WATCH: 'Madiba magic' hands put food on Stanley's table

WHENEVER there's a marathon in Mzansi, you'll find Stanley there.

He earns a living by cleaning athletes' takkies.

Stanley Madiba from Mabopane, Tshwane, has been travelling to marathon events to clean runners' takkies for the past two years.

He offers his services from R50 per pair for both kids and adults.

"Ever since I started cleaning sneakers, I've felt happy because it allows me to buy food," he said.

Stanley works with his 19-year-old son, Kutlwano Madiba, and hopes to hire more people as the business grows.

In 2014, he sold takkies at traffic lights in the Pretoria CBD.

"Someone tipped me that cleaning sneakers during marathons could be a good business.

"I clean sneakers at various races, including the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon. Athletes call me MoAfrika. I'm able to feed my kids because of this job. Poverty is far away from me," he said.

ALSO READ | Mzansi's 'safest' province revealed!Opens in new window

Stanley said that he's able to make about R700 per race.

Kutlwano joined his dad's business before completing his matric in 2024.

He mostly works on Saturdays and Sundays.

"We're enjoying ourselves and ensure our clients are happy. The business isn't big yet, but it's helping us survive and grow," said Kutlwano.

Gontse Mokoena, a client, praises Stanley's skill. "I support his business by bringing my sneakers."

Some athletes said that when they bring their takkies to Stanley, he leaves them looking as good as new.