Latest news with #MANZIWater
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
MANZI Water joins hands in debuting SA's first fully automated refill store
MANZI Water announced news of its participation in the groundbreaking SKUBU Project, a first-of-its-kind refill store aimed at reshaping how South Africans access essential goods while advancing the circular economy, officially launched this week in Diepsloot, Gauteng. Located at Chuma Mall, this innovative initiative represents a significant step forward in affordable, sustainable consumption and access to everyday essentials in underserved communities. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, MANZI Water is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on health, wellness, and the environment. The SKUBU Project is led by Sonke Retail in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), made possible through the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund. The initiative is also supported by TRANSFORM, a global partnership involving Unilever, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Ernst & Young (EY). Described as the first store of its kind globally, SKUBU enables consumers to purchase only what they need through smart, automated refill machines, offering essential items at fixed rand-per-litre prices while eliminating single-use plastic packaging. The model provides up to 50% savings compared to conventional retail, delivering measurable impact in both affordability and sustainability. MANZI Water said it's honoured to be featured among the trusted brands selected for this visionary platform, offering safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to the Diepsloot community at a price of just R1.00 per litre. "We are incredibly proud that MANZI Water is part of this groundbreaking development. Our inclusion in the SKUBU Project underscores our commitment to making safe, clean drinking water accessible to all, and we are excited to see the positive impact this will have in Diepsloot,' said Alfred Challis, CEO of MANZI Water Challis also expressed his appreciation to Ebenhaezer De Jongh, CEO of Sonke Retail, for the opportunity to contribute to this pioneering model for inclusive and sustainable retail. 'Eben's vision and leadership made this possible,' Challis said. 'We are grateful to play a part in something that meaningfully improves access to essentials and supports circular innovation in local communities.' Challis further thanked internal stakeholders Pasquale and Belinda Frese, owners of multiple MANZI Water outlets in Johannesburg, whose belief in the vision and willingness to join the bold initiative were instrumental in positioning MANZI Water alongside such influential partners. Their initiative not only credits them as Licensees but also significantly strengthens MANZI Water's presence in meaningful spaces that align with its core mission. MANZI Water said it looks forward to contributing to the success of this pilot initiative and anticipates that SKUBU will serve as a scalable model for sustainable development across South Africa, opening future possibilities for all Licensees across the network. MANZI Water outlets provide safe, clean, and accessible drinking water to communities across South Africa. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, MANZI Water is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on health, wellness, and the environment.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The power of a people-centric business model: A path to sustainable success
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the importance of a people-centric approach cannot be overstated. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers As societies around the world increasingly embrace egalitarian principles, the outdated notions of top-down and hierarchical control are gradually fading into the background. At MANZI Water, we aspire to embody this shift by championing a people-centric approach that empowers local entrepreneurs and fosters community growth through a decentralized business model. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the importance of a people-centric approach cannot be overstated. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing the story of MANZI Water on The Big Small Business Show, an experience that allowed me to reflect on the core principles that drive our success. Our journey is not just about providing clean drinking water; it's about empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering community growth through a decentralized business model. At MANZI Water, we have consciously chosen to operate outside the traditional franchise framework. Instead, we have developed a purpose-built model governed by a robust License Agreement and supported by a transparent governance structure known as the Central Hub. This framework is designed to empower independent Licensees across South Africa, allowing them to thrive while ensuring the integrity of our brand. The contrast between a top-down approach and our bottom-up, people-centric model is stark. In many corporate environments, decisions are made at the highest levels, often prioritizing profit margins over the needs of the community. This can lead to a disconnect between the business and its stakeholders, stifling innovation and limiting opportunities for local entrepreneurs. In contrast, our model places the power in the hands of individuals who are deeply rooted in their communities. By enabling local entrepreneurs to operate under clear guidelines, we create a network that is not only sustainable but also responsive to the unique challenges faced by each community. Key to our success is the strict adherence to water quality control protocols aligned with SANS 241, ensuring that every drop of water we provide meets the highest standards. Our License Agreement outlines ethical standards that promote respect and professionalism, fostering a culture of accountability among our Licensees. This is not merely a contractual obligation; it is a commitment to uphold the values that define the MANZI Water brand. Our approach is intentionally inclusive. The R850 per month License Fee may seem modest, but it is designed to lower barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved areas where access to clean water is critical. By shifting the cost burden to operational setup and volume-based rebates, we ensure that our model supports local reinvestment and job creation. In just over two years, we have launched more than 100 outlets, created over 300 jobs, and introduced eco-friendly automated MANZI Water Refill Stations in communities that previously struggled with inconsistent municipal supply. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ What we may lack in polished marketing, we make up for in passion, resilience, and tangible impact. Our mission is not just about building a water brand; it's about creating opportunities for everyday South Africans to own and operate meaningful businesses. This is the essence of a people-centric model: it empowers individuals, fosters community growth, and prioritizes the well-being of all stakeholders. As I reflect on our journey, I am reminded that success is not solely measured by financial metrics. It is about the lives we touch, the communities we uplift, and the sustainable practices we champion. We are not perfect, but we are accountable. We are not flashy, but we are growing, and we are here to stay. In a world where many businesses prioritize short-term gains, I invite you to consider the long-term benefits of a people-centric approach. By investing in individuals and communities, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Together, let us build a legacy that empowers, uplifts, and transforms lives—one outlet and one community at a time. Alfred Challis, CEO of MANZI Water Image: supplied. Alfred Challis, CEO of MANZI Water. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
