LETTER: Is Woolworths still a South African champion?

As a long-standing Woolworths shopper, I am deeply concerned about a growing trend that threatens the diversity and vibrancy of South African retail. It seems that Woolworths is increasingly prioritising its private-label products at the expense of locally owned brands.

Many of us shop at Woolworths not just for convenience or quality, but because we want to support South African businesses. Yet, week after week, I see familiar, proudly local products disappearing — replaced by Woolworths-branded alternatives. This shift raises serious questions about Woolworths’s commitment to the very entrepreneurs and producers who have helped build the strong local economy that it claims to champion.

South African consumers deserve the right to choose, and local businesses deserve fair access to shelf space. Private labels certainly have their place — but not if it comes at the cost of crowding out home-grown brands.

I urge Woolworths to reaffirm its commitment to supporting local businesses — not just with slogans, but with meaningful action. True leadership means growing together, not squeezing out the competition. Shoppers like me are watching, and we expect better.

Lesley Hammond
Cape Town

The FM welcomes concise letters from readers. They can be sent to fmmail@fm.co.za