Latest news with #Woolworths'
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Woolworths scales up support to empower SA entrepreneurs
In celebration of Youth Month, Woolworths' Inclusive Justice Initiative has proudly announced that its successful Youth Makers competition will return for a second season. This innovative contest invites dynamic young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 to apply for a tailor-made empowerment programme that will give them an opportunity to take their enterprises to the next level. Winners will receive once-in-a-lifetime mentorship from Woolies experts, bespoke leadership and retail guidance, and a whopping R125,000 in grant funding to help each business scale and succeed in the retail world. The programme is designed to lay strong foundations for retail success and long-term business sustainability. This exciting announcement comes shortly after the launch of the Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute, a major milestone for the business and a powerful new initiative. The institute will unlock market access opportunities, enable inclusion, and address inequality through support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and impactful community programmes that address food security and contribute to quality basic education. 'Our purpose as a business has always been to add quality to life — not only for our customers but also in the communities where we operate,' said Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini. 'The launch of the Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world's most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to enabling meaningful social justice outcomes in SA.' The launch of the Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world's most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to enabling meaningful social justice outcomes in SA Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini As part of the institute's establishment, Woolworths has doubled its MSME fund to R200m. In the spirit of collaboration for inclusive growth, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of SA (Land Bank) has committed an additional R100m in funding for emerging farmers — bringing the total funding to R300m. The institute is home to two dedicated nonprofit companies, the Enterprise Inclusive Justice Institute (EIJI) and the Community Inclusive Justice Institute (CIJI). The EIJI will drive MSME development and economic inclusion and play a key role in nurturing MSMEs into sustainable businesses. The CIJI will focus on strengthening Woolworths' social impact programmes aimed at addressing food security, quality basic education, and community resilience — all crucial pillars of economic inclusion and long-term impact. Speaking at the launch event, minister of small business development Stella Ndabeni praised the initiative: 'The Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute points us in the right direction. It's a practical demonstration of how a leading retailer can empower small enterprises. A vision like this resonates with everything we stand for — and Woolworths has a partner in us.' Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths director of Corporate Social Justice, highlighted how the institute builds on the retailer's long-standing socioeconomic development work. 'Our support for MSMEs has stimulated economic growth by helping beneficiaries expand and create employment. Through partnerships with NGOs, we've helped communities grow food and achieve self-sufficiency, while our education programmes continue to uplift under-resourced schools, promote child safety, and empower young learners to reach their potential.' Mgolodela added: 'The youth hold the key to SA's future, and we're proud to be investing in their potential. Empowering young entrepreneurs not only changes individual lives — it transforms communities and strengthens the broader economy.'
The Age
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
AI helped me feed my family for just $3 a serve
I'll admit, artificial intelligence scares me a bit. And I am very aware that sentence has already been 'scraped' by ChatGPT or Claude or whatever else – so, now it knows. But I've been dabbling. I'll ask it to find me the cheapest price for something, or the best – based on real reviews, or to turn me into an AI action figure. You know, pretty standard stuff. My main searches had been for sales and family-friendly recipes. So last week I thought I'd try and combine the two: could AI make me a seven-night, sales-ingredient-only meal plan that the kids would actually eat? It took me a few goes to get the prompt right. Because if you've at all dabbled with whatever iteration, you know it's all about the prompt. But yes, it can. First, I specified that each meal must include protein and vegetables. And different types each night (how happy the kids would otherwise have been). Next, I chose one particular supermarket, and let me be clear this is not an endorsement in any way but you need to say what you want the AI to interrogate. AI brought the cost of my entire shop down to $106.85. I tried to get it to search particular web pages for specials: each of Woolworths' half-price, lower winter price, lower shelf price and online only specials pages. No dice – neither ChatGPT nor Claude could do that with accuracy, nominating typical savings only. So, I downloaded the current Woolworths sales catalogue and then uploaded it to AI. I wanted to know the precise, I guess, 'before and after' prices of all the ingredients. I played with how best to ask for that.
Sydney Morning Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
AI helped me feed my family for just $3 a serve
I'll admit, artificial intelligence scares me a bit. And I am very aware that sentence has already been 'scraped' by ChatGPT or Claude or whatever else – so, now it knows. But I've been dabbling. I'll ask it to find me the cheapest price for something, or the best – based on real reviews, or to turn me into an AI action figure. You know, pretty standard stuff. My main searches had been for sales and family-friendly recipes. So last week I thought I'd try and combine the two: could AI make me a seven-night, sales-ingredient-only meal plan that the kids would actually eat? It took me a few goes to get the prompt right. Because if you've at all dabbled with whatever iteration, you know it's all about the prompt. But yes, it can. First, I specified that each meal must include protein and vegetables. And different types each night (how happy the kids would otherwise have been). Next, I chose one particular supermarket, and let me be clear this is not an endorsement in any way but you need to say what you want the AI to interrogate. AI brought the cost of my entire shop down to $106.85. I tried to get it to search particular web pages for specials: each of Woolworths' half-price, lower winter price, lower shelf price and online only specials pages. No dice – neither ChatGPT nor Claude could do that with accuracy, nominating typical savings only. So, I downloaded the current Woolworths sales catalogue and then uploaded it to AI. I wanted to know the precise, I guess, 'before and after' prices of all the ingredients. I played with how best to ask for that.
The South African
15-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Woolworths CEO's salary highlights shocking staff pay gap
Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has come under renewed scrutiny after selling 700 000 shares in the company over three days, netting more than R38.4 million – an amount over 410 times more than what Woolworths' lowest-paid employee earns in an entire year . The lowest-paid full-time worker at Woolworths earns R93 600 per year, according to data from shareholder advocacy group Just Share . In comparison, Bagattini earned R38 million in just three days . Bagattini's share sale : 10 June : R23.17 million 11 June : R6.15 million 12 June : R9.12 million Total : R38 438 665 : Entry-level Woolworths employee annual wage: That means Bagattini earned in one hour what the average entry-level employee would need almost two years to make – assuming a 40-hour workweek. This is not the first time Bagattini's earnings have drawn attention. In the 2023 financial year, he received R122 million in total remuneration – 1 308 times more than the company's lowest-paid staff. Though that dropped to R65.3 million in 2024, criticism has remained strong, especially amid South Africa's worsening cost-of-living crisis. 'It is crucial to recognise the contribution of the extreme vertical wage gaps which characterise these companies to the country's overall high levels of inequality,' said Kwanele Ngogela, senior inequality analyst at Just Share . At the company's 2024 Annual General Meeting, more than a third of Woolworths shareholders voted against its remuneration policy – the second year in a row the retailer failed to achieve the 75% approval threshold needed to pass its pay structure unopposed. Bagattini's R38 million cash-out has further amplified calls for executive pay reform, with critics arguing that the company's pay structure is out of step with the economic reality of most South Africans. Although Woolworths says the sale was part of a portfolio rebalancing strategy, the optics of a CEO pocketing millions while lower-level employees earn less than R8 000 a month have drawn ire from labour groups, civil society organisations, and shareholders alike. At the time of publication, Woolworths had not issued a public response to the backlash over Bagattini's share sale or the widening income gap it represents. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Boycott Woolworths': TV preacher reacts to Pride campaign
A popular Christian TV preacher has condemned Woolworths' Pride initiative, which has continued to court controversy amongst shoppers. The retailer recently revealed its campaign supporting the LGBTQ community during the month of June. Featuring clothing and merchandise, the range is available in stores and online. Last week, Woolworths introduced its Pride campaign to shoppers in line with the month of Pride, which celebrates the LGBTQ community. Unlike previous years, the retailer turned off comments on their social media platforms, likely to curb criticism and homophobic comments from the public. On Facebook, Christian preacher Errol Naidoo, who presents the shows Salt & Light and Watchmen on the Wall on TBN Africa, shared his scathing views of the campaign. Naidoo – who is also the founder of South Africa's Family Policy Institute – posted: 'Woolworths appears to be the only retailer pushing LGBTQ 'Pride' indoctrination on its shoppers, including children'. He continued: ''Pride' month and the destructive anti-family ideology it promotes have largely been discredited around the world. Woolworths sees no contradiction in promoting Father's Day and the sexual rights ideology that makes marriage and the family obsolete – in their stores'. The ordained minister added: 'Boycott Woolworths in the month of June. Do not support sexual indoctrination'. Woolworths appear to be the only retailer pushing LGBTQ 'pride' indoctrination on its shoppers including children…. Posted by Errol Naidoo on Friday 6 June 2025 Naidoo's comments come as many other social media users have condemned the campaign and threatened to boycott the stores. While many corporations have skipped Pride campaigns this year out of fear of public backlash and financial repercussions, Woolworths has continued to stand firm with the LGBTQ community as proud allies. However, the company has scaled back its in-store displays and turned off its social media comments. It has also shunned speaking out on its controversial stance. Last year, the retailer stated that the campaign encouraged the public to 'own, express, and celebrate their identity.' It added: 'Our Pride campaign is part of the Woolworths Inclusive Justice Initiative – acting against discrimination and marginalisation.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
