By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Gontse Nxumalo started sneaker cleaning business OSCT in Soweto after leaving Edcon. It now has two branches and six staff.
- OSCT plans to open a third branch on Vilakazi Street next month and faces competition from businesses that cut prices.
Gontse Nxumalo, 34, left his job at Edcon and started a sneaker cleaning business in Soweto. He called the business OSCT.
The business now operates two branches and employs six people. Nxumalo plans to open a third branch on Vilakazi Street next month.
“The idea was inspired by my desire to create an income stream for myself. I started OSCT just after I quit my job at Edcon, so it came out of survival,” he said.
Nxumalo said that despite the business growing, the economic situation in South Africa has affected how customers spend their money.
“The current economic situation is tough, especially in the townships. After Covid, people no longer have spare money, so whatever they spend on must add value to their lives,” he said.
He said the growing sneaker market has created more demand for sneaker cleaning services. But it has also brought more competition.
“There are many new sneaker cleaning businesses entering the market and reducing their prices, but we prioritise quality service,” he said.
Nxumalo said running the business comes with challenges, especially managing staff and operating in areas affected by crime.
He said most of the money OSCT makes goes back into growing the company.
“About 75% goes back into the business while 25% goes to personal needs,” he said.
Nxumalo encouraged young people in townships to start businesses. He said they should look for ways to solve problems in their communities.
Pictured above: Gontse Nxumalo, founder of OSCT sneaker cleaning business in Soweto.
Image source: Supplied
