Outlet gives EL students more options
EAST LONDON students will be spoilt for choice with the recent opening of a shopping complex in central Southernwood, an area which is widely populated by thousands of students from the various local tertiary institutions.
The newly erected business complex, Kings Place, opened it’s doors late last year and is situated at the corner of King and St Peters Street.
The property, owned by True Pop, hosts Hibiso general supermarket, King Place Laundry, Lester Butchery, Caxton Netcafe and Vee’s Beauty Parlour, bringing essential services at low prices to the doorstep of many students.
Supermarket store manager Abraham Hibiso said they jumped at the opportunity to operate at the central, new building.
“We are a wholesaler and we also sell in small quantities and we have very flexible working hours based on the demand at the time.
“Because we are a wholesaler we are cheaper but we keep prices low because we are catering for students, many of whom we understand come from poor families.
“Students can also get entrepreneurship opportunities from us by buying some of our products and reselling, either at school or at their housing communes or tertiary residences,” she said.
King Price Laundry Thando Thomas, who opened during the same period, said although business had been quiet over the past month, they were expecting to be busy when tertiary institutions reopen.
“We offer ironing and washing and have 10 commercial washing machines ready on standby. As institutions open, many will be hoping to save time for studying and can bring their laundry to us at low prices.
“The laundry is so close students don’t even have to worry about transports costs.”
Caxton Netcafe’s Khuram Riaz said they offered internet access at up to R10 for two hours at their internet cafe, which consists of about 10 working stations.
“We have Microsoft office and we do CVs and typing of assignments, we have everything at very low prices and we also offer ablution facilities for students who will spending long hours here,” he said.
Former financial advisor and cosmetologist Veronica Chege said her beauty parlour is also open for students.
“Everybody needs to look good and they can be more productive and confident when they look good, which is what I have to offer.
“Students can get hairstyles like the twist, which usually take the whole day, in just three hours.
“We are very versatile and can do many styles on request, and we also sell hair extensions, weaves and other beauty accessories,” she said.
Lester Meat Market also joins the block, being the only butcher in Southernwood offering affordable meat for students. Manager Lee-Ann January said they had plans of partnering with IntelliMali to afford students the opportunity of purchasing meat and cooked meals with their preloaded cash cards.
“We’ve operated at Cambridge and the Oriental Plaza, now we are at a central location and we don’t have much competition here because there aren’t any other butchers in this vicinity,” she said.