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• Siyabonga Gocini started his sneaker cleaning business in 2020 during lockdown and now washes more than 60 pairs of shoes a month.
• The Langa entrepreneur has created four jobs and uses the business income to support his family and pay monthly rent of R3,000.
Siyabonga Gocini from Langa in Cape Town turned a simple idea into a growing business that now supports his family and creates jobs.
He started Sneakerspar in 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic when his working hours were cut.
Gocini said he suddenly had more free time and began thinking of ways to make money.
He decided to start a sneaker cleaning business and used his own shoes to show people what he could do.
He promoted his work on social media before officially opening the business.
Gocini said he did not expect the business to grow so quickly.
As demand increased, he made the decision to leave his job and focus fully on Sneakerspar.
He said he saw strong potential in the number of customers coming in.
At first, he charged R100 per pair of sneakers, but his prices have since changed.
He now charges R120 for a deep wash on ordinary sneakers and R140 for white sneakers.
A classic wash costs R80, while cleaning suede or nubuck shoes costs R160.
Customers can also pay extra for services like odour protection at R20, unyellowing at R150 and express service at R150.
Gocini said a deep clean takes three days, while a classic wash takes two days.
He said in a good month, the business handles more than 60 pairs of shoes.
The business has grown enough for him to hire four people.
Gocini said he is proud to create jobs at a time when many young people are struggling to find work.
He said many are sitting at home despite trying hard to find jobs.
With the money from the business, he pays his workers, covers rent of R3,000 and supports his family.
Gocini said he is grateful to loyal customers who have supported him from the beginning.
He said their support has helped the business grow steadily.
Sneakerspar operates from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 17:00.
The business is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Image Caption: Siyabonga Gocini’s Sneakerspar in Langa
Image source: Siyabonga Gocini
