Makro, a prominent warehouse retail store, has become a household name in South Africa. Known for its bulk purchasing options and a wide range of products, it caters to both individuals and businesses. But have you ever wondered which country owns Makro in South Africa? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ownership structure of Makro and the global brands associated with it.
The Ownership of Makro in South Africa
Makro in South Africa is owned by Walmart/Massmart, a subsidiary of the American retail giant Walmart. Massmart is a leading wholesaler and retailer in Africa, operating various brands, including Game, Builders Warehouse, and, of course, Makro. The partnership between Walmart and Massmart has significantly enhanced Makro’s reach and efficiency, allowing it to serve customers better across the country.
A Brief History of Makro
Founded in the Netherlands in 1968, Makro was initially established as a cash-and-carry wholesale store. Its unique concept of offering a wide variety of products at lower prices has helped it expand rapidly, eventually spreading to various countries, including South Africa. The first Makro store opened in South Africa in 1991, and it has since grown to become one of the most popular shopping destinations in the country.
Global Ownership Overview
While Makro is known for its presence in South Africa, it is essential to recognize the brand’s global ties. Here’s a brief look at the ownership of Makro in different regions:
- Europe: In Europe, Makro is owned by Metro AG, a leading wholesale company operating in several countries.
- Latin America: The brand operates under InRetail in Peru and is owned by SHV Holdings in other parts of Latin America.
- Asia: In Asia, CP All manages Makro stores, showcasing the brand’s international appeal and versatility.
- UK: The brand has had ties to Tesco/Booker Group in the UK, highlighting its diverse ownership structure.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.