Thebe Services started as a division with interests in fast growth-oriented companies and an ability to generate cash to fund operations and deliver up-stream cash returns. Since then Services has evolved to house Thebe’s investments in our prescribed focus sectors; Tourism & Logistics, Financial Services & Property, Media & Communications and Hospitality services. The Services Division has significant direct investments in prime assets and services in the tourism and allied industries aimed at offering world-class, innovative and authentically African experiences.
Likewise, our media and communications businesses target the Afropolitan consumer with an ever-increasing disposable income. South Africa’s financial services market is one of the best in the world and although we are already well represented in this sector, more room exists to develop the first Black-owned financial services business. Within hospitality and logistics, we are able to take advantage of the significant changes underway in food security, access and delivery in Africa. Thebe Services is a growth-focused division with many exciting businesses who are stretching their wings across Africa.
Business Services
Food And Agriculture
Change Agriculture
Food And Agriculture
Seeding change and growth
Report from the CEO of Thebe food and services
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Our Food and Services operations are guided by a holistic investment philosophy: we actively pursue opportunities that generate significant environmental and social value, enhance agricultural sustainability, and support inclusive growth through community empowerment and strategic partnerships.
Jacques de Wet
Chief Executive Officer – Thebe Food and Services
We believe in shaping a future where responsible business not only delivers economic returns but also leaves a positive imprint on our environment and communities. Our diversified portfolio, spanning the Food and Agro-processing, and Business Services sectors, reflects this strategic intent. Every asset is selected with meticulous care, ensuring alignment with our broader vision of sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
Our investment philosophy
Our investment approach for Thebe Food and Services is fundamentally hands-on, driven by a clear philosophy of active engagement and collaboration. Rather than simply acquiring stakes, we actively partner with our investee companies, sharing expertise and resources to cultivate growth and embed sustainability at the core of operations.
Our objective is clear: we invest not merely to achieve financial returns, but to actively contribute to social well-being and environmental sustainability. This means continually guiding and supporting our portfolio companies as they innovate, expand their positive impact, and implement progressive operational improvements. We remain deeply committed to transformative change through targeted investments that reflect our values.
Each of our companies embodies the principle that sustainable business practices are inherently beneficial to communities, ecosystems, and shareholders alike. As we continue our journey, we do so with confidence and purpose, cultivating not just profits, but a legacy of sustainability, responsibility, and inclusive prosperity.
Portfolio overview
Our focused and strategically diversified holdings include those mentioned below. These companies represent our ambition to be leaders in sustainable practices and meaningful community impact.
| Pillar | Company |
|---|---|
| Food and Agro-processing |
Harvest Fresh |
| weGrow Farming | |
| Pride Milling | |
| Grow Fresh Produce Agents | |
| Project CHANGE | |
| Business Services | Empact Group |
| Investment | Commentary |
|---|---|
| Empact | A major contributor. Important for services diversification; solid operational cash flow potential. |
| Food and other | A stabilising segment. Likely spans multiple sectors; adds resilience and potential for consumer-facing growth. |
Sustainability in the Food and Services Portfolio
We actively pursue opportunities that generate significant environmental and social value, enhance agricultural sustainability, and support inclusive growth through community empowerment and strategic partnerships. The following examples illustrate how companies across our Food and Services portfolio are bringing this philosophy to life. These initiatives reflect our ambition to be leaders in sustainable practices and meaningful community and environmental impact.
Harvest Fresh
has embedded sustainability into its core operations, shifting entirely to organic fertilisers and reducing pesticide use to improve soil health and biodiversity. By adopting advanced hydroponic and sandponic systems, the company achieves higher yields with less water and minimal waste. Powered entirely by solar energy, Harvest Fresh also strengthens local communities by donating surplus produce and empowering emerging farmers.
weGrow Farming
focuses on innovation and community upliftment, from building classrooms to improve local education, to adopting precision farming and Danish piggery systems that boost productivity and animal welfare. Its new on-site feed mill will lower emissions and costs, while improved road access supports wider economic benefits.
Pride Milling
promotes community empowerment and sustainability through employee-led waste reduction initiatives and the use of renewable energy in its milling operations. The company also plays a vital role in local poverty alleviation, supporting employment and economic growth in Kroonstad.
Grow Fresh Produce Agents
combines operational efficiency with environmental leadership, transitioning its forklift fleet to electric and establishing a first-of-its-kind training academy for fresh produce agents. By partnering with emerging farmers, Grow helps build economic resilience and knowledge transfer across the agricultural value chain.
Project CHANGE
delivers holistic community impact through the Hallelujah Clinic, which improves healthcare access for thousands, and through its employment initiative that has created over 1,000 jobs: transforming livelihoods and strengthening social cohesion.
Empact Group
leads in sustainable service delivery, advancing waste reduction in catering, adopting solar energy at its head office, and introducing cutting-edge, low-chemical technologies in its cleaning operations. By nurturing small-scale suppliers, Empact also amplifies its positive economic footprint.