Shoprite has expanded its “R5 basket” to include essential toiletries—such as 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner in 50 ml sachets and body wash—aimed at addressing hygiene inequality in South Africa.
The sachets can be diluted to last up to 20 washes, bringing the cost down to about 25 c per wash. Shoprite also offers R5 brown bread, R5 takeaway meals, and R5 sanitary pads, and subsidises over 1.8 million R5 products weekly at its stores.
The move is part of Shoprite’s response to what it calls “hygiene poverty,” a condition where many cannot afford basic cleanliness products.
