Kaya Biz highlights: Shoprite breaks records, Port milestone hit, and Africa’s wealth on the rise

Sinenjabulo Sibeko

This week on Kaya Biz, company results dominated the conversation, with reports from Santam, Bidvest, Brimstone, Sanlam, and Shoprite Group. Shoprite stood out with record-breaking numbers, underpinned by the rapid rise of Checkers Sixty60, which has reshaped how South Africans shop for groceries online.

At the same time, South Africa’s ports hit a milestone, moving nearly 19 000 containers in a single day, a signal that long-standing bottlenecks in logistics may finally be easing.

The show also explored South Africa’s role on the global stage as the B20 presented its recommendations to the G20 under the country’s presidency, setting the tone for discussions on trade, investment, and sustainable growth.

Here are the highlights of the week:

1. Shoprite Group Sales Surpass R250 Billion

Guest – Pieter Engelbrecht, Chief Executive Officer of Shoprite Group

The Shoprite Group smashed past the R250 billion sales mark for the year ended 29 June 2025, adding R20.6 billion in growth despite tough conditions.

CEO Pieter Engelbrecht explained how the retailer’s relentless focus on price and scale enabled it to return R16.5 billion to customers at the till, while holding inflation in its core supermarket business at just 2.3%.

Checkers, now closing in on R100 billion in sales, delivered standout growth of 13.8%. Its digital arm, Sixty60, continued its meteoric rise with sales up nearly 48%, transforming South Africa’s online grocery market and proving that convenience and affordability are reshaping consumer behaviour.

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2. SA Now Accounts For 34% of Africa’s Dollar Millionaires

Guest – Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth

Africa’s millionaire population is on the rise. According to the Africa Wealth Report 2025, the continent will see 65% growth in its millionaire class over the next decade. South Africa remains the anchor, now home to 34% of all Africa’s dollar millionaires.

Andrew Amoils unpacked how this wealth distribution reflects both economic resilience and inequality, and why Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth outpaces advanced economies like the US and Europe.

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3. EXPLAINER: Blue Label’s Big Bet – Cell C Listing Strategy

Guest – Dokek Pater, Telecoms Analyst

Cell C’s potential JSE comeback took a major step forward. Shareholder Blue Label Telecoms announced sweeping restructuring plans, including debt-for-equity swaps, asset transfers and the creation of a new Cell C ListCo ahead of a 2026 listing.

Analyst Dokek Pater explained what this means for investors and whether Cell C can finally reinvent itself as a sustainable challenger in South Africa’s telecoms industry.

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4. Guest – Gareth Cremen, Partner in Business Restructuring & Insolvency, Cox Yeats

Business rescue in South Africa is often seen as a last resort. Gareth Cremen argued that many companies wait until collapse is imminent before seeking help, reducing the chances of recovery. Early intervention, he noted, allows for restructuring, debt relief, and stronger prospects for survival.

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Choice, Freedom and Financial Planning

Guest – Nikki Bush, Human Potential Expert & Author

Nikki Bush reminded us that financial freedom isn’t just about money, it’s about choices. Too often, South Africans prioritise others’ needs and neglect long-term planning. By starting small, even with modest monthly debit orders individuals can build assets that secure freedom and options in the future.

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