Whitey: The Rise and Rule of the Shoprite King: Foreword by Johann Rupert

by Niel Joubert

Whitey Basson is hailed as a genius by his peers. He became a legend when, in the famous takeover deal in SA, he bought OK Bazaars for the nominal sum of a single Rand. In this authorised biography, financial journalist Niel Joubert pieces together the complex, fascinating story of how Basson grew Shoprite from eight small stores into the largest retailer in Africa, and the 35th largest retailer in the world.

Genres: Business, Biography

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2022

About the author

Niel Joubert works in the financial services industry. He started his career as an accountant and auditor, after completing B. Accounting at the University of Stellenbosch. He later completed B Phil Honours (Journalism) at the same university.

Niel was a financial journalist and associate editor of Sake24 on Netwerk24, the digital news platform for Media24. He also wrote for Finweek. In 2012, Niel won the Consumer Education category Citadel’s Words on Money journalism awards; in 2013 he won PriceWaterhouseCoopers’s Tax Journalist of the Year Award as the best newcomer, and in 2014 he was named Media24’s Business Journalist of the Year.

Niel also holds an MBA degree from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. Whitey: The Rise and Rule of the Shoprige King is his first book.

Reviews

[Lwazi Bangani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read that mostly reinforces the popular view of Whitey as a retail legend. It skips over any real look at his early doubts or personal struggles—understandable, maybe, given his stable upbringing. The book also sidesteps the heavier criticisms Shoprite faced around labour practices under his watch, which feels like a missed opportunity. Still, it’s an entertaining dive into a bold, quirky and driven character. As Whitey might say—why let the full truth ruin a good story?

[Johan Smit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy read.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies that I have read in a very long time. Well written and a real page turner. Whitey is a legend and an icon. For Niel Joubert’s first ever book, I say kudos on a great piece of work! Please write more.

[Jannie Pretorius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whitey se lof word té deurgaans besing, maar tog interessant - veral hoofstuk oor Steinhoff.

[Fezile Simelane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitey Basson is arguably the most successful businessman of his generation.

This book provides a deep dive into the life of Whitey as well as that of Shoprite; it's growth and how that growth was achieved.
Every step of the journey is written about, from acquisition(s) of competitors, to boardroom battles.

All-in-well, well written and most importantly well researched.

[Mike Burrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read but very unctuous

It gave a nice background to Witey Basson, etc, but was very disappointing in the detail of the African expansion, the Steinhof issues, and other difficult matters where he wasn't such a nice guy.

[Jandré Du Plessis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skitterende biografie van SA se prins van Kleinhandel. Ontsagwekkende en inspirerende verhaal van waagmoed, vaardigheid, perfeksionisme en onopgesmuktheid.
Baie geluk aan die skrywer met een van die beste sakebiografieë in SA geskiedenis.

[Owenkosi Khumalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW


Phenomenal human being sums up who Whitey is; WOW. I'm short of words but more importantly inspired to be the best version of myself. Niel did a spledid job bringing this book to life, Bravo. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful life story.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of success and the creation of opportunities for so many people.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in journalistic style. Interesting.

[Christoph Oellermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stood out for me most from reading Whitey's story is how connected he was to what was happening on ground level, business wise and people wise, at Shoprite. Easy read, inspiring life story.

[Endre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tribute to Whitey and Shoprite and a nice historic back flash to the business life of the pre and post-eppertheit South Africa. Found it educative and entertaining at the same time.

[Neems · Rating 4 out of 5]

An icon. There's much to learn from Whitey Basson.

[George Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbelievably one-sided account (a chapter of “tributes” at the end??) written like a high-school essay that lacks detail. BUT easy, and entertaining.

[Cara Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! What a legend.

[Regine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The content is fantastic.

I didn't enjoy the narration of the audiobook, it was veeery slow and dry. I think I would have enjoyed the book more in Afrikaans more and to read it myself.


Content 5/5

Audiobook 3/5