A Journey of Retail Excellence at IGA South Africa Stores

As the newly appointed director of IGA Global, I recently had the honor to visit our brilliant entrepreneurs running IGA stores in South Africa. In reflecting on this journey, I am struck by the universal language of entrepreneurship and the profound impact a grocery store can have on its community. During my visit, I toured the operations of many stores, including the 2024 and 2025 IGA South Africa International Retailers of the Year, alongside the upcoming 2026 honoree. What I witnessed was a masterclass in how retail excellence can restore hope and dignity to a community.

The success of IGA in South Africa is deeply rooted in its partnership with Unitrade Management Services (UMS). Under the leadership of CEO Jad Pereira and Executive General Manager Ivo Barradas, UMS has created a framework that empowers independent retailers to compete with global giants while remaining fiercely local. I want to extend a special thanks to Barradas and Pereira for showcasing their operations and introducing me to the dynamic entrepreneurs who are the heartbeat of this movement.

The first retailer of the year store was Bibi’s Foodtown in Qwa Qwa. This operation, run by 2025 IGA South Africa International Retailers of the Year Tommy and Setjhaba Makhatho, is a testament to the "Rainbow Nation" spirit. By prioritizing quality and constant innovation, Bibi’s has become more than just a place to buy goods; it is a beacon of resilience. Like the best entrepreneurs in the U.S., the leadership here understands that providing a high-quality shopping environment in an underserved area is a fundamental act of respect toward the customer.

A performance in the Bibi's Foodtown store

I also visited SuperSave Food Town Hyper, where the scale of community investment is staggering. From school healthy living initiatives to massive "Win a Car" giveaways, owners and 2024 IGA South Africa International Retailers of the Year Abu Khatib and Suhail Bayat have made SuperSave an icon in Pietermaritzburg. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice service for price. It is truly a store that has to be experienced to be understood. By offering the lowest possible prices alongside the most efficient service, they ensure that every shopper, regardless of income level, is treated with the dignity they deserve.

The produce department at SuperSave Food Town Hyper

Perhaps most exciting was meeting the entrepreneur who will be named the 2026 IGA South Africa International Retailer of the Year at the IGA Centennial Global Rally and Awards Gala this September. While their identity will be formally revealed then, seeing their operation firsthand confirmed that the future of independent retail in South Africa is in exceptional hands.

All these stores share a common philosophy: a grocery store is a community hub, not just a place of commerce. In areas where resources can be scarce, these entrepreneurs provide stability through the best possible service and a commitment to giving back. They serve as a reminder that whether in the United States or South Africa, an independent grocer is often the cornerstone of a community’s health and pride.

It was a true honor to witness these operations. These retailers are not just selling groceries; they are building a better business for their people, proving daily that with a clear vision and a focus on the customer, anything is possible. I look forward to seeing them celebrated on the global stage in September.