Botselo Mills: The family business feeding the nation

Family-run Botselo Mills, based in Delareyville, North West, has come a long way from delivering maize to nearby farmers in a single bakkie, to supplying over 120 tons a month - enough to feed a small city - to more than 1 176 Shoprite and Usave stores through the retailer's national distribution network.

Since partnering with the Shoprite Group, it has grown revenue by more than 8 000% in just four years, establishing itself as a national brand competing with some of South Africa's biggest maize producers.

A pivotal 2022 meeting set Botselo Mills on its meteoric growth trajectory, with Africa's largest grocery retailer recognising its potential to scale from a regional mill into a national supplier and an important contributor to South Africa's food security.

"They challenged us to supply on a national scale - and we were left with no option but to deliver."

- Fanie Schoeman, CEO of Botselo Mills

In 1982, the Hobson family began milling maize in a converted farm shed near Stella, North West. Originally trading as Batho Bothle, the business steadily expanded. In 2008, it relocated to Delareyville, rebranded as Botselo Mills, and invested in infrastructure, equipment, and packaging to establish a national footprint.

"Our turning point came when we secured our first listing with the Shoprite Group," remembers Schoeman. "The partnership has opened the doors to nationwide distribution - from Cape Town to Musina - and has grown to include the packaging of Shoprite Ritebrand and Usave Ubrand maize products."

"Botselo Mills was well positioned to grow beyond its regional base, and through our partnership we've introduced the brand to more households across the country. It means our customers have greater access to affordable, quality maize, while we are simultaneously supporting local producers and contributing to the country's economic growth."

- Louis du Plessis, Deputy General Manager for Food Buying at the Shoprite Group

The milling business remains deeply rooted in the Delareyville community. Majority of its 563 employees live in the surrounding area, and over the past 15 years, the workforce has grown by nearly 300%, shaping both the business and the town itself.

Its presence has brought tangible changes: a commercial bank opened a branch to serve the expanding workforce, while an on-site clinic provides primary healthcare in a region where services can be scarce.

Schoeman highlights Botselo Mills' commitment to the wider community, which includes support to schools, crèches, churches, and care homes. "Our work is intertwined with the town's wellbeing - what's good for the community is good for us, and vice versa," he says.

With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Botselo Mills launched a 2.5kg brick pack to replace traditional plastic bags - significantly boosting packaging efficiency - and soon followed with a brick pack design for its Super White Instant 1kg product.

"Sustainability remains central to our operations, focusing on responsible local sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and minimizing environmental impact," says Schoeman.

From modest beginnings using second-hand equipment, Botselo Mills is now a national success story built on family values and community, strengthened by Shoprite's support to expand distribution, grow operations, and bring affordable staples to families across South Africa.