Entrepreneurs solve waste problem by selling delicous treats
HOUGHTON – Support the Sobae couple who has grown their business from the ground up.
Innovative couple Thula Ndema and Thato Masondo have transformed their business Sobae from the ground up.
Having started with no table or menu board and just one cooler box in 2017, Ndema and Masondo have grown their business to now sell at private events and pop-ups.
The cute couple said their entrepreneurial success was founded on the desire to solve a local problem.
“We saw street vendors having to throw away lots of ripe fruit every day and wanted to do something to change this,” said Ndema.
Neither of them have studied hospitality, but looked up how to make sorbet online and began trying it out.
“We started by selling it in Maboneng and Soweto and spoke to people there. We grew our business by speaking and putting our name out there. We have also tried new flavours to enhance our offering,” she explained.
“Many customers don’t know what is in their food, but we tell them all the ingredients and the benefits of fruit. We cater for diabetics, vegans and vegetarians, helping them find a healthy snack while assisting to solve waste problems by using ripe fruit,” said Masondo.
The couple met artist James Delaney at one of their markets and were invited to sell their product at The Wilds in Houghton.
“The Wilds is a space that brings the community together and we provide natural food to blend in with the park environment,” said Ndema.
They were also given fridges and other resources after being discovered by National Youth Development, which has given them a major boost.
“We want to teach youth that you can start something out of nothing and help solve real problems,” concluded Ndema.
Contact the dynamic Sobae duo on 071 901 5244 or 078 313 7538.
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