What’s happening at the SIYEZA Shop?

The SIYEZA Shop is definitely one of Thebe’s crown jewels. Not only are they bringing accessibility and ease to township residents, but they are also uplifting these communities. This is a prime example of what Thebe stands for and how we want to support our communities.

According to creator, Bevan Jones, less fortunate communities often end up paying more for products as they can’t afford bulk options and during high traffic times, such as December, taxi prices increase. SIYEZA gives people the opportunity to place their orders online, these include practically anything from window cleaner to cheese, and have them delivered right to their doors. Hence, by making use of the SIYEZA services, consumers can save on product costs, as SIYEZA buys in bulk, but more importantly, on transport costs and time.

In addition to assisting private households via deliveries, SIYEZA is also investing money on behalf of their Stokvel customers with Thebe Stockbroking. In doing it this way instead of keeping their money at the store itself, customers can save their money and earn interest, hence, increasing their buying power.

SIYEZA is also enthusiastic about Thebe’s new partnership with Botha Roodt, as this opens a fresh produce door to their customers. Jones is especially excited about this development as he would like to offer more healthy products to both private households and businesses.

But SIYEZA doesn’t only cater to the needs of private households; they are also getting involved in assisting small fast food businesses, such as street vendors, and catering companies. These businesses can save by placing large orders with SIYEZA and have it delivered at a premise of their choice.

Community development is another big focus area for SIYEZA. The aim is to train unemployed school leavers, with the goal of eventually letting them run their own SIYEZA Shops. Jones believes that by upskilling these youths instead of just giving them jobs, they are not only helping unemployment but also training future entrepreneurs. After passing a six-month probation, the applicants will get their own SIYEZA franchise to manage. A minimum of six individuals will then receive a vehicle and work as their own business unit, upon which they’ll receive additional business orientated training from SIYEZA’s partners.

Another aspect of their community development is a women’s group. This group is based at the SIYEZA hub and uses SIYEZA supplies in their catering business. One of the big successes of this venture is Kombucha tea, an ancient Chinese tea. This health tea can be bought at places such as the Bryanston Organic Market and costs about R50 for 100ml, whereas the SIYEZA ladies can produce it for about R5. This initiative not only empowers these women as they produce and bottle the Kombucha tea themselves, but it’s also a brilliant source of income.

“Although the Kombucha tea is a secondary thing, it just shows you the benefits that come from something like this, when you are involved in the community. You notice so many additional opportunities when you’re working on the ground,” says Jones.

For more information about this remarkable project or to use their services, visit www.siyezashop.co.za. You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/siyeza.kathorus.