Whitey Basson on Steinhoff, Ramaphosa & life after Shoprite

Shoprite, Africa’s largest retailer employs 147,000 workers across 15 countries in Africa. In this special, CNBC Africa’s Fifi Peters sits down with the retail guru who built the grocery behemoth, Dr Whitey Basson.

[@elliotsikhafungana8055]

I still respect the man, I was a truck driver at Western Cape DC. I can recall one of the managers said to the cleaner pick that paper, that man enters the and said to the manager pick that paper yourself.

[@sbu116sbu2]

No frills, no arrogance , no insults just good old hard working South African.

[@shepherd9945]

I wish we had great leaders like Sir Whitey Basson to lead and move this country forward...

[@margaretwepener-pm3wy]

I like this whitey basson down to earth and smart

[@mthobisindokweni3616]

Imagine if he was to be the Minister of Public Enterprises.. all could be well in our country i swear. Thank you CNBC Africa

[@leroyzwane2097]

Weeeeeh black ppl will say he will capture the country.

[@chrisbadenhorst5304]

@@leroyzwane2097 he can't be. He's white.

[@nduduzontuthukovundla4901]

Yah he looks clever.

[@mthobisindokweni3616]

But i mean he did wonders with Shoprite and now it is the largest in the continent. he can make wonders with ESKOM trust me. the sad part is that there's political deployment in this country and not based on merit. thats why i am leaving the country next year cause its still going to get worse.

[@jasperbasson]

I have to agree with you :). We do have powerful entrepreneurs in South Africa

[@thaud1]

Successful entrepreneur and most importantly a good human being!

[@jasperbasson]

Yes :)

[@lebraa9233]

Mr Basson a man with Golden Heart relaxed prefare to human being God bless stay Health ❤

[@billseota8967]

😂Thank you for calling me Dr, I feel more capable today - Killed me

[@muradbham3437]

True gentleman.Soo much passion,honesty and integrity.We need more Mr Bassons in government.

[@godpenuel]

Lovely interview. Whitey is a top-shelf chap! Thank you Fifi.

[@EverythingNews-b9h]

YHA KWEDINI PEN

[@rossitherhodie5659]

Listern to this man, he knows and understands what it takes to fix our failing country. Could not agree with Whitey more when he says he has no problem with Uncle Cyril he has a problem with the structure and Beauracracy and corruption of those uneducated leaders who have no idea of managing. The counrty needs to be run like a business to strive. Small educated,skilled government supporting big business is the answer.

[@nevillegeiges6321]

4:43 this gentleman hit it on the heard.a man to be learnt from…thank you Whitey Basson

[@sindimchunu1918]

I admire this boer in business. A legend. Ive learnt a lot from him afar

[@wimpievanderwesthuizen4994]

is it not racist to call him a boer

[@sindimchunu1918]

@@wimpievanderwesthuizen4994 If youre offended I dont mind withdrawing from saying that and apologize. But thats what Afrikaners refer themselves in South Africa as a results thats what we refer them as.

[@wimpievanderwesthuizen4994]

@@sindimchunu1918 no not offended at all just asking

[@sindimchunu1918]

@@wimpievanderwesthuizen4994 if i may ask whats your concern then? or youre just throwing the racial issue everywhere?

[@galliehattingh7463]

@@wimpievanderwesthuizen4994 Is daar nie genoeg mense in hierdie land wat alewig die rassekaart wil speel nie! As jy 100% Boer is, waarom neem jy aanstoot wanneer Sindi Mchunu met respek na Whitey Basson as 'n boer verwys? Wees trots op jou herkoms en wees dankbaar dat 'n mede-Suid-Afrikaner die woord, boer, in 'n positiewe konteks gebruik!

[@brendanswart1205]

'retire if you cant deduct 8 from 5' ... the best quote from Whitey I have ever heard :) (its near the end of the interview at 22 minutes in'ish )

[@luyandamahlanza7964]

How the country does not change. Listening to this in 2022, and one could swear the interview was in 2022.

[@joyripepirhode177]

It was my first job in Lansdowne as a kid . Good memory of him and Mr.Rogut

[@UnathiGX]

He sounds like a very responsible man!

[@astin3078]

Why are people like Whitey allowed to just sit down. People like him should be recruited to mentor young people and share their knowledge

[@rkaccountants]

I think he said that is what he is doing. But you are right, there is a lot of wisdom there.

[@Ruuf33]

he tought himself, with self discipline... so should we... but the transfer of knowledge these days won't happen, cos we are impatient, and so are the guys that are working their arses off trying to sustain a family due to getting sacked cos they are either too white, or their salaries are too high... sad situation, nobody has patience... so many of us are just stuck in a rut....

[@Ruuf33]

no jokes, I reckon we could defs grow if we got to sit down and give serious attention to our predecessors... no matter the past conflicts as I wasn't even 3 Y/O in 1990... they truely KNOW how business works. they took life serious, we clearly only know complaining... \

[@mothokoakgobe6564]

No the truth is, SAFRICANS Leadership, & is a pity bcos I'm talking about my own black led Government. U c they're very good in talking, quet eloquent & smart, that's were it's end, they know we've got very good people, very honest for that matter, who can play an integral part in bringing down corruption, or completely eradicate it, but they can't deploy them, simply because they are the ones that are interested and benefiting from corruption, now is better for them to utilize their own caders with no integrity, but good at stealing & telling lot of lies, that's all.

[@Ruuf33]

@@mothokoakgobe6564 fair enough, what can we do hey?

[@jennmokgadi3438]

Wow now I see why shoprite is shoprite. This man is a legend

[@jasperbasson]

Jenn Mokgadi agreed 🔥🙏

[@rupertvanbreda5254]

Amazing and humble man !!!!

[@alternativeview99]

The most inspiring interview I have ever watched. Great servant of South Africa.

[@siphesandetysonsibutha5958]

Great interview. Lets learn from successful entreprepreneurs like Mr Basson

[@PrincePaulIowa]

Stunning show! On point, poignant, educational and a well presented interviewer! loved it!

[@rkaccountants]

Agree, well done @Fifi Peters and team!

[@mvumenimzimela3590]

"Grow the cake don't just divide and finish it the next Friday"

[@spykerman147]

@Mvumeni Mzimela Well said, with guys like you we can grow Many cakes for everyone!

[@andrewgreener]

He hit the nail on the head.

[@vald4688]

What an amazing personality, no airs and graces just a "genuine", kind person. I love the way he interacts with people and he has a sense of humor as well. No wonder he is so successful. These were words of widsom!

[@letlapafly]

This guy sounds like he knows what is talking about, straightforward simple advice and opinions. I thank him for that comment on farming, it sure is gonna save me a lot of heart ache and pain. I see a lot of young guys throwing their energy, hard earned money and the best years of their lives into this seemingly unforgiving business.

[@tembisilesithole7640]

Lesson learnt too,was strongly considering it

[@andrelegrange3139]

Yip farming is like plying to lotto you will loose your money 99.9999999% of the time

[@xolisasokayi8390]

Well done Fifi ,fully agree with Mr Basson ,some processes in the goverment should be done away with ,they just frustrate the end goal..(the likes of Mr Basson should be co-opted in the departments to advise on how to improve processes but I get a sense that its not important )

[@wda_digital]

Great Interview, great subject matter and very well done both of you.

[@andrewmohlala3262]

Nevertheless I love how he speaks in easy understable terms on the country s issues

[@petruslebese4577]

Great legendary. The government needs such leaders like him.

[@bilasob]

Nothing like wisdom from the OGs. They dont make them like this anymore.

[@altagroenewald9094]

Amen to that... Imagine they could clone him🤔

[@jessicakruger7]

If I just retired with 1.4 billion I would also be so chirpy. A few years on, can we do an interview again please? Would love to hear hisview today.

[@samzehelephant9578]

Truly Steinhoff is something else. Thanks Basson for this interview.

[@pierre-yvesguerin4827]

A man of vision and above all a good heart

[@julianaarendse2183]

Great interview!

[@alexgibson8181]

A good interview and a very wise man.

[@jasperbasson]

I agree!

[@zugzug9969]

What an incredible man.... many can learn from him...

[@piskcoki200344]

What an inspiration! We need Presidents like this!!

[@mrshleeful]

Defiantly a leader to look up to

[@stea4ever489]

I'm Glad he's helping the young people in Business, investing to young people is similar in investing to the future of this country....we need people like him.

[@aijamanpirlo2736]

I live in Khayelitsha and this man lives in Stellenbosch just few KM's away from me yet it is so difficult to meet him and I would love to meet him!!!!

[@josephsvennson5694]

Aijaman Pirlo that's why one should judge by actions. If it were me with billions I'd make sure my neighbors had a decent life.

[@dawiemeyer1630]

I would certainly want to urge you to go to his office and make an appointment to see him. I really think if you have a good reason to go see him and to learn from him, he shall make the necessary effort also to see you.

[@dawiemeyer1630]

@@josephsvennson5694 idiot, did you listened to where he said he sponsored 700 people with his own salary? or that he wants to build them houses but that the government dont want to give land? Your ignorance is similar to that of a fuck nut

[@josephsvennson5694]

@@dawiemeyer1630 a billionaire waiting for a government handout? Shame. He can just buy the land for them like he did for his children who inherited their wealth and didn't work a day in their life for it. At least his workers actually work for a living.

[@corbinspuyt4507]

@@josephsvennson5694 for the government to donate land costs nothing. But when some one is offering to build houses for free on that land, that becomes a problem, because that means that no tax payers money will be wasted on a house of R160 000 valued at R80 000.

[@martinmukonje6739]

Great interview, I have learnt a lot

[@shonaleroux9060]

Great Man, an asset to South Africa.

[@tonylochner]

Well done Sir , you an legend and thank you for your wisdom- 🙏🏼

[@koketsomokone2975]

WHITEY BASSON LMAO!! That Eskom comment killed me!

[@ramsmusi852]

Much respect for you Sir...

[@khabazela2452]

He's open and honest about his feelings. That why he was a good CEO

[@jasperbasson]

Muzi Mkhize I agree. Good interview

[@khabazela2452]

@@jasperbasson yes indeed. it was a good interview and you are also Basson, are you related?

[@jasperbasson]

Muzi Mkhize I wish 🙏🔥

[@khabazela2452]

@@jasperbasson I remember at UNISA, in one of the modules and it had something to do with greedy. I Must say they put him on the wrong side of the story. He was made to look bad and it was a open conversation where they associated he's bonus and poor south African and I thought it was unfair. If you support him you didn't have morals.😏

[@khabazela2452]

@@jasperbasson okay no worries cause I've got you and subscribed to your channel 👌

[@mbathaszg4836]

Very interesting conversation

[@djpirano787]

Enjoyed the interview.

[@jasperbasson]

Powerful interview🔥

[@Bhekani33]

Great interview

[@manapemokobodi2148]

I love this man.

[@cherylziervogel1779]

Lovely interview❤️

[@koketsomnguni3224]

I admire this man's know how!

[@antheasam6510]

Good man and so personable👏🏻

[@shawnsauls5340]

... "have your backdoor covered with other income..." wise words

[@jozilinmazandile1154]

This guy is ideed wise. Thanks to the interviewr👌

[@jean-pierreleroux7024]

What a MAN!

[@bridges5659]

What a great human being ! That's how people should be. His caring for other people and providing jobs to implement growth in economy is most exceptional . A natural leader and you don't need phds to achieve goals , all you need is a sane mind and common sense . A great man and I wish he could intervene and stop all the retrenchments going on at Telkom currently.

[@johanstander8467]

We need such an president 🇿🇦

[@jasperbasson]

Yes!

[@timpullen4941]

A E I O U

[@queyoung754]

As dit gebeur word die land af gebrand.. Thats how blind & ignorant people of SA are

[@MarcoDeLong]

The details,...where glossed over! Depth, steps

[@pietuys8110]

Well said Richard Quest.

[@MathinusG]

Read between the lines. He knew Steinhoff was rotten.

[@james130362]

Agreed. These ous know what's going on and wheel n deel to suit their pockets

[@andrewmohlala3262]

Heartbreaking to realise how much money Shoprite is making vs how much their warehouse and cashiers earn. Sad sad sad sad

[@mkhululinxumalo2713]

They are being paid according to their value. If you want to be paid more...be more. Increase your value.

[@sifisonala8776]

Wow, what a humble man. SA has good people. It is the political parties that do their best to turn us against each other. The term "divide and conquer" lives on.

[@zuzemoyo7696]

Zimbabwe highly ranked. Zimbabwe has the potential. Let's get going @President of Zimbabwe. What's stopping us? God bless Zimbabwe.

[@canndis967]

Why are you not a president Mr Basson pls pls😭😭 we need you.

[@sarahbuda3104]

Hi Mr Basson. It is so nice listening to your conversation. Since you say we shouldn't go the way of farming...unfortunately or fortunately I'm in farming industry. Can Mr Basson advice me more about supplying the distribution center of shoprite with the fresh and processed vegetables since I am approved of local gap certificate. Who to contact at shoprite? Thanks Mr Basson.

[@queyoung754]

Good day ? Come to our office in Cape Towm Where do you live

[@mavhunguvincent]

The old man, gave a neutral interview no attacks

[@errolG68]

A great man we can only be proud of ......

[@adrivanzyl4617]

counting the cents is the last thing residents of stellenbosch have to do! WTF are you being serious? there are people of all walks of life residing in Stellenbosch. do not make such a mistake. we also live hand to mouth over here.

[@stacey-leemarshall9473]

I hope the entrepreneurs of this country are watching

[@cheetahcheetah3756]

nice comments. i'm seeing light at end of tunnel. people are getting more educated. go Bokke.

[@neelsdp1]

This is a great guy! He is actually a super guy! Bless him.

[@WorlTramp]

What wise words

[@Gcinithembamhlongi_]

We need to share economy and promote equality.😇

[@petrusjonathan9669]

Whitey basson is just human being 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@pheasanthillstud]

A legend...a good man.

[@siphondarane3619]

He's the boss...big up

[@carlreiche4991]

Now it's time to review Steinhoff. 31 Marxh 2024. Thanks Whitey

[@shonaleroux9060]

This country has hope 🙏

[@kylepugin4246]

a wise man.

[@jozilinmazandile1154]

What is Bassons company i want to join him hes wise

[@bonganimdletshe8738]

Legend indeed,

[@thompsonthommo]

What a man!

[@raymondmaripane4550]

This are the people who suppose to get position in eskom n saa south africa will prosper instead people gt position bcause thy belong to setain party our ministers hv no experience in their work like the time thy mk mbalula minister of police intead of some who started from the lower renk as police n work his way up he will b havin enough experience

[@Gcinithembamhlongi_]

Why shoprite not pay it workers and we need a serious training about customer service to workers of shoprite,especially tailers, they are not disciplined and they are not respecting customers, they have anger and they rude and their behavior is so malicious.

[@moosesnWoop]

Shoprite has always been South African first, unlike other retailers.

[@tulifranz9336]

It's interesting and amazing how this man does not mention the embargo which was imposed on Zimbabwe.

[@farzana6676]

No embargo. Just economic sanctions. Every country has a right to decide who they want to do business with. Sanctions simply means they don't want to do any business with Zimbabwe. This is their right to decide that.

[@BrianGondo]

@@farzana6676 Indeed. And those sanctions don't even stop American or EU companies from operating there

[@phililemaseti578]

Farzana Patel is correct as Dr Nkosana said it before Zim is riddled with corruption,incompetence& bloated civil service. therefore zim MUST respect and adhere its constitution...and try to turn around their situation because sanctions are not the issue because zim doesn't control sanctions are just an external factor which can have it's little effect if zim helps itself

[@thandekaletlalo8192]

Whitey Basson are you related to Johan Basson for owner of Blackburn farm near Zanzibar border?

[@joumaseworld]

Dope

[@TheKefmoth]

Did Fifi just say "If President does the things"?😂😂😂 Which things? The ones that makes the pots to happen? 🤣

[@josephsvennson5694]

TheKefmoth hahahaha to be done!

[@mrkruger5108]

This guy and Rupert together in charge. Country problems solved

[@darrenmcdermott6443]

would be interested to see how much of the 1.7 billion rand he has off shore, in his interest to talk up his own book

[@galliehattingh7463]

If you knew anything about investing and creating wealth, you wouldn't make a comment like this. Even Americans and Europeans invest off-shore. If you don't, you're financially illiterate! You don't invest outside South-Africa to be unpatriotic. You do it because it is a prerequisite for intelligent diversification!

[@Ravishrex1]

The comments give me hope for SA.

[@FritzEls]

Indeed !!!

[@rexona1178]

A great African

[@bmerchanreina]

If all the biggest earners/money makers, in South Africa, have done nothing but contribute to our money turning to junk status then maybe they shouldn't be in those positions. I always thought that they were special in some way that they were chosen to be in these powerful positions, but looking at the news these days it's like they're all a very special kind of criminal, cheating their way into money. But soon comes judgement day, for everyone.

[@proudtobewhiteprivileged9530]

Good timing to get out of there load shedding will cost billions in unfrozen food soon.

[@phililemaseti578]

i was told i live in a country where we relocating to 4th industrial revolution...my question to the fellow who told me that was how is real gonna function productively with these constant outages

[@proudtobewhiteprivileged9530]

@@phililemaseti578 just watch terminator 1 2 and 3 to see the future. Sky net is in control

[@ntokozohlatshwayo1836]

If you can't deduct 8 from 5 😂😂👏 classic.

[@neokhesa8592]

Oh Stellenbosch is in Cape Town?

[@dudettethechicklet2828]

🤣 🤣 🤣 I think they meant its in the western cape lol

[@inzodarello7251]

I'm Zimbabwean, i need to have lunch with this old man.