Blue Crystal Strengthens Lobatse Vendor Sector with Tuckshop Donations

Blue Crystal Strengthens Lobatse Vendor Sector with Tuckshop Donations. Blue Crystal Sukiri, a leading sugar brand under Tongaat Hulett Botswana, has donated 10 fully equipped tuckshops valued at P130,000 to local vendors in Lobatse, as part of its “Growing the Sweet Future” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The tuckshops were handed over at the Kanye Hiking Stop, offering a boost to small-scale entrepreneurs in the area.

Thapelo Mfosi, Head of Marketing, Sales and Distribution at Tongaat Hulett Botswana, explained that the Growing the Sweet Future CSR programme encompasses multiple community-focused initiatives rolled out across the country. The project aims to create tangible, long-term benefits for local communities by supporting sustainable enterprise development and improving business conditions for informal traders..

Peter Freeman, General Manager of Tongaat Hulett, highlighted the practical impact of the tuckshops, noting that many vendors previously relied on temporary umbrella setups that exposed them to harsh weather and limited their trading capabilities. “Providing durable, enclosed tuckshops ensures vendors have a stable space to operate, protecting their goods and enabling more consistent income generation throughout the year,” Freeman said.

For Botswana’s small-business ecosystem, the donation represents a strategic example of private-sector support for micro-enterprises. Entrepreneurs in Lobatse now have access to safer and more reliable retail infrastructure, which can enhance sales, attract regular customers, and create opportunities for scaling their operations.

This initiative also aligns with broader trends in corporate investment in local economic development, showing how private companies can strengthen grassroots commerce while fostering community resilience. Blue Crystal’s tuckshop donation demonstrates how targeted support for vendors can contribute to economic inclusion, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve livelihoods in Botswana’s towns and cities.