R102m ‘appreciation bonus’ for Shoprite staff
As South Africans prepare for the looming national lockdown, a number of essential services will have to remain open.
During the 21-day lockdown all shops will be closed except for pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations and healthcare providers.
In his address to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on big businesses to spare a little for their employees.
Shoprite has given their shop floor and distribution centre employees a R102 million appreciation bonus.
In a statement, the Shoprite Group says: "Our employees are crucial players in the task ahead and the Group wants to thank and reward them for their tireless efforts to stock our shelves with food and other essentials for our 29 million shoppers.
"Supermarket employees are at the forefront of serving and safeguarding customers by implementing the Group’s strict hygiene measures while distribution centre employees are key players in the retail supply chain to restock stores as quickly as possible."
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Employees can expect to get their appreciation bonuses next Thursday.
The statement adds: "This is one of the many measures we have initiated to support our most vital teams including the supply of free hand sanitizer and expanded leave guidelines to cater for those impacted."
In the same breath, Shoprite Group urged shop responsibly during these unceratin times.