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SunGereza: WATCH | Bonginkosi gives takkies new life!

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Bonginkosi Buthelezi (29) is the proud owner of Sneaker Wash JR in Mams Mall in Mamelodi East Tshwane and has been washing sneakers for over five years. Photo by Raymond Morare
Bonginkosi Buthelezi (29) is the proud owner of Sneaker Wash JR in Mams Mall in Mamelodi East Tshwane and has been washing sneakers for over five years. Photo by Raymond Morare

Bonginkosi Buthelezi (29) from Mamelodi East, Tshwane said he enjoys washing takkies in his kasi.

THIS man brings takkies back to life, leaving them looking smart with his golden touch.

Bonginkosi Buthelezi (29) from Mamelodi East, Tshwane, enjoys washing takkies in the kasi.

He works at Mams Mall from Monday to Saturday.

Bonginkosi Buthelezi washes takkies at Mams Mall, Mamelodi East, bringing them back to life
Bonginkosi Buthelezi washes takkies at Mams Mall, Mamelodi East, bringing them back to life (Raymond Morare)

The owner of Sneaker Wash JR, Bonginkosi has been washing takkies for over five years.

It started as a hobby in B3, Mamelodi West, when he cleaned Carvela shoes at his family home.

His passion for cleaning takkies began in 2018.

"I came up with a solution to properly maintain sneakers," he said.

Bonginkosi Buthelezi starts by removing dirt from sneakers before washing them clean
Bonginkosi Buthelezi starts by removing dirt from sneakers before washing them clean (Raymond Morare)

He began by washing his friends' takkies.

Shoes are important when it comes to cleaning, he believes.

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This job brings convenience to people who are busy with their daily routines.

He wants to build a takkie cleaning culture in the kasi and raise awareness.

Your confidence, he said, starts with your shoes.

In Tshwane, Bonginkosi Buthelezi offers expert takkie cleaning for busy locals at Sneaker Wash JR
In Tshwane, Bonginkosi Buthelezi offers expert takkie cleaning for busy locals at Sneaker Wash JR (Raymond Morare)

Bonginkosi isn't just passing time.

He's doing what he loves and wants to grow. He has two part-time helpers.

He said he brings takkies back to life and does hand washing, and his clients are happy.

He can make at least R500 a day.

Bonginkosi Buthelezi turned his shoe-cleaning hobby in Mamelodi West into a thriving business
Bonginkosi Buthelezi turned his shoe-cleaning hobby in Mamelodi West into a thriving business (Raymond Morare)

They also sometimes wash cars, carpets, and sofas. Bonginkosi wants to expand and create jobs.

This place is convenient for now.

Bonginkosi loves his work and is grateful for the support he receives.

His uncle, Peter Skhosana, said: "I'm proud of my nephew who decided to do this kind of job. This business keeps him busy rather than having him on the streets."

Aaron Dube

Aaron Dube

I have over 20 years experience in journalism. My skills in multimedia journalism are writing hard news, soft news, taking pictures and videos.

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