Kasi entrepreneurs add value to service

Aspiring entrepreneurs from Vosloorus offered sneaker-washing services to add value to their customers’ needs.

The sluggish growth of Mek-Party ZA Pty Ltd (MP) since its rebranding in 2021 did not demotivate its founders, Moeketsi Dladla (32) and Sibusiso Tshabalala (33) from Mfundo Park.

Instead, the two are investigating other means to grow their customer base by extending their service provision to include collection and deliveries in and outside Kathorus.

Before rebranding, the company focused on organising events and talent scouting since its establishment on October 3, 2017.

However, its course changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The restrictions disallowed public gatherings, which meant operations had to halt and lose their income.

Since this was an uncertain period for many entrepreneurs and self-employed business people and their employees, the duo decided to turn their business into a sneaker-washing business.

Although the business growth did not turn out as expected, it has gradually improved since 2021.

According to Tshabalala, besides including collection and deliveries, they have formally registered the business.
They added MP Clothing Merchandise and developed their product for washing sneakers.

They have employed Ntando Xakaza from their community and look forward to employing more youth.

“We realised retail stores do not provide chemical products for washing sneakers, especially for suède material.

We fused some products to get a stronger product for cleaning shoes, which you can use to wipe your sneaker on the go. Instead of drenching it in water, you can use this waterless product. You just apply and wipe.”

Dladla said their customer support increased. As a result, they had to develop a database to track everything.

He said when a customer drops off or collects sneakers; they ensure they document every detail, including the customer’s name, address, contact, the sneaker brand, colour, and size, and confirm whether the shoes have inner souls and shoestrings.

“Our clients would also have proof in a form of a photograph and a receipt, presented when they collect their cleaned pairs of kicks. As much as it may seem like a lot of work, it is convenient for the safety of the client’s sneakers,” said Dladla.

“We know some customers bring Nike sneakers but the inner souls are a different brand, and some use two or four inner souls to enhance comfort. We have to record everything because people do not treat their sneakers the same. Some treat them like babies, while others may be reckless.”

Challenges

The pair noted their main challenge is finding young people willing to work with them.

According to Dladla, the youth does not want to be seen washing sneakers for a living, even though it may be temporary.

“I think most of them are suffering from ‘abantu bazothini’ syndrome. Even with the evident statistics of high unemployment, they overthink what people will say about them.

“We operate in the township. We are aware of young stars who are doing matric from our community and we know that next year some of them would have nothing to do,” he continued.

“They will need a source of income because they are getting old and, at some point, need to put food on the table but they do not want to work.”

Tshabalala linked it to pride and peer pressure. He said the youth is more worried about what their friends will say.

“Their problem is that they do not want to activate their deeper thinking. If you do, you would not mind what people say about you as long as you are pursuing your mission and goal. It is part of owning a sneaker brand because it starts from washing and one day you will be engineering one,” he said.

Xakaza, a marketing student at Ekurhuleni West College, joined MP in October 2022 to assist with the company’s finances and marketing.

She said washing sneakers is a lucrative business because MP has many customers. Many people are too busy and cannot do it themselves.

“On hectic days, I also assist with washing. You would find that on a day they give me at least five pairs while they work on other pairs,” said Xakaza.

She expressed that as much as most young people shy away from such jobs, she took the opportunity to gain experience.

“You have to start somewhere. For now, I am a student and unemployed. Why would I not give it a try and see what comes out of it?”

Xakaza also noted she struggled to find young girls willing to work with them. She said most of them looked down on it and raised the issue of status.

“I think the youth should stop looking for high-status jobs. Just do anything that can provide an income instead of sitting at home,” she concluded.

MP is at the corner of Mc Botha Drive and Lefokotsane Street. For more information, contact Tshabalala on 063 478 6878.