A New Wave for Mechanics in South Africa’s Townships
In the township of Tsakane, South Africa, mechanic Themba Maseko is busy at work. With his hands covered in grease, he quickly assists various customers who pull up in distinctive cars, like a low-riding BMW 325is that roars to life. Despite the hustle and bustle of customers, Maseko remains focused on serving his community.
Maseko, a dedicated father of three, operates a small motor repair shop about 50 kilometers east of Johannesburg. His venture faces intense competition from larger urban service centers. However, a recent initiative aimed at empowering local mechanics has given him fresh hope.
Teaming up with other local mechanics, Maseko has joined a cooperative that enhances their ability to procure official car parts. This new alliance, known as the Motor Spares Collective, allows them to place orders for parts through a simple WhatsApp message, with deliveries often arriving within a day. This development has significantly reduced the time Maseko previously spent waiting in long lines for essential parts, often coming up empty-handed due to larger chains monopolizing the supplies.
“The collective has made my life much simpler,” Maseko shares, relieved that he no longer has to waste valuable time. He transitioned from being an electrician to a full-time mechanic in 2008, and finding affordable parts is crucial to keeping his small business afloat.
Empowering Small Businesses
The Motor Spares Collective represents a larger effort to enhance small businesses in South Africa’s townships, an area recognized by the government as vital for job creation and economic growth, especially in the face of high unemployment and poverty rates.
With over 21 million people living in these townships, they possess significant spending power that remains untapped. Across South Africa, there are around 700,000 registered small businesses, including shops ranging from hair salons to car repair garages, many operated from homes. The informal sector contributes an estimated $33 billion to the economy.
Sharief Bartus, another participant in the collective, notes a persistent lack of respect for trades within the township, but he believes their cooperative is a step toward changing perceptions. For a small monthly fee, members gain access not only to parts but also to skill development and business support, positioning them better for success.
A Growing Demand for Services
With a recent change in regulations in 2020 allowing car owners to have their vehicles serviced by independent mechanics without losing warranties, township mechanics like Maseko are witnessing a rise in work opportunities. The demand for vehicle maintenance is high, especially as many South Africans opt to keep their cars longer, particularly during and after the pandemic.
Time-sensitive service is a critical component for these mechanics. Many clients walk in, often expecting quick fixes, and if they don’t receive timely service, they may seek alternatives.
Amanda Gcabashe, managing director of UBU Investment Holdings, explains, "All the mechanic sells is time." Her organization played a key role in establishing the cooperative, aiming to simplify access to necessary parts.
Furthermore, the collective seeks to offer additional benefits like life insurance and other support services for its members. Bulelani Balabala, founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance, emphasizes that cooperatives can effectively harness the potential of small businesses, serving millions in the township.
“This is a market that should not be overlooked,” he declares, highlighting the importance of local initiatives in driving economic growth.
By fostering community and cooperation, mechanics like Maseko are finding new paths to stability and success amidst challenges, benefiting both themselves and the vibrant local economy they serve.
