Makhanda’s KasiAccom is township’s online answer to Airbnb craze

Creating what could be dubbed the township version of Airbnb, the founders of KasiAccom hope to turn their new venture into South Africa’s largest township accommodation online market.

The Makhanda-based company officially launched at the end of November and promotes township accommodation businesses on a mobile-friendly website.

KasiAccom co-founder and head of operations John Rammutla said the idea was born after he had moved to the Eastern Cape city and struggled to find a suitable place to stay in the township.

“I wanted to stay in the township. But I wanted something that was cool, affordable and in a safe space – but I couldn’t find it. So I ended up in the main town, paying a high rate,” Rammutla said.

“Other than going door to door to physically ask if there is a place to stay, it’s a struggle; you can’t find anything on the internet,” he added.

Rammutla and his business partner Challens Makondo said their aim was to expose township accommodation businesses “to the market beyond their locality”.

“During our research we observed that more and more township homeowners were building and renting backrooms or rooms in their main houses to students, professionals and tourists.

“We walked around and saw some of the best and most beautiful B&Bs and guesthouses in the township areas of SA that could comfortably compete with the ones in suburbs and city centres,” Rammutla said.

“But we also saw how difficult and frustrating it is to search and find affordable and safe accommodation in any of the country’s townships. When we spoke to people in Joza township here [Makhanda], I saw the glow in their eyes because they could see how this could help them. And that inspired us,” he added.

Kholiewe Gaba, who rents out a section of her home in Joza township, said KasiAccom had already helped her secure three bookings.

“In the past it was always a struggle and we would only have lots of bookings when it is the National Arts Festival. I saw my home and a few other B&Bs on posters on the N2.

“It is a big help for all of us here in the township,” Gaba said.

Rammutla said because of the safety concerns when looking for accommodation in the township, the KasiAccom team physically go to verify every business that wants to list with the platform.

“Our target market is twofold. Firstly, we are trying to get landlords and property owners to lease their properties and a lot of our marketing aims to reach them so they list with us. Then our aim is to attract people who are in the market for accommodation.

“For students verifying the listings is very important – to know that we have been there, and they can look at the pictures, they know what to expect and compare.

“By the time they get there to lease, they would already have all the information they need,” he said.

Rammutla said the team hoped to start partnering with colleges and universities across the country to assist students looking for accommodation with ease.

Other than going door to door to physically ask if there is a place to stay, it’s a struggle John Rammutla