Cape Town - The founder of popular ice cream store Soweto Creamery, Thando Makhubu said he used his R350 Social Relief of Distress grant to start the small business.
The store is based in Jabulani, Soweto, and Makhubu employs four people. The store attracts ice cream lovers from across the city.
Makhubu said he started the creamery during the lockdown, using the grant.
“I got inspiration from Pinterest. I didn’t see anything like this so I thought why don’t I just try it out,” said Makhubu.
The Soweto Creamery has vegetarian and vegan options.
For payment, the store accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard and most credit cards.
In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged Makhubu’s success as well as others who used the grants in a similar way.
“Mr Thando Makhubu from Soweto received the R350 grant for seven months last year, and saved it to open an ice cream store that now employs four people.
“Mr Lindokuhle Msomi, an unemployed TV producer from KwaMashu Hostel, saved the R350 grant he received for nine months to start a fast food stall and to support his family.
“As much as it has had a substantial impact, we must recognise that we face extreme fiscal constraints. A fiscal crisis would hurt the poor worst of all through the deterioration of the basic services on which they rely.“
IOL