Southgate serves as Shell flagship

The grand reopening of the iconic Southgate Shell service station on the southern route out of the capital was a thrilling occasion for Vivo Energy Namibia to showcase its revitalisation of a beloved Windhoek commuter institution, and demonstrate growth.

On 28 November, the distributor and marketer of Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Namibia officially announced completion of the extensive knock-down and rebuild project at the site.

Numerous VIPs were brought in from beyond borders to witness the welcome-back-to-customers moment; the culmination of six years of commitment and the re-establishment of a local flagship for Vivo’s Africa-wide bullish growth strategy.

According to Frenchman and Vivo Energy CEO Stan Mittelman, who flew in from London: “It is a big event for us. This project is iconic of what we try to do at Vivo. For about two years we have been on a bullish growth strategy to serve our clients and our customers better. This is done through increasing the geographical presence, and we are in the process of finalising the acquisition of Engen in South Africa and in other countries, particularly in Namibia.

"We can also do it by expanding the businesses in the country, and just a few months ago we finalised the Gasit acquisition after taking the decision to integrate liquefied petroleum gas [LPG] activities, which we were not in at all before. Also growing organically, every year we build between 140 and 150 new service stations in Africa,” he said.



Refreshed look

The improved Southgate service station boasts a refreshed look and enhanced amenities. The larger forecourt accommodates 16 fuel pump stations and ample parking. The FreshStop convenience shop offers fresh groceries, a grill-to-go section, Crispy Chicken and a Seattle Coffee corner; while the KFC drive-through and restaurant has a spacious waiting and dining area.

"We are excited to welcome back our valued customers and showcase our revitalised service station," Stephen Retief, retailer at Southgate Shell for more than 25 years now, said.

Vivo Energy Namibia managing director Jaco van Rensburg commended the incredible efforts to complete the renovation project on time.

"Our team worked tirelessly during the closure period to create an environment that not only provides a top-notch facility for our motorists, but also ensures a pleasant and stress-free experience for our customers," he said.

“In terms of sheer size and variety in convenience retail offering, we have effectively created the flagship of all Shell service stations in Namibia."



First in Windhoek

The FreshStop Food alliance at Southgate Shell is the fourth in a Shell service station forecourt in Namibia and the first in Windhoek.

"The reopening of Southgate Shell represents a new chapter in FreshStop’s commitment to serving motorists,” Joe Boyle, managing director of FreshStop, said.

"Our partnership with Shell and Vivo Energy Namibia continues to grow, and we are eager to continue providing our customers with exceptional service, quality products and a memorable experience each time they visit us", he added.

Mittelman outlined the Vivo group’s commitment to growth in his remarks.

“We constantly look at expanding the range of products and services to better meet the needs of our customers. We are also striving to build a substantial food business, on and off our service stations, and the number of partnerships that are here at Southgate Shell are testimony to that,” he said.

“Our growth aspirations also go beyond fuel and convenience retail, and through our acquisition of the GasIt business, we intend to distribute and sell LPG to our customers. LPG is now also available here at Southgate Shell”, he added.

At the same occasion, it was announced that the next Shell Vivo plans to open is in Rocky Crest, including FreshStop and KFC outlets, by the end of February 2024.