The competition is run by the Shoprite Group of Companies for their employees all around Africa. These include staff from stores of the Checkers, Shoprite, Usave, House & Home, OK Furniture, LiquorShop, Computicket, MediRite and Hungry Lion chains.

Since this initiative was brought about in 2006, it has grown from strength to strength by empowering workers and instilling the belief that anything they strive to is possible.

The producer of this initiative, singer Mynie Grové, says that this has been one of her most fulfilling roles in her career, “Knowing how powerful the tool of music is and having had great opportunities and experiences as a singer, songwriter and producer, it simply made sense to put my experience to good use when the opportunity presented itself.”

“I have done this before in other situations and was privy to witness how people’s perception of themselves are affected when they are supported in doing something they did not think they were capable of… and I have a heart for workers believing in being more than their job. When they are shown what magic lies within they see themselves in a different light. I see it as empowering expectation,’’ adds Grové  

The TopStars Semi-Final Roadshow takes place annually and this year will happen from Tuesday, 5 to Wednesday, 27 July. Contestants from all over Africa are able to enter, provided they work for the Shoprite Group of Companies.

The judging panel put together a list of semi-finalists from over a 1000 entries and will travel through Africa in search of the Shoprite Group’s 2016 TopStar. At each event, semi-finalists are given performance coaching and motivation in order to prepare for their moment in the spotlight. This year’s special ten-year Semi-Finalist Roadshow will attract celebrity performances from South Africa’s top artists and personalities, including the dynamic Katlego Maboe, who also MCs the events.

Shoprite Group’s Human Resources director, Callie Burger, says, “It is a joy to offer the talent amongst our company’s people an opportunity to show what they are capable of. This is the tenth year of TopStars and the teamwork it generates brings a wonderful atmosphere to the workplace for those who participate, and their supporters. We look forward to the 2016 harvest and wish everyone the very best – we are proud of you.”

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