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The Legacy of Sparkport Pharmacy.
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The name Sparkport has become synonymous with affordable, accessible healthcare within the Kingdom of the Zulu, Kwa – Zulu Natal (KZN).
Sparkport Pharmacy was established in December 1983 by lecturing colleagues Goolam Mahomed and Solly Suleman. The original pharmacy which occupied a mere 100 square meters was located at 281 Sparks Road, Overport. It was clear from the outset that the days of the business model used by traditional pharmacies were numbered and significant changes were necessary. The partners caused a revolution in the industry by offering a seven-day-a-week service staying open until 10.30pm.
Challenged by their own professional body (Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa), they won a legal victory allowing them to stay open until late. Their other innovation was to start discounting the price of medicines. This was unheard of in the history of retail pharmacy. As the dispensing business gained momentum through the discounting approach, so did the front-shop business where special prices were offered on monthly specials. The other strategy was to market the business through press and radio advertising and ongoing weekly and monthly pamphlets.
Whilst aggressively marketing their business and building brand equity, the partners never lost sight of their social responsibility. Donations and support for schools, various organizations, sporting codes and community projects were a norm, and this was irrespective of race, colour or creed.
For almost 7 years, the partners worked very hard to build brand equity and increase customer base through their personalized service. In 1990, they purchased land adjacent to the pharmacy with a dream to open a hyper-pharmacy. After winning a legal battle to develop the site for business use, building works commenced in 1991 and eventually in 1992, KZN’s first hyper pharmacy was opened in Overport. The Hyper Pharmacy offered discounted medication, foto first developing and printing competitive front-shop pricing, a wide range of products and a range of services including primary nursing care, optometry, cellular and beauty care. Having initially started off with a staff complement of five, the Hyper-Pharmacy employed a total of 55 staff members.
The early years were challenging and many critics predicted that the pharmacy was ahead of its time. Nevertheless, the partners persevered and remained dedicated and focused on the task at hand. With time the pharmacy’s growth gained momentum and was seen as a convenience centre offering a wide range of products and services at affordable prices.
In 1995, the partners opened another pharmacy at the corner of Broad and Smith Street in the Durban City Centre. This pharmacy was also modeled along the same lines as the hyper-pharmacy in Overport. In the same year; the partners opened a pharmacy in Jacobs as well as a franchise pharmacy in Chatsworth.
In 2000, another Sparkport Pharmacy was opened in Arcadia Shopping Centre in Durban North. 2004, saw the opening of a Sparkport Pharmacy on Musgrave Road and another that year at the crescent Shopping Complex. Sparkport Pharmacy in Hillcrest was opened later on that same year. Early 2007 saw the opening of Sparkport Raisethorpe in Pietermaritzburg and Sparkport Warner Beach towards the middle of the same year. To date Sparkport Group has ten stores, six group owned and four franchised.
The Sparkport Group has its own wholesale division (Fransell Pharmaceuticals), an Import and Export division, an Academy Division, a Marketing Division, Administration and Finance Department, Medical aid and Human Resources Division as well as Information Technology all housed at its Head-office.
Message From Directors
First and foremost we are truly grateful to Almighty for keeping our business and personal relationship solid, for protecting us and ensuring our relevance in pharmacy business.
The future of retail pharmacies within the healthcare sector has been much in the news and mostly for the wrong reasons. A series of hasty actions by Government and poorly considered responses by some interested groups combines to create a gloomy outlook for the sector.
What everyone appears to have overlooked however, is the well-documented fact that as problems arise it creates a series of previously unknown opportunities in its wake. Consensus exists within the framework of South Africa’s healthcare system that retail pharmacies will continue to play a vital role. What has changed, however, is the way in which successful pharmacies of the future will operate.
Those who choose to operate according to the traditional business model will find it increasingly difficult to earn returns that are commensurate with the level of expertise and dedication the pharmacist’s role demands.
Moreover, in keeping with the principle of free enterprise, retail pharmacies are entitled to earn a fair return on their investment and stock. In tandem with legislation for one exit price and the opening up of ownership of pharmacies to non-pharmacies, this has created an opportunity for chain stores and large groups to enter the market to the detriment of existing community pharmacists, who will not be able to match them on volume, marketing or pricing on front shop commodities.
Our Group is not prepared to sit back and wait for the Government Legislation to play itself out, we have adapted our business model to capitalize on the opportunities the legislation has presented, as we have done in the past. Any changes in price regulation introduced in the future will be seen as a bonus. The Sparkport Group has reached its next level of development of its expansion-FRANCHISING.
A Sparkport alternative to the chain store will prove attractive to pharmacies as we are sensitive to the maintenance of professional standards and dignity. The success of our current franchise stores have proven that, the brand equity of Sparkport name and its years of experience, skills, infrastructure, marketing, training and bulk buying capabilities have contributed to its growth.
In 2005 Sparkport was awarded the PMR DIAMOND ARROW AWARD in recognition of its efforts in enhancing economic growth and development in KWA-ZULU NATAL. Also, Sparkport has been awarded the No: 1 Pharmacy of The Year in the YOUR CHOICE SURVEY by the DAILY NEWS for the 5th year in succession (2004 – 2008).
WE HAVE DONE IT AGAIN FOR 5 YEARS IN SUCCESSION 
We take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts, contributions and commitment of our management at head office and at our stores as well as all personnel who have worked as a TEAM in growing the SPARKPORT brand and achieving such accolades.To all of them we say a big THANK YOU. Also, without the loyal support of our customers we would not have grown over the years in business. We have enjoyed excellent support from many of our suppliers and bankers who have partnered us and had faith in us during some difficult periods. To them we are extremely grateful.
With Almighty’s help and guidance we hope to expand our Sparkport Group by way of franchising and hopefully retain the “SPARKLE” for years to come.
Message From Councillor Fawzia Peer
On this auspicious and celebratory occasion of the 25th anniversary of Sparkport Pharmacy, I have pleasure on behalf of the eThekwini Municipality and the people of the City of Durban in extending good wishes and goodwill to the progressive pharmacists who have transformed a corner-shop pharmacy into a major pharmaceutical brand.
The eThekwini Municipality is proud to be associated with your flagship branding and homegrown business that extends far beyond dispensing medicine and healthcare products and cosmetics. Having witnessed the phenomenal growth of this group, I was particularly impressed by Sparkport’s corporate social responsibility that benefits worthy charities and causes, ranging from promoting healthy lifestyles to providing blankets in winter, toys for Christmas and CSR initiatives.
I therefore salute the founding directors of this legacy group, lecturing colleagues and entrepreneurs, Goolam Mahomed and Solly Suleman, who established their own pharmacy in Sparks Road, Overport, in 1983, hence the brand name, Sparkport, as a tribute to this bustling, cosmopolitan inner-city suburb. Sparkport entered a monopolised and highly competitive industry in the 1980s when business or franchise opportunities were out of the reach of black businesses and professionals.
However, in the 1990s, with the winds of change blowing, Sparkport took the gap and grew a brand equity with significant purchasing power.
As a result of this foresightedness, the community and consumers are benefiting from ten pharmacies, turning Sparkport the largest independent retail pharmacy in KwaZulu-Natal and making affordable medicine accessible to ordinary people across our cultural diversity and demographics.
May this milestone be a stepping stone towards growing bigger and brighter in your quest to serving communities and making a difference to the consumer society.
Message from Councillor Fawzia Peer, ANC Chief Whip at the eThekwini Municipality and Ward 24 City Councillor, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Sparkport Pharmacy.
Message From Computer Kit Services
25 Years ago Solly and Goolam took Gandhi's "Be the change you want to see in the world" literally and started on their visionary path to bring affordable accessible health care to the community.From modest beginnings in their first small pharmacy through to today with their multi store presence, they have lost their focus or passion for making a difference.
Through our business association, I have had the priviledge of being part of this vision from the early days.It has enabled me to observe astute business men position themselves strategically in an ever changing market,yet always keeping in touch with their core focus.Through the years they have remained true to themselves and their ideals.
It is not uncommon to hear stories of clients driving great distances to reach a "Sparkport", secure in the knowledge that they will be able to access the care that they seek. Solly and Goolam have ensured that the Sparkport Pharmacy group continues to serve as a beacon to the community and offer accessible and affordable health care to all.
Message From M.S.Paruk
Director:Desai Jadwat Incorporated
On behalf of the Directors and staff of Desai Jadwat Incorp I take this opportunity of congratulating Solly and Goolam on their 25th anniversary of the Sparkport Group.
We have been associated as accountants and advisors with Sparkport from the time they opened their first pharmacy in Overport (next to the super store) in the eighties.
It gives us an immense sense of pride to reflect on how these two individuals have progressed from such humble beginnings to the substantial group that they are today.
Solly and Goolam have always been pioneers in their field in that they have on most occasions done things against the conventional rules.
An example of this spirit is reflected in their decision inthe 80's to be the first pharmacy in the country to open their store for extended hours, despite the conventional rules at the time.They were threatened with legal action and even taken to court by regulators for this, But it did not deter them. In fact they were successful in the action and others followed suit. Also, at the time they opened their "super" pharmacy in Overport it was the first of its kind in KZN, and probably in the country.
Not many people are aware of the fact that Solly and Goolam were also the initiators of a wholesale pharmaceutical company that currently is one of the largest independent pharmaceutical wholesaling company in the country.
Message From Mr E . E . Africa
Long Standing Customer of Sparkport Pharmacy
I have been associated with Sparkport Pharmacy since 1984. The Pharmacy operated in a small, well-stocked outlet where Debonairs is now situated.
The owners and directors were Messrs Suleman and Mahomed. They were young and, enthusiastic and keen to provide an efficient, courteous and comprehensive healthcare-care service. They have always been humble, helpful and understanding of customer needs.
Because of these qualities, Sparkport expanded its service to the community. The people of Sydenham-Overport and its surroundings spread the word about the excellent service Sparkport provided.Sparkport also fulfilled its Social Responsibility. It supported then, as it does now, the many organizations, namely welfare homes, sport clubs, schools and many charity organizations which are found in the various communities.
Today, Sparkport is called Sparkport Group of Pharmacies. This name is the result of expansion of the original Sparkport.It is a testimony of the outstanding and shining service which it provides.
Sparkport Pharmacies are now established in many areas of the city and outside the city of Durban.
I congratulate Sparkport on reaching this milestone. I wish them every success in the future.
Message From Mr Maniraj Singh
Chairman of Asherville Policing Forum.
Congratulations to Sparkport Group of Pharmacies on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary. Sparkport have attained an excellent reputation in the corporate world. This to a large extent was due to the sound leadership of its Directors,Goolam and Solly. Their names are inextricably linked with the Sparkport brand.
Sparkport is also committed to the upliftment of the communities that it serves. My association with Sparkport stems from their community responsibility programmes especially in sports. My teams of approximately 60 experienced and reliable volunteers are fully involved with the Sparkport Comrades Watering table near Jungle Nursery. This table is run efficiently and a very high standard is maintained every year.
Over the years Sparkport has sponsored the David Landau Community Centre Fun/Walk and the road runs organized by the Sydenham Athletic Club. Sparkport is also a sponsor of the Annual Senior Citizens Braai organized between the Asherville Community Police Forum.
Recently Sparkport purchased an advertising space in the Sports Administration Manual compiled by the South African Federation Soccer Legends, Professional footballers and Administrators from 1960-1990.
Your solid foundation is here to stay.
The Acronym for Sparkport.
S – solid
P – Patient
A – Active
R – Reliable
K – Keen
P – Practical
O – Orderly
R – Relentless
T – Truthful
Message From Mr Alan Pather
Chairman of Sydenham Sports Club
As Chairman of Sydenham Sports Club. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate SOLLY AND GOOLAM of the very successful SPARKPORT GROUP on their 25th Anniversary. My heartfelt thanks to Sparkport for sponsoring our Athletic Club for the past 10 years and also for their assistance in making our race 1 of the best organised races on the K.Z.N.A. race calender. Sparkport also hosts one of the best watering stations outside the Jungle nursery on Comrades day and we assist them at this event. The whole of the Sydenham, Overport, underpriveleged and paraplegic community are very grateful to Sparkport for the donations and assistence offered to them by the Sparkport Group.
I wish them all the more success in the years to come and hope their relationship with our club never fades. Once again a very big thank you to the successful Sparkport group and also their very willing and competant staff.
Good luck.
Sponsors of Sparkport 25th Anniversary
Sponsors of Sparkport 25th Anniversary
2. SANP
3. Bayer
5. Adcock
6. Nativa
7. Novartis
10. OTC Pharma
11. Solvay
12. Pharmascript
14.Nuvida
