Call Someone

Call your mother, or your aunt, your uncle and your friend.

Does not matter.

Just call someone and say Hi how are you!
Call because you can.
I am going to call my mother.

Changing Boys To Men

We stopped on our way to NU 5 at the Esethu Shop. All over the township small trading stores called "Spaza shops" can be found. Of course you can also buy South Africa's most famous bread "Starbread" here which apparently changes boys into men. There is no corner in this country where Starbread can not be found.

The owner has diligently painted the companies advertising slogan on the wall with all the goods things his little shop has to offer.

On offer are among others goodies, samp, canned beans, tomato sauce, sugar, sausages, washing powder as well as airtime for you cellphone.

The Spaza shops are like your small grocery stores with friendly owners and stocked with only the most essential things but offering a convenient shopping experience at close distance to your home. In case you have forgotten something like a cigarette or sugar for your tea. Or if you just wanna go for a stroll and meet someone on the way.

Sololo Jah Mafu

We met Sololo Jah Mafu today for the first time. 

He crafts beautiful leather sandals and bags. Everything is handmade and hand-stitched.

And his smile is as infatuating as his products. 

He sells his products on the Mdantsane Hi-Way market.

We love his products because they have that real handmade unique look. 

They have soul !

Solo is one of many talented artists in Mdantsane.

With more support and more capital we could imagine him develop a line of great leather accessories for men and women. What South Africa needs is more support for the individual craftsmen and artists. 

There are many programs for crafts associations and groups but very few for individuals.

Sololo Jah Mafu is another example of someone who has developed a skill and is able to take it to another level. And we hope he will.

People are active and innovative in Mdantsane!

THE BACKYARD WELDERS

The Backyard Welders of MONGS Welding and Fencing look like a rather wild bunch from far

surrounded by a sort of Mad Max scenario

with suspicious looking equipment and many other parts one would need more time to identify

But here is a business model that seems to work for many

There is nothing wrong to set up your business at home, we were told so many times. 

In fact it is the only way for many

That is what we like here in Mdantsane !

It does save you money and time and everybody around the house gets implicated.

When the business grows and becomes successful you can renovate and make it nice and sparkling !!!

Mongs Welding And Fencing has just done that
This business is not very far from that point.

Galvanized gates and burglar bars are sold in every form and version.

Who does not need them in South Africa ?

Delivery in Mdantsane included

COMPLAINTS OR COMPLIMENTS - ACE'S GAS

African Entrepreneurship Par Excellence 

Andile Sompondo is the owner of Ace's Gas in Mdantsane

He opened his shop in 2006, aware of the fact that more and more people switch from wood to gas.

Not only is he selling gas, but he repairs stoves and sells gas-stove accessories as well, that he imports from Durban to Mdantsane.

The tall business owner thinks he is not photogenic and is rather camera shy

but when it comes to business he gets all serious and forgets about us

and we could finally portray him  

Andile's business has grown over the past five years and he employs two helpers now.

Melikhaya

and Luvo 

work there full time

The costumers seem more than happy

Because a simple but well working costumer care system is in place

Complaints or Compliments!

You can reach the owner directly on his cell !

We are just saying COMPLIMENTS !