employees and prioritise the wellbeing of Batswana.”Mokgware also praised Choppies for consistently hosting the Excellence Awards, saying such recognition motivates employees to raise performance standards. He further commended the company for maintaining minimal labour disputes and resolving most issues internally, unlike many organisations with outstanding cases at the Labour Office. He said this reflects strong leadership, sound employee-management relations and a culture built on dignity and respect.

The Minister reminded winners that recognition is not the finish line but an encouragement to continue delivering results. “When Choppies grows, you grow too. I would like to urge you as employees to take ownership of your roles and view your work as you would in your own business, as this attitude fuels excellence, productivity and long-term personal growth,” said Mokgware. Mokgware also applauded Choppies’ expansion across neighbouring countries, saying its regional footprint demonstrates strong leadership and a robust operating model. He expressed hope that more Batswana will soon hold positions in Choppies outlets across Africa. This year’s star of the awards ceremony was Choppies’ Chief Executive Officer, Ramachandran Ottapathu, who received a Long Service award for 29 years of service.