Dlamini keeps wheels turning
Spotting gap leads to bicycle delivery business
Thabang Dlamini was unemployed but had the idea to start a business that would make life easier for his community. Established almost three years ago, Thuma Mina is based in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni. Its core service is to run errands and make small deliveries around the township by bicycle.
Dlamini said being unemployed pushed him to think out of the box and consider the idea of starting his own business. “I was inspired by the township residents who often don’t have time to run their own errands, either because of poor health or work commitments. “I thought to myself, seeing that I’m unemployed and have all the time in the world, why not start my own business which would allow me to help those who have too much on their plates,” Dlamini said. He said most of his clients were women who often don’t have the time to go to the shops because of their work schedule, chores or old age.
“Women over the age of 60 form my biggest client base. I assist them by collecting their medication or purchasing groceries. Some of these women stay alone and have no one to turn to,” Dlamini said.
He delivers anything from vegetables, to small amounts of groceries, fast food and medication – anything that can be transported on a bicycle.
“I honestly find this job fulfilling. Not only do I have my own business and create employment, but I get to help my community. “Knowing that I bring about certain change in their lives keeps me going and I’ll forever appreciate their support.”
Dlamini and his employees share three bicycles and are constantly on the go, making deliveries, doing shopping for their clients or even standing in long queues to make payments at retail stores. He charges R20 for normal deliveries and R50 for express deliveries. Dlamini urges young people who are not employed to look around and identify possible gaps, and start their own businesses.
This article first appeared in GCISVukuzenzele