This facility of over 100 000 square meters was literally wiped out within hours and know how many container loads it would take to fill this place.
Over the last few days South Africa has seen widespread vandalism and looting under the pretence it was in protest for Jacob Zuma's arrest. I don't believe any of it and this was more about trying to destabilize the Government in an attempt to get Ramaphosa out. There was just too much targeting of certain places to make these just random acts. Not a policemen in sight yet there are thousands of cars parked up and everyone can just help themselves.
I know this Walmart facility well as I ran a bicycle assembly plant here for many years before relocating to Johannesburg. This building should have been a fortress as there are steep banks all around and this would have been an easy defended building, but was way too easily breached which leaves me thinking it was allowed to happen. They have security guards at these facilities but lets face it what is their role when this happens as the Police should have been ready and alert to the obvious places. This makes me wonder who was looking after who?
This warehouse will not be having stock for this Christmas and will most likely be out of action until next year. Christmas orders will be arriving within the next month and most likely those orders will have to go directly into stores that were not burned down or need rebuilding. Reports suggest Massmart/Walmart lost quite a few stores plus their other RDC slightly smaller than this facility about an hour away was also cleaned out.
source
If they were bitching about jobs before, then they are in for a rude awakening next week as things have changed.
This whole episode was not about theft but more about undermining the power of the Government by a select few who manipulated the situation to make their point. I feel sorry for the people who got caught up in this as they don't understand the repercussions of what has just happened.
Retailer share prices obviously took a hefty knock this morning.
Job losses were bad before this happened and that has just been escalated to another level. This warehouse supported roughly 1500 jobs and won't be in action anytime soon. Already we have been asked to assist for the Christmas rush which is one benefit I suppose, but would rather have not experienced this. Luckily we are in a position to help, but not every company is that lucky. Funny thing is the factories overseas are fully aware of what has happened and have already made contact for new orders. Talk about being on the ball and all about the relationships you have with everyone.
I phoned my business partner this morning as I have been seriously concerned about our factory that doesn't have security like most places. It is still standing tonight which is like having all my prayers answered at once. We don't expect to open until next week at least even though I have pending orders which doesn't seem that important right now. Just having a business that has survived lockdown and this I think we are exceptionally lucky to still be contemplating opening up and carrying on.
