Twenty-one-year-old Thabitha Mtsweni has turned everyday inconveniences and safety concerns into a viable income by running an errand-running service for clients across Johannesburg.
She launched the enterprise in June 2025 after recognising a growing reluctance among residents to travel into the city centre—whether because of tight schedules or rising safety concerns. Stepping into that gap, Mtsweni acts as a trusted runner, purchasing and delivering goods ranging from hair weaves and installation kits to sneakers, clothing, and household essentials.
“I started this business because I noticed that many people do not like going to Johannesburg because they feel it is not safe,” Mtsweni says. “Some also do not have time to run errands for themselves, so I took the opportunity and became their runner. Another reason is that I needed something that would generate an income for me to survive instead of staying at home and doing nothing with my life.”
Operating as a woman entrepreneur in Gauteng comes with steep safety challenges. Concerns over women’s safety in the province have intensified following a series of tragic incidents, including the discovery of 11 women’s bodies in the Ekurhuleni area between July and late September 2026.
Despite these grim realities, Mtsweni travels to Johannesburg every Friday to make purchases and fulfil deliveries. Rather than letting fear halt her operations, she has adapted her daily routine to minimise risks without compromising her service.
“To stay safe, I don’t carry money around. I ask my customers to pay the money straight into my account,” she explains. “I only deliver during the day, share my live location with my family, avoid quiet or dangerous areas, and meet customers in safe public places. I also don’t carry too much stock alone.”
These deliberate precautions govern when, where, and how she completes tasks. On days involving heavy stock, she even pays a companion to accompany her. Yet, despite these added measures, Mtsweni refuses to pass the financial burden on to her clientele.
“As a woman doing this business in Johannesburg, safety affects me a lot,” she says. “I cannot take late deliveries or go to some areas alone. I must be extra careful.” Nevertheless, she maintains steady pricing, believing personal safety is her responsibility rather than an extra expense for her customers.
