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He is not only regarded as one of the greatest and most respected leaders Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – has ever seen, but for many the departure of PnP National Manager, Roelf van Tonder leaves behind the emptiness of a “father” which he has been to many during his service in the group over the past 21 years.

As he embarks on an early retirement, with 30 November 2017 scheduled as his last day of work, van Tonder will be remembered as a true leader and a significant contributor to PnP Namibia’s growth, especially that of PnP stores in the north of the country. Van Tonder: “My journey dates back to 1996 when I was appointed as Store Manager at the then Model Woolworths in Tsumeb. In 2008 I was appointed as Regional Manager North and in 2015 as National Manager for PnP Namibia.”

It is his ability, according to his peers to work with people and lead them to significant successes that has van Tonder stand out among the rest. O&L Group Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme: “Roelf is synonymous with Pick n Pay, especially our northern regions, where his many long years of service has contributed greatly not only to PnP but certainly the entire O&L Group and its people. Roelf has passionately served the Group for 21 years and truly lived our purpose by developing and growing people to become successful leaders in their respective roles.”

Van Tonder says his greatest appreciation for the O&L Group, is the culture that adds significant value to its people. Van Tonder: “People are most important for the O&L Group. I have always appreciated how so much time and resources are invested in the development of its people. And I take with me the O&L Values which has become such a big part of my life – not only in my profession, but also personally. The past two decades in the O&L Group, and PnP was a journey full of growth opportunities, not only for myself, but I was also very inspired to grow everyone around me.”

PnP Namibia Managing Director, Norbert Wurm regards the departure of van Tonder as one of the saddest good byes since he took up the MD chair. Wurm: “With words it is difficult to describe someone like Roelf, who through his many long years of service has contributed so much to PnP, the O&L Group and its people. For many of us, and I include myself, he has been a father-figure and has enabled so many of our people to grow and to become successful leaders. If he was the father, we were the family. PnP was (and is) in his blood. He lived our purpose of ‘Creating a Future and Enhancing Life’ throughout, connecting to it fully on a personal level. His main goal was always to grow and develop ‘his’ people – by that he meant all of us. Even if frustrations sometimes resulted in his emotions getting the better of him, this was always driven by the love and passion he had (and has) for PnP and our people.”

For van Tonder, his greatest highlight, was the road he walked with PnP store managers in the north of Namibia. He has been a mentor and leader, and contributed significantly to the development and upbringing of store managers. One of those are Oshana store manager, Rachel Ekongo. She has been working under Van Tonder’s mentorship and guidance since the year 2000. Ekongo: “He made me feel so important, and had the unique ability to celebrate my successes, in the midst of my failures. I will miss his entering the store, and greeting and hugging everyone. He is one of the most humble people I know. Someone who respects everyone regardless of your skin colour and ethnicity, or background. And his open door policy, and care for my and my family’s well-being has strengthened not only my journey as a leader, but also my ability to love and inspire everyone around me.”

PnP Katima Mulilo store manager, Petronella Samwele says van Tonder is a very straight forward man. Samwele: “I have always been impressed with the interest he has shown in the lives of his employees, and mentees. He knows his people, not only professionally, but also on a more personal level. He is a giver, great listener, and I stand in awe at his passion for other people, and his compassionate nature, which brings so much comfort in times of darkness. It is really hard to say good bye to him. He is a father, an outstanding leader. I wish we all had leaders like him. He is my friend – a man who brought life to the northern crew.”

Some of the highlights of his entire life, van Tonder attributes to the world the O&L Group has opened up for him. Van Tonder: “I had the opportunity to share a plate of food with our Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma and found myself in the company of King Shimmy at some point in my life. These are all moments I will take with me forever. I will always be thankful to PnP and O&L for giving me a life and I will never forget the team that made me and held me up, when I was down. O&L is embedded in my heart and therefore I will always feel part of the O&L family.”

Roelf will go into fulltime farming, enjoying this next season in his life with his wife, children and grandchildren.

The 66th 2018 annual Windhoek Karneval (WIKA) hosted another eventful celebration that united and connected Namibians to celebrate our unique cultural diversity. Affiliated with Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – WIKA presented a great opportunity for schools in the Khomas region to participate in the Karneval by entering a float and drum majorettes competition to stand a chance of winning their share of N$18,000 in gift vouchers for their school kiosk.

The PnP WIKA Float Procession School competition took place on the 7th of April 2018 where participating schools showcased their Karneval Floats and the drum majorettes displayed their rhythmic skills to impress the judges. The WIKA committee judges’ criteria was based on the schools’ creativity including the use of recycled materials, the spirit of float participants and adherence to the WIKA 2018 theme. Cheers sounded in the air as the crowd enjoyed the entertainment. The fun and exciting school competition did not only encourage learners to appreciate diversity, but it also prompted them to raise funds for the betterment of the learners. 

The first prize winner was Delta High School who won a PnP gift voucher worth N$12,000 and the second prize went to Windhoek International School who won a PnP gift voucher valued at N$6,000 for their school kiosk. 

Teachers were delighted to have been part of this great initiative as they extended their gratitude to the PnP team at the prize handover. The Brand Manager of PnP Namibia, Dandago Uiras, congratulated the schools on their creativity and their determination to be involved in activities that bring benefits to their schools. Uiras: “Healthy eating in schools is vital to the productivity of learners and as such it pleases us to contribute to the school kiosk. Next year the WIKA Karneval will be bigger and better with more exciting opportunities for schools.”

With the Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Muesee Kazapua as special guest, Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – on Monday, 21 May 2018 officially launched its ‘new look’ store at Wernhil Park in Windhoek. The store, which was PnP Namibia’s very first store opened in 1997, was renovated and refreshed as commitment from the retailer to continue enhancing the shopping experience for its customers.

Now employing 265 Namibians, the renovation of Wernhil PnP, according to Managing Director, Norbert Wurm, was inspired by PnP’s commitment to create amazing customer experience and enduring impact in the industry. He added that revamping the store to new generation standard is for the benefit of the PnP customers in Windhoek – which elevates the quality of products and services offered. Wurm: “An incredible amount of work has gone into renovating the store. Therefore it is with pride that we present the New Generation Pick n Pay Wernhil store, where we create a modern, friendly environment as we serve our customers with passion. Our customers love the new layout, the space, as well as the innovation in products and packaging and when they walk into the store they feel welcomed by the new ambient and fresh look and feel, making their shopping experience even more enjoyable.”

PnP Regional Manager, Angelo Morkel during his statement at the official launch of the ‘new’ Wernhil PnP placed emphasis on the importance of realizing that the success of a business requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders. Morkel: “The development of the store proves that we truly live the O&L Group purpose of ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’. We understand that it is a responsibility that lies with each and every one of us to create a conducive environment for all business to grow. PnP Wernhil has not only committed to advancing our product range, service quality and customer experience, but the community as well. I am proud to be part of this amazing team who work with passion and dedication to enhance customer experience. I believe great things are lined up for the store as we continue to put the customer first. So I encourage everyone to come fill up their trolleys and experience the new and exciting Pick n Pay Wernhil.” 

At the occasion, PnP Wernhil re-affirmed its commitment to its continued support of the Monte Christo Primary School soup kitchen, with food safety training; weekly food donations; cleaning detergents; aprons, and a monthly gift voucher worth N$1000. Norbert Wurm: “It is important that we recognize our role in the community and that we must make an effort to improve the well-being of those that support us.”