A family business rising to national prominence as it feeds South Africa

IN THE heart of Delareyville, North West, a remarkable story unfolds.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

Botselo Mills, a family-run enterprise, is playing an essential role in fortifying South Africa’s food security. Having begun its journey in 1982 by delivering maize to nearby farmers from a single bakkie, the business now stands as a formidable force in the national maize production arena, supplying more than 120 tons each month to over 1,176 Shoprite and Usave stores across the country.

The transformation of Botselo Mills has been astounding, with the company witnessing a revenue growth of more than 8,000% in just four years.

This meteoric rise can be traced back to a pivotal meeting in 2022 with the Shoprite Group, which recognised the mill's potential to expand from a regional entity into a national supplier.

"They challenged us to supply on a national scale, and we were left with no option but to deliver," explained Fanie Schoeman, CEO of Botselo Mills.

The beginnings of Botselo Mills date back to a humble milling operation in a converted farm shed near Stella.