One day in September: How Choppies fell

Mogae PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Mogae PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Five days before his suspension as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the regional grocer, Ramachandran Ottapathu submitted a restructuring proposal to turn the group around. When the Board met to consider the proposal, it also decided to suspend him. The drama in May actually began eight months earlier, in September, notes Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI

But for the events on September 29, Choppies’ well-told tale of humble beginnings from a single store in Lobatse to a seven-country giant, would have remained unblemished.

In future, those who chronicle Choppies’ history will of necessity include the group’s dramatic fall in value last year, the suspension from trade that has ankle-cuffed shareholders to an uncertain future, the behind-the-scenes battle that felled the CEO and the overpowering odour of scandal.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up