Soweto-based Moovy Delivery founder Nhlanhla Nkosi spotted an opportunity after noticing that many township residents and small businesses struggled to access affordable, reliable delivery services.
Launched in February 2025, the courier business now operates seven days a week through WhatsApp, partnering with more than 40 local outlets to deliver groceries, food, medication and parcels on the same day.
Moovy Delivery has also created employment by hiring full-time and part-time drivers, proving that solving everyday community problems can create sustainable business opportunities while supporting local retailers, spaza shops and pharmacies.
Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) founder Bulelani Balabala says many entrepreneurs spend too much time waiting for the perfect opportunity instead of testing their ideas.
But Moovy Delivery has become a perfect example of what happens when an idea moves from the computer screen into practice.
“Start by developing a minimum viable product. Get one or two customers to buy your product. Once you have customers, you have proof of concept,” said Balabala.
His an organisation TEA was established in 2015 with a focus in empowering township based companies and entrepreneurs with knowledge sharing, skills development, enterprise development and access to market.
In communities still shaped by unemployment, poverty and limited access to finance, entrepreneurs who test ideas early and stay focused have the best chance of scaling.
Township businesses have become an important driver of local economic activity. From courier companies and beauty salons to food outlets, clothing brands and construction businesses, entrepreneurs are creating jobs, generating income and meeting the everyday needs of their communities.
While opportunities continue to grow, many businesses struggle to move beyond survival. Limited funding, rising operating costs and intense competition remain major obstacles.
Balabala says entrepreneurs should spend time understanding their customers before expanding.
“Everyone is not your customer,” he said. “Once you know who is buying your product, you can build your business around them.”
Quick tips
- Identify a problem people experience every day.
- Test your product with a few customers before investing heavily.
- Listen to customer feedback and improve your offering.
- Focus on serving one market well before expanding.
Build systems, not just sales
Growing a business requires more than increasing revenue.
Balabala says many township entrepreneurs become trapped because they try to do everything themselves. Instead, they should build simple systems, empower employees and understand the value chain of their industry instead of constantly chasing new business ideas.
Businesses such as Tshimologo Hygiene Solutions have grown by maintaining consistent product quality, professional customer service and strong business relationships. Building trust has helped the company attract larger clients while strengthening its reputation.
Entrepreneurs should also formalise their businesses, keep accurate financial records and separate personal and business finances to prepare for future growth.
Quick tips
- Register your business with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
- Open a dedicated business bank account.
- Keep proper financial records.
- Build a professional brand.
- Stay focused instead of starting multiple businesses at once.
Work with your community
Balabala believes collaboration is one of the biggest strengths of the township economy.
Amass Property Stokvel has shown how community savings can help members invest together and build long-term wealth. Similar partnerships can help entrepreneurs reduce costs through bulk buying, shared transport and customer referrals.
Access to finance also continues to improve. Township Spark, a funding initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme South Africa (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), together with African Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), aims to improve access to finance for township-based businesses by supporting lending models that look beyond traditional collateral.
Balabala also encourages South Africans to become intentional buyers by supporting local businesses whenever possible, saying stronger local spending creates jobs and strengthens township economies.
Quick tips
- Join local business forums and networking groups.
- Explore available funding and mentorship programmes.
- Partner with other entrepreneurs to reduce costs.
- Support local businesses to keep money circulating in the community.
Successful township businesses are built through action, consistency and understanding local markets. Entrepreneurs who solve real problems, earn customer trust and continue improving their businesses are more likely to build sustainable enterprises that create jobs and contribute to South Africa’s growing township economy.
