Thembisa entrepreneur aims to boost township businesses
The lack of proper advertising and market channels that linked the merchant and consumer inspired the idea of using bikers for deliveries in the township.
Boitumelo Monageng, the director and founder of Swypa Pty Ltd, hopes to inspire business and success in Thembisa.
Swypa was launched in Thembisa in 2019 from a marketing background after seeing the need for local businesses to have a broader marketplace.
Swypa is a marketplace platform that gives township-based businesses access to a bigger market and services for formal and informal businesses.
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The business model uses motorbikes and scooters for local deliveries. Through the business model, drivers and centre agents are trained and licensed.
Swypa has trained and employed over 100 people in Thembisa and Soweto in the past five years.
Monageng said his business shows growth every year.
“We have impacted many businesses by providing a platform that increased their sales and online presence.
“Swypa is a convenient solution for residents to connect with local businesses on one marketplace platform,” he said.
Monageng reflected on the growth and changes of running a business in the township.
“Running a business like Swypa comes with its challenges because we must constantly deal with merchants for order preparation, drivers for delivery, admin for order management and the accounting fleet to ensure bikes are always on the road.
“We make it look easy every year, but see new delivery services in Thembisa, from restaurants opening their own delivery services to individuals wanting to compete.”
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The lack of proper advertising and market channels that linked the merchant and consumer inspired the idea of using bikers for deliveries in the township.
He said that with Swypa, a person selling food from Hospital View can reach a customer in Phomolong quickly and more reliably using the Swypa platform.
“The challenge with a business like ours is that many businesses are sceptical at first as this has never been done in the township before.
“This means our marketing is split into two measures – one attracts merchants to our platform, and the other is directed at getting customers to use our service.
“We are constantly challenged to advance our systems annually to keep up with technology.
“Swypa is still in its early stages, and our focus is to create a complete online marketplace with easy payment solutions for consumers and merchants. Until we get it right, that’s the only focus right now.
“No one wakes up with a complete business plan. Instead, all business takes shape from every day you get up and work on your business and that can never happen if you don’t work on your own,” said Monageng.
