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In December 201 0, a host of accolades was encapsulated in the conferment by Stellenbosch University on Whitey Basson of the degree Doctor in Commerce (DComm) honoris causa. The degree recognised Basson's outstanding leadership qualities; his excellent achievements as a business leader and job creator; and his continued support of and investment in the development of human potential in the disadvantaged sectors of society.
He retired at the end of 201 6, bringing to a close a remarka ble career of nearly 45 years, virtually all of which was spent with the group.
It was a period during which hewas largely responsibleforthe business growing from a small eight-store chain with a value of Rl million to a globally admi red retailer with a ma rket ca pitalisation of R 1 '4 billion and morethan 140 000 employees today.
It is a measure of his highly positive impact on the South Africa n business scene that there is not a single reader unaware of the identity of the individua I in question - no otherthan JamesWellwood 'Whitey'Sasson, until3 1 December 201 6the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Shop rite Holdings Ltd.
Shoprite, Africa's la rgest food reta iler, boasts a turnover of morethan R1 30 billion gleaned from 1 855 corporate stores in various brands; and 359 convenience grocery and liquor fra nch ise stores in 15 countries.
Whitey Sasson was born on the family farm Dasbosch in the Porterville district on 8 Ja nuary 1946 to Jack a nd Maude Sasson. He attended school in Porterville and completed his secondary education at Rondebosch Soys High School in Cape Town, where he matriculated in 1963.
After considering a career in medicine, Sasson opted for a life in business and completed his SCom CTA at Stellenbosch University. In 1970 he qualified as a CA(SA) after serving his articles with Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants, at the time known as ER Syfret & Co.
From mid-1970 and in 1971 he practised as a chartered accountant with the then Srink, Roos & DuToit in Cape Town (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), after which hejoined Pep Stores Ltd, a client, as fina ncial manager. I n 1974 he was appointed tothe board and remained a member until 2004
Sasson's career at...