Young Diepsloot entrepreneur builds thriving shoe-cleaning business
A mother’s complaint about dirty, smelly shoes sparked an idea that would change her son’s life after learning about the work readiness programme at Afrika Tikkun.
While many young people continue searching for employment, Diepsloot entrepreneur Stephen Maboka decided to create his own opportunity.
The 25-year-old transformed a simple shoe-cleaning idea into a growing business after the skills and confidence he gained through Afrika Tikkun’s Work Readiness Programme inspired him to become self-employed.
Read more: Afrika Tikkun’s Wings of Life Centre empowers Diepsloot youth from cradle to career
“I couldn’t go to university, and I was unemployed. I heard that Afrika Tikkun was offering programmes for matric learners, so I decided to join as I was tired of just being at home.”
The programme equipped him with practical workplace skills, but more importantly, it changed his mindset.
“I learned teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving. That’s when I realised that if I couldn’t find work, I could solve a problem and turn it into a business.”
Inspired by his mother’s constant complaints about dirty and smelly sports shoes, Maboka began cleaning shoes for family members before extending the service to neighbours and the wider community. In 2024, he officially launched MS Shoes.
According to him, the journey was not so easy, leading to him recruiting people creating job opportunities.
“Running the business alone was one of the biggest challenges. I realised you can’t do everything by yourself.
“In 2025, I brought partners Siyabonga Dlamini and Thelane Mashavela on board, helping the business grow and reach more customers,” he added.
Also read: Help arrives for Diepsloot fathers trying to obtain child documentation
Although demand for the service continues to increase, Maboka said the business still faces challenges.
“We need proper equipment to dry shoes faster so we can offer quicker turnaround times to our customers.”
Despite this, he remains focused on growing MS Shoes and creating opportunities for others.
His long-term goal is to employ more people from the community and contribute to reducing unemployment.
Maboka also encouraged young people not to wait for opportunities to come to them.
“Don’t sit back waiting for someone to employ you. Go out there and create opportunities for yourself. If you identify a problem and solve it, that can become your business. People will support you if you put yourself out there.”
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