Amid ongoing economic and political uncertainty, retail magnate Christo Wiese, the architect of the Shoprite empire, remains steadfastly committed to South Africa.
For Wiese, the decision to stay in South Africa is rooted in a blend of personal convictions.
These include the inherent goodness of its people, a resilient spirit, and optimism, combined with a pragmatic belief in the power and potential of the country’s private sector.
In a recent wide-ranging interview with SMWX, Wiese, who has lived through every major shift in South Africa since World War II, addressed the question that many wealthy South Africans have grappled with: why stay?
The main reason, he said, is the overwhelming presence of good people.
Reflecting on the political transition leading up to the 1990s, Wiese recalled being asked whether he planned to leave the country.
His answer then, and now, remains the same. “I’m staying for a number of reasons, but the main reason is I believe the majority of people in South Africa are good people,” he said.
He contrasted this with other countries, noting, “There are countries where you cannot say that. But the majority here are good people, and that, in the end, will matter.”
Wiese also highlighted South Africa’s resilience and a persistent element of historical good fortune.
“Countries, like human beings, are either lucky or unlucky, and in South Africa, its history shows that it’s a lucky country,” he said, pointing to moments such as the simultaneous leadership of Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk.
“Imagine how different the movie could have been if Mandela and de Klerk were not there at the same time.”
This combination of resilience and fortuitous historical moments underpins Wiese’s conviction that South Africa can continue to weather challenges.
Confidence in the private sector and an ‘incurable optimist’
While candid about governmental failings, particularly in law and order, Wiese expressed optimism about the nation’s non-governmental economy.
“We have a very vibrant, large, competent, committed private sector,” he said, emphasising that it is the private sector, rather than government, that holds the key to addressing crises in infrastructure and utilities.
“Whatever the government cannot do—and governments cannot do most things—the private sector can fix it tomorrow,” Wiese explained.
He believes that if government simply “gets out of the way,” the country could transform rapidly, becoming “unrecognisable” within a year.
Describing himself as an “incurable optimist,” Wiese stressed that negativity serves no purpose. Even after suffering major personal financial loss in the Steinhoff scandal, he chose to focus on the positives rather than dwell on setbacks.
“I live in the most beautiful city, in my mind the best country in the world,” he said.
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