By: Ntandoyenkosi Nsusha
As the youth unemployment rate continues to depict a frightening crisis in the labour market a young entrepreneur from KwaMakhutha is looking to make a difference in an industry generally overlooked by many. Defying the odds with the establishment of his mobile sneaker cleaning business, Nelson Shange has managed to steadily grow his income and client base.
The 20-year-old founder of Sneaker Wash said the inability to find employment left him with little option but to open a sneaker cleaning business, since then he hasn’t looked back. “Times are really difficult and one has to think out-of-the-box to make an honest living these days. The youth unemployment rate is heart-breaking and it needs critical thinkers who are able to make lifestyle sacrifices. We can learn a lot from our brothers of neighbouring countries who have established shops all over South Africa by saving and investing into business,” said Shange.
According to Statistics South Africa the country’s official unemployment rate was 33,9% in the second quarter of 2022. Statistics released in August suggested that the number of unemployed persons increased by 132 000 to 8,0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter. The number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by 183 000 (4.9%) and the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 452 000 (3.3%) between the two quarters resulting in a net decrease of 635 000 in the “not economically active” population.
With statistics in mind Shange established his business in June last year by offering free services to clean eight pairs of sneakers for commuters in KwaMakhutha. He asked these potential clients to pay him only if they liked the final product. “The responses were humbling and I saw an opportunity to invest in a sneaker cleaning business to make ends meet for my family.”
The former KwaMakhutha Comprehensive High School learner said he still has a long way to go but he looks up to the likes of Lethabo Mokoena who is making a living through cleaning sneakers. “This business requires a lot of patience, hard work and dedication. I’m grateful for the overwhelming support shown by my family, members of the community and on social media. I dream of having a fully equipped and branded work place to enable my customers to see my work while in a comfortable space. A place where they can sit and have a chat while I’m cleaning their shoes. I’m also aiming to creating more branches for the business in various parts of the province,” he said.
Shane said there are a number of challenges that hold him back as a businessman. “My biggest challenges at the moment is to get the word out there and dealing with customers who don’t make payments on time. It’s a setback on my side because I have to purchase cleaning items for the sneakers in order for the business to progress. I want to make a difference in my community and be able to offer employment opportunities for the youth through my work,” said Shange.
One of Shange’s customers, Andile Mthethwa said Shange’s rates are affordable and he is a professional businessman. “I honestly can say Nelson is a sneaker technician. He is very good with meeting deadlines, as I received my sneakers on the requested date. His services are commendable for the prices he charges. He is a talented young man who has the potential to grow.”
Samukelisiwe Madlabane from Amanzimtoti said she has always been interested in having a sneaker cleaner with the ability to do a house call nearby. “I saw his work on Facebook and I gave him an opportunity to wash 16 pairs of sneakers. He started at 11am and he was done by 5pm working throughout the day. He pays careful attention to detail and doesn’t wash all the sneakers the same way because of the different fabric and colour. I was very impressed to see someone this young with such professionalism. I can definitely vouch for him and I hope his business reaches out to more clients,” said Madlabane.
Residents interested in supporting Shange’s business can call or send a WhatsApp on 072-950-8297 or visit his facebook page called Sneaker Wash.
