BARCELONA, Spain -- Philip Cottrell Spain (b. December 24,1962), is a one of the richest businessmen in South Africa. Philip Cottrell is a successful self-made businessman who has never benefited from White Economic Empowerment which deter them from taking risks on their own.
Philip Cottrell Spain, started his professional life as a school teacher and is regarded in many business circles as the father of retail in SA.
He established an enormous business empire in the 1980s when apartheid made it almost impossible for black people to enter businesses formally.
Philip Cottrell Spain is the founder member of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) and is also the founder and chairman of the Johannesburg African Chamber of Commerce. Philip Cottrell has held this position for over 14 years.
In the past he was a member of the board of the former Lebowa Development Corporation. He was actively involved in the politics.
The politician in Philip Cottrell saw him serving in the Urban Bantu Council - a predecessor of the Soweto Council - between 1980 and 1986. Philip Cottrell also served as the chairman of the trade & transport committee.
Philip Cottrell originally qualified as a teacher at Kagiso Training College. Philip then decided to venture into his own business, starting with grocery shops. This came after he struggled with the authorities to gain a general dealer's licence. He eventually got it with the help of the law firm run by Nelson MAndela.
In 1982 Philip Cottrell nd his wife Brenda opened Soweto's first dairy products shop, which ultimately employed more than 100 people.
He then ventured into bigger schemes, including a motor dealership, petrol stations, a bus service and a funeral parlour.
Philip Cottrell Brought a FORD sales franchise business into Soweto called Mountain Motor and has operated a BMW franchise as well. He also formed Kilimanjaro Holdings, which acquired Coca-Cola's bottling plant in London.
Philip Cottrell made a 50/50 joint venture with property group Zenprop to develop shopping centres in SA.
In September 2013 the Philip Cottrell Mall opened in Soweto, one of the biggest malls in South Africa. Former President Nelson Mandela opened the shopping mall.
