The Fochville community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and visionary businessmen, George Synodinos, founder of the iconic President Hyper supermarket chain. Synodinos passed away on May 18, at the age of 94, just months before his 95th birthday in October.

Born in Greece, Synodinos came to South Africa in 1955. After a short time in Johannesburg, he moved to Carletonville and started the Drive-In Café. In 1964, sinkholes forced him to relocate, and he settled in Fochville, where he laid the foundation for what would become a business empire.

With only 360 square metres of space, he opened the first President supermarket in President Street. Through resilience and smart business decisions—including overcoming competition from OK Bazaars—Synodinos grew the supermarket into a trusted household name. In 1986, he even acquired the very premises once used by OK Bazaars in Church Street after their unsuccessful attempt to compete.

In recent years, the Synodinos family entered into a licensing agreement with Shoprite, allowing the brand to expand nationally while the family retains ownership of the supermarkets. Today, President Hyper stores can be found in Fochville, Krugersdorp, and Vereeniging, with a new branch opening in Rustenburg this week.

Known affectionately as “Uncle George” and later “Oupa George”, Synodinos was loved for his generosity, honesty, and deep community spirit. “His door was always open for people in need,” said his son Basil Synodinos, who continues to run the family business.

Although he retired in 2022 and returned to Athens, Greece, where he will be laid to rest this Saturday, a memorial service will be held in Fochville to honour his legacy.

Community tributes have poured in. “He was both a gentleman and a gentle man,” said Corne van der Merwe, a local community leader. “His legacy of love, strength, and entrepreneurship will continue to inspire generations.”

George Synodinos is survived by his wife Anna, son Basil, and their extended family.