Woolworths has announced a first-of-its-kind benefits package designed to change the lives of thousands of its employees.
In addition to the range of benefits already available to them, as of July this year, over 24 000 Woolworths employees have access to health insurance for the first time. The company is the first in the retail sector to step forward with a tailor-made, comprehensive benefits offering of this scale.
Thousands of Woolworths frontline employees in the retailer’s stores and distribution centres now have access to private, day-to-day medical care, including general practitioners, dentists, optometrists, and acute and chronic medication. In addition, the company has brought together healthcare and wellness support in a more integrated and accessible way which will be facilitated through the Momentum Health4Me Gold programme. The offering also brings together healthcare, risk cover, and wellness support into an integrated, digital platform which is designed to provide meaningful support, and peace of mind for its people.
Momentum, Woolworths’ partner in the initiative, applauded the programme. “This initiative is true game changer for the industry. This partnership exemplifies Woolworths’ commitment to making a real difference in the lives of South Africans by providing access to affordable, quality healthcare services, death, disability, and funeral benefits,” said Rigitte van Zyl the Executive for Group Insurance and Damian McHugh the Head of Marketing and Growth at Momentum.
“This has been two years in the making, shaped by care, collaboration, and deep listening,” says Melanie Naidu, Woolworths Group People Director. “It’s more than just a benefit, it’s a reflection of our promise to invest in our people’s wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.”
“Our people are the heart of everything we do, and the reason we consistently deliver the Woolies difference for our customers. This investment is a reflection of our deeply held belief that caring for our people is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of our business.”
This latest milestone builds on Woolworths’ Just Wage Initiative – a R120 million investment that increased the pay of frontline employees, and is part of the Group’s long-term commitment to social justice through its Inclusive Justice Initiative. It reflects a broader ambition to enable what Woolworths calls a Just Life, where the organisation’s employees not only have access to a just wage, but also to essential benefits, and the dignity of living and working with purpose and support. Today, the Woolworths minimum hourly rate of R45 is 20% above the retail sector legislated minimum and more than 56% higher than the national minimum wage.
Naidu noted that Woolworths’ continued investment in its people has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute, an international authority that acknowledges excellence in people practices. “As a business, we are committed to creating experiences that inspire, and that begins with how we show up for our people. This moment is not just a milestone – it’s a reflection of who we are and the future we’re building together.”
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Woolworths and Engen are marking a major milestone in their long-standing partnership with the launch of the 100th Woolworths Foodstop, now open at the Engen Sandton Convenience Centre on Katherine Street in Johannesburg.
This isn’t just another store opening – it’s a celebration of more than 25 years of collaboration between two homegrown brands that have transformed the way South Africans shop on the go.
From humble beginnings to a national footprint, Woolworths Foodstops have become a go-to for busy customers needing top-up groceries, quality meals, or a quick treat. And now, with 100 stores across the country, this partnership has truly redefined what forecourt convenience can look like. The Woolworths Foodstops are about adding quality to the lives of more people, reaching new customers and creating fresh opportunities to grow the Woolworths footprint.
Built on Trust, Driven by Quality The Woolies and Engen partnership has always been about one thing: making life easier for South Africans without compromising on quality. Whether it’s fresh produce, pantry essentials or your favourite ready-to-eat meal, Woolworths Foodstops deliver the same exceptional standards you’d find in-store, all while keeping the cold chain intact.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when two brands with a shared purpose come together,” says Evangelos Morris, Head of Foodstops at Woolworths. “100 Foodstops means 100 neighbourhoods with easier access to Woolies quality, 100 dedicated teams delivering excellent service, and 100 reminders that innovation is at the heart of what we do.”
Serving South Africans, Wherever They Are As more people look for smart, time-saving ways to shop, the demand for trusted, on-the-go convenience has never been greater. From Sandton to Cape Town, to KZN, Woolworths Foodstops are showing up where it matters, right on your route.
And there’s more to come. This 100-store celebration is just the beginning. As the partnership continues to grow, Woolies and Engen are committed to bringing even more South Africans access to the quality and convenience they’ve come to know and love.
Pop into the brand-new 100th Woolworths Foodstop at Engen Sandton Convenience Centre and see why this partnership is still leading the way in South African retail.
Ushering in the new gold standard for premium food retail, Woolworths has officially reopened its store at The Village Square in Durbanville.
Months of anticipation culminated in the reimagined Food Emporium opening its doors to reveal cutting-edge innovation, sleek modern design, and the embodiment of thoughtful, customer-led convenience.
“This new Food Emporium is a real step change for us,” says Group CEO, Roy Bagattini. “It embodies what Woolies stands for – quality without compromise, innovation with purpose, and the conviction that doing things right is always worth it.”
“Durbanville isn’t just another Woolies flagship. It’s a clear signal of our intent – we’re not standing still. We are here to affirm our leadership in food retailing – doing so with heart, being bold, raising the bar, and redefining the future of food shopping in a way that truly reflects who we are, and what we believe in.”
The store is an exciting step into a new era for food retail, and signals Woolworths’ intention to redefine grocery shopping in South Africa, and deliver a best-in-class experience for its customers.
Visitors to the new Durbanville Food Emporium can look forward to:
“Nothing in the new Woolworths Food Emporium is by chance,” says Sam Ngumeni, CEO of Woolworths Foods. “Every decision and every detail has been shaped by a single focus – to deliver a spectacular customer experience. In reimagining our store, we placed our customer at the centre of every decision. From design to product selection, the store reflects our ambition to offer an inspiring, seamless and sustainable food shopping experience, one that’s proudly local and forward-thinking.”
“The store is led by passionate Woolies staff and specialists, all of whom are committed to supporting and connecting with customers during their every visit, making each trip to The Village Square not just satisfying, but joyful. We’re constantly asking how we can better serve our customers, and our new store sets a strong benchmark for what this future looks like.”
In line with Woolworths’ Good Business Journey, the upgraded store incorporates energy-efficient technology, waste reduction systems, and recyclable packaging across departments, reinforcing the brand’s vision to become one of the world’s most responsible retailers.
Woolworths Durbanville Food Emporium is now open, and customers are invited to visit the new store and experience the future of food, deliciously reimagined.
Woolworths’ Earth Friendly range of cleaning products has long been a favourite among South African consumers. Videos praising the Earth Friendly Toilet Drops have racked up over a million views on TikTok alone!
Now, the retailer is relaunching the range, anchored in quality and innovation, featuring lower prices, eye-catching packaging, and even stronger sustainability measures.
“When it comes to cleaning and laundry products, the first priority for consumers is typically cost and efficacy, with sustainability criteria as an added bonus,” shares Rahim Hoosen, Woolworths Foods Commercial Head of Trade. “At Woolies however, we set out to ensure our customers don’t have to compromise on any of these elements. Our refreshed Earth Friendly range offers value for money, effectiveness and impressive sustainability credentials, with a minimum of 80% of ingredients used in the Earth Friendly range being naturally derived and no harmful chemicals added,” he explains.
In a challenging economic landscape, Woolworths has eased the burden on consumers by shifting all production of the liquid components of the Earth Friendly range to a local manufacturer, boosting sustainability credentials (reduced carbon footprint) and, importantly, uplifting local business while achieving lower on-shelf pricing.
Here’s what else consumers can look forward to in the refreshed Earth Friendly range:
“These strategic shifts reaffirm Woolworths’ commitment to developing innovative products that are not only great for people, but kinder for the planet too. It’s these details that make the Woolies difference,” Hoosen concludes.
Shop Woolworths’ refreshed Earth Friendly range at over 200 stores nationwide, or online at www.woolworths.co.za.
Woolies is looking for the next big name in fashion, beauty, food or homeware!
Whether you’re a jeweller, scented candle maker, fashion designer, or something in-between, and you’re building a business that makes something fresh, useful or beautiful — Woolies wants to hear from you.
Woolworths is proud to relaunch its Youth MakersTM competition — a nationwide search for passionate, young entrepreneurs that are ready to take their brand to the next level.
Now in its second season, the initiative invites entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 to ENTER ONLINE for the chance to change their lives.
The prize? Winners will receive once-in-a-lifetime mentorship from Woolies experts, and bespoke leadership guidance, and a whopping R125 000 in grant funding to help each business scale and succeed in the retail world.
Launched during Youth Month 2023, the inaugural Youth MakersTM competition saw 15 standout entrepreneurs receive tailored mentorship, product development support and exposure to real-world retail practices. The results were astounding, winners remarked on the valuable insights and support they receive from their mentors, on ongoing engagement and orders from customers, and a boost to their business profiles as a result of Woolies exposure.
This year, Woolworths is once again calling on youth-led businesses to take the next step on their journey. Whether you’re making by hand, or building a brand, the Youth MakersTM competition offers young entrepreneurs the chance to learn directly from the businesses’ ninety-plus years of retail experience. ENTER before 8 August 2025!
Follow Woolworths on social media to keep up to date with Youth MakersTM.
Instagram: @woolworths_sa
Facebook: WoolworthsSA
Twitter/X: @WOOLWORTHS_SA
Find the terms and conditions online.
Woolworths has announced the launch of its Inclusive Justice Institute designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and community impact programmes. The Institute has been set up to enable Woolworths’ social justice commitments, and was launched at an event in Cape Town on Wednesday night where accumulatively R300 million was committed to the Institute.
“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 Group CEO Roy Bagattini. “The launch of our Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world’s most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to addressing social justice in a meaningful way.”
The Institute will be home to two non-profit companies, the Enterprise Inclusive Justice Institute (EIJI) and the Community Inclusive Justice Institute (CIJI).
The CIJI, will drive Woolworths’ social impact programmes that address food security, and contribute to quality basic education, with the goal of driving community resilience and economic inclusion. The EIJI, will drive Woolworths’ MSME development programme, ensuring that small businesses continue to receive mentorship and financial support to grow and become sustainable Woolworths suppliers.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, said, “The Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute points us in the right direction. It’s a practical demonstration of how a leading retailer may empower small enterprises. A vision like this resonates with everything we stand for and [Woolworths] has a partner in us.”
Woolworths’ Corporate Social Justice Director, Zinzi Mgolodela, said that the establishment of the Institute enables Woolworths to expand and strengthen the good work already being done by the business. “Our support for MSMEs has helped stimulate economic growth by empowering beneficiaries to create jobs and expand their businesses. Through our NGO partnerships, we support rural and semi-urban communities to grow food and become self-sufficient, and our education initiatives have improved learning in under-resourced schools and promoted child safety, giving children the opportunity to thrive in safe, supportive environments.”
The new capital investment includes R200 million from Woolworths and R100 million from The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank). Commenting on the partnership, Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank, said, “Our partnership with Woolworths and the Inclusive Justice Institute represents a shared commitment to transforming South Africa’s agricultural landscape. By investing R100 million in emerging farmers, we are not only enabling access to affordable capital, but also helping build a more inclusive, sustainable food system. This initiative aligns directly with Land Bank’s mission of empowering previously disadvantaged communities, and to increase the inclusion of emerging farmers in the commercial agricultural sector, thereby enhancing the country’s long-term food security.”
The Institute will build on Woolworths’ ongoing social justice efforts. In the last financial year:
Because the new Institute allows for outside investment, Woolworths has created an engine room for sustainable impact and inclusive growth at scale. Like-minded stakeholders are invited to partner with, or invest in, the Inclusive Justice Institute – joining forces to ignite meaningful change in South Africa.
Woolworths is proud to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable and conscious living through its continued partnership with The Good Life Show —the country’s leading event dedicated to natural, plant-based, organic and healthy lifestyle choices. Held in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, the show has become South Africa’s premier platform for wellness-focused living.
Under the leadership of Marisa Munroe, Chief Product Development Officer for Foods at Woolworths, this year the brand is taking its sponsorship of The Good Life Show to the next level — evolving from retail partner to a total wellbeing destination. Attendees will get an exclusive view of Woolworths’ refreshed, year-round offering designed to support modern nutritional, lifestyle and dietary needs for every home.
The return of the Eat Well logo
“Woolworths aligns strongly to the conscious and holistic eating principles promoted by The Good Life Show, and we’re proud to announce the relaunch of our Eat Well logo, which will be featured at the event,” says Munroe. “The Eat Well logo will appear on items that adhere to strict science-based nutritional criteria that support the South African food-based dietary guidelines, with the ultimate goal of guiding customers to make better food choices.”
She shares that the refreshed Eat Well logo will span categories including freshly prepared meals and salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of protein options like skinless poultry, ostrich, seafood, snacking options like nuts, seeds, dried fruit and everyday pantry staples.
“With a dedicated Eat Well logo on all qualifying product packaging, customers can trust that better choices are now easier, more delicious and always within reach,” Munroe adds.
A holistic basket, 365 days a year
As in previous years, the 2025 edition of The Good Life Show will provide a comprehensive platform for information sharing, featuring live cooking demonstrations at the Woolworths Good Life Show Kitchen, in addition to expert guidance on new and innovative product choices designed to fit a conscious and holistic lifestyle.
“Our participation in the show aims to reinforce Woolworths’ position as a market leader in responsible food choices that are better for people, planet and animals – reminding attendees that eating well can taste as good as it feels,” says Munroe.
And while The Good Life Show takes place only once a year in Cape Town and Johannesburg, respectively, Woolworths’ food development philosophy is year-round, reflecting a deep commitment to mindful nourishment, convenience and quality.
Munroe believes that when it comes to grocery shopping, it’s not just about what’s new – it’s about creating a complete, everyday basket that helps customers live better.
“As the definition of wellness evolves, we’re consistently innovating to help South Africans make better choices for themselves, their families and the planet. At Woolworths, you’ll find more than just a quick fix to sate your hunger, you’ll find food that supports your goals, your values and your lifestyle all year round,” she concludes.
Cape Town
Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1 – Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2)
Johannesburg
Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 3 – Kyalami International Convention Centre (KICC)
This Father’s Day, Woolies is making it easier to honour the various father figures who’ve shaped the person you are today. Because it takes a village to raise and support us, we’re celebrating all the dads, granddads, uncles, mentors, and fatherly figures who’ve played a role in our journey. With a wide range of curated goodies and gifts, Woolies ensures you please even the most discerning of dads.
For the homebody
Warm dad up on this wintry Father’s Day with a gift of his favourite WCafe Italian Blend Coffee Beans, served in a limited-edition Best Dad Ever Mug. Pair this morning cuppa with a pack of All Butter Petticoat Triangle Shortbread – they have a melt-in your mouth texture and are handmade in one of the oldest bakeries in Cape Town.
Or choose from a wider selection of Woolies’ homebody-inspired gifts:
For fans of the great outdoors
Treat the outdoorsmen in your life to Woolies’ wide range of braai and camping gear – guaranteed to be loved by the master of the braai!
Take your pick from:
For the life of the party
While he’s always the greatest host, help dad kick things up a notch with gifts for the ultimate entertainer:
Woolies also has a wide range of non-alcoholic drink options for you to explore, with standout offerings including the Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Ginger & Bitters flavoured drink with no added preservatives, and Corona Cero Sunbrew Alcohol-Free Beer.
For the dapper dads
For the men to whom personal care is everything, there’s always room for one more, thoughtfully selected WBeauty grooming product.
Some options include:
Pop your Father’s Day gifts into an eye-catching special dad-themed Woolies Gift Bag or give dad the gift of choice with a Woolies Gift Card.
View the full Father’s Day collection in-store at selected Woolworths locations and online at https://www.woolworths.co.za/.
This Mother’s Day, Woolworths invites you to celebrate your mom and all the mother figures in your life. To assist you on the mission, Woolies has put together a thoughtfully curated range of gifts, gourmet treats and home essentials from which to choose.
Flowers that stay fresher for longer
Woolies’ flowers are locally grown and designed to last, with a freshness guarantee. With signature assortments for the special day like ‘Make Her Day’ and ‘Ruby Glow,’ Woolies’ flowers are handpicked for quality and lasting beauty.
Other blooms to look out for include:
Luxury in every bite
From a beautifully curated high tea selection to indulgent chocolates and confectionery, Woolies offers many delicious ways to celebrate. Think hand-decorated cakes, delicate teatime treats and buttery shortbread — all made with responsibly sourced ingredients.
Stylish and thoughtful homeware
Set the perfect table for your Mother’s Day brunch with elegant tableware, luxurious linens and scented candles and diffusers.
Choose your favourite:
Fashion she’ll love
From 100% responsibly sourced sleepwear to cozy knitted zip jumpers and hoodies, Woolies offers comfort and style for every mother figure in your life.
The offering includes:
Beauty that cares
Give the gift of self-care with Woolies’ vegan-friendly, cruelty-free WBeauty range, featuring makeup, skincare, and fragrances:
Raise a glass to mom
Make a toast to the hardest working woman you know with the help of an exclusive selection of wines and bubbles, courtesy of WCellar:
Keen to let her choose? Give the gift that’s always appreciated – a Woolies gift card. For everything else, view the Mother’s Day collection in-store at selected Woolworths locations and online at https://www.woolworths.co.za/.
Woolworths, Uber Eats and Engen Quickshop & Co. partnered in an exclusive trial to make the lives of South Africans even more convenient!
South Africans can now shop Woolworths Foodstops at Engen via the Uber Eats app far beyond traditional delivery hours, with orders available until midnight. Night owls looking for a late-night snack, or busy parents who’ve forgotten lunchbox supplies, now have an answer to their prayers thanks to Woolies After Dark.
Simply search “Woolies” on the Uber Eats app to reveal the much-loved meals, treats, pantry staples and flowers sold at Woolworths Foodstops, now available for delivery until midnight. All deliveries will maintain the Woolies cold chain and shoppers can enjoy the same Woolies Exceptional Quality through Uber Eats as they would if they shopped via Woolies Dash, with the benefit of extended hours! Woolies After Dark is the natural next step in on-demand delivery, building on the Woolies Dash promise of convenience anytime and anywhere.
Evangelos Morris, Head of Foodstops at Woolworths, remarked on the importance of maintaining Woolworths’ commitment to quality when planning this expansion. “We’re thrilled to launch a new service that allows us to reach our customers till midnight without compromising on our cold chain. A key differentiator in our on-demand delivery is our cold chain, and I’m delighted that Woolies After Dark will use the same, innovative technology found in Woolies Dash to ensure our customers enjoy only the best Woolies Exceptional Quality. Thanks to our cold chain, food delivered to our customers is as fresh as the food on our shelves, only now, they’re able to shop for more hours in a day.”
By 2025, 11.3 million South Africans are predicted to be e-commerce users, the vast majority of whom will reside in towns and cities, and are looking for convenience in their busy lives. The growing market for convenience shopping in urban areas makes this strategic trial a game changer. 24 Woolworths Foodstops* are now shoppable on Uber Eats in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the Western Cape, with 9 more stores to be added before the end of March and more on the horizon as demand for the service grows.
“Engen Quickshop & Co. has always been about convenience. Late night delivery brings us closer to our valued customers, and we look forward to making life easier for them,” said Engen Partnerships Manager, Jacques Oostendorf.
Cikida Gcali, General Manager for Grocery & Retail at Uber Eats, celebrated the launch, saying, “Certain parts of the country have had access to Woolworths’ food on Uber Eats during smaller trials, and the demand was exceptional. It’s clear that South Africans are eager to shop Woolworths quality on Uber Eats at times that are convenient to them. Uber, Woolworths and Engen, are synonymous with reliability and service, and I’m confident that all our users are going to love this new offering.”
As on-demand delivery continues its meteoric rise, speed of delivery has typically been the defining feature – this latest partnership suggests that the gift of time may be the next frontier. In fact, close to 20% of sales from participating Woolworths Foodstops are a result of Woolies After Dark; the proof may well be in the pudding customers crave at 11pm!
* Woolies After Dark is now available through Uber Eats.
ENQUIRIES:
Woolworths: pressoffice@woolworths.co.za
Uber Eats: press@uber.com
Engen: info@engen.co.za
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Woolworths South Africa is a division of Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL). Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) is listed on the JSE Limited Securities Exchange (JSE) with operations across the southern hemisphere. The Group’s vision is to be one of the world’s most responsible retailers, which reflects the organisation’s passionate commitment to doing good business for our customers, our people and our planet. See more information here.
The Group consists of two major operating divisions:
Sustainability is core to our business and is put into action through our Good Business Journey programme which enables a consistent approach to managing sustainability issues across the Group. The programme focuses on eight focus areas: people, social development, health and wellness, sustainable farming, ethical sourcing, packaging and waste, water and energy and climate change. See more information here.
Woolworths Financial Services (WFS) is a joint venture between Woolworths and Absa Group Limited, with Absa Group Limited owning 50% + 1 share.
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