- Smartfill refill dispensers in Tembisa spazas let shoppers buy small amounts of rice, oil and washing powder for as little as R2.
- The system cuts costs by up to 50%, reduces plastic waste and helps township spaza shops grow their businesses.
A new way to shop is helping South Africans save money, and the planet, by cutting out packaging and waste.
Smartfill, a company supported by the Smollan Group and DY|DX, is rolling out smart refill dispensers in spaza shops in places like Tembisa.
The machines let shoppers buy trusted brands in small amounts, from as little as R2 or R5 worth, using their own containers.
Instead of paying extra for small packets, people can fill up on basics like rice, cooking oil, maize meal and washing powder — at up to half the price of supermarkets.
“Smartfill is not just about saving money. It’s also about dignity and convenience,” said CEO Nevo Hadas. “You buy what you need, when you need it — no waste, no stress.”
The system also helps the environment by cutting single-use plastic and keeping containers in circulation.
Michael Smollan from the Smollan Group said Smartfill supports the local economy rather than competing with township shops. “We’ve already seen more customers visiting spazas where Smartfill is installed,” he said.
So far, more than 30,000 refills have been done, and almost a third of customers return daily.
The idea is spreading fast. Pilot projects have started in Kenya and Bangladesh, with Zambia next on the list.
Another refill shop called Skubu has opened in Diepsloot, backed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, along with tech firm Sonke and the CSIR.
“This is about helping local businesses and protecting the environment at the same time,” said Dr Mmboneni Muofhe.
Pictured above: A Smartfill dispenser in a Spar.
Image source: Smartfill
