Because we specialise in commercial business photography we got the chance to travel to Phuthaditjhaba in Qwa Qwa to photograph Mr Tommy Makhatho’s chain of supermarkets. Bibi Cash and Carry. And what an awesome trip it was. I left with a sense of pride. This awesome South African entrepreneur has achieved a lot in his lifetime. We do have our own superhero business magnates in our country…like Mr Makhatho.
In a country desperately short of successful entrepreneurs, BiBi Cash and Carry Supermarkets offer an inspirational story. It was founded 31 years ago.
BiBi Cash and Carry is the largest black-owned retail operation in South Africa. They have six outlets in the Free State, the company’s heartland, and one in Gauteng.
BiBi’s competitive advantages over the bigger retail chains have been its superior local knowledge. They have flexibility as a smaller regional player. They are determined to operate close to the townships and communities where most of their customers live. Their product range is extensive, with many brands bought from smaller local suppliers. This enables them to offer better prices. They believe in conducting their business professionally, progressively, honestly and with a commitment to address the needs of their predominantly black customers.
Here is a link to their website
And here is an interesting article Entrpreneurmag wrote about Mr Makhatho
