Young people create job opportunities by cleaning bins
They recruit the youth within the community to help clean bins or do gardening.
A group of unemployed young people created a business opportunity for themselves.
Cebo Mlokoti (23) and Boikanyo Kau (21) initiated Keep Kasi Skoon in May last year during the lockdown. They offer bin cleaning and gardening services to the community every Friday at Maphanga Section, Thokoza.
They wish to expand and employ other communities around Kathorus.
“We started the business because of the recent pandemic,” said Mlokoti.
“We researched on what may cause viruses and bacteria in households and we found that while we throw away waste but don’t clean the bins that bacteria and viruses develop over time.”
Mlokoti completed his matric in 2016. He did not have any desire to further his studies, adding that he’s always been business-minded. He aspires to own a business and create employment opportunities to make other people’s lives better.
“As a child, I grew up selling sweets, cigarettes and Cool Time ice to soccer players, spectators and fans at sporting events. After completing matric, I spent most of my time researching businesses online. I followed philosophers, inspirational business people and webinars.”
He said in 2019, he was running his business at a corner near his home.
It was just a stall without any shelter. It was challenging because when it was windy or raining, the business had to close, he added.
He used a small container for the business before he started building his tuck shop in 2020.
His tuck shop continues to operate while he focuses on the Keep Kasi Skoon project.
The project currently has a team of three people. They recruit the youth within the community to help clean bins or do gardening.
“When there is demand for our services, we offer other people an opportunity to work.
“Like in summer when there’s rain, weed grows fast and people want their gardens to always be clean. That is when we usually get more than 10 people to work with us,” he said.
The youngster said they want to reach other communities around Kathorus and ultimately grow in and outside of Gauteng.
For more information, contact Mlokoti on 079 726 2661.
