Choppies Supermarkets South Africa today announced that it has entered into binding agreements to sell 100% of its shareholding in Business Venture Investments No. 2243 as well as the assets of the meat processing factory to the Shingai Itai Consortium, led by Shingai Retail Investments.

Business Venture Investments operates a chain of 45 Jwayelani-branded discount supermarkets in South Africa, with a network of community-based grocery stores. The transaction represents the full divestment of Choppies’ interest in the company, transferring ownership and operational control to the Shingai Itai Consortium.

Also read: Walmart to open stores in South Africa

Under the terms of the agreements, Choppies will dispose its entire shareholding in Business Venture Investments to the Shingai Itai Consortium. In addition, the Shingai Itai Consortium will acquire the assets of the meat processing factory, which is vital to the integrated offering of Jwayelani. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary suspensive conditions including Competition Authority approval.

A spokesperson for Choppies said,

“This divestment allows Choppies to streamline its operations and focus on its strategic priorities, while ensuring the Jwayelani stores continue to grow under new ownership and to ensure the business is sustainable over the long term.”

Philisiwe Sibiya, CEO of Shingai Retail Investments, expressed confidence in the acquisition.

“We’re excited to build on Jwayelani’s strong community heritage as South Africa’s go-to neighbourhood discount store. Our vision goes beyond retail — we want to empower black-owned farmers, suppliers, and producers by giving them direct access to consumers,” she said.

Sibiya emphasised that the Shingai Itai Consortium has assembled an experienced management team to position Jwayelani as a leading black-owned value grocery retailer in South Africa.

The Shoprite Group, which played a facilitative role in the transaction, welcomed the outcome.

“We’re proud to have facilitated this deal and confident that Philisiwe and her team will use the Jwayelani platform to build a sustainable retail business.”

The transaction is expected to be finalised following the fulfilment of all regulatory and commercial conditions, with closing anticipated before the end of November 2025.