Born in Cecilia Makhiwane Clinic in East London Mdantsane township - one of the biggest townships in Mzansi, and currently residing in Humewood, Gqeberha. Mawethu Webster Platyi is the founder of both Sunrise Mobile Carwash, together with Mawethu Tours and Safaris. “When introducing self, I always say mention that my late father was a very lazy man – he giggled, as I’m the only child to my parents, no brother no sister. I am a proud professional tourist guide by trade and a father. I'm a go-getter, I don't quit, I fail and start again”, he added.
“Coming to Mzansi brands, I'm not a person that wears or loves too many brands, so far I have two local brands that I love and support. One is called Hustler King run by family brothers and its base in Plettenberg bay. The second one is called Mdantsane it is also run by guys from “ikasi lam” eMdantsane”.
The township economy: do you think locals can own it back? “When it comes to the township economy one of the few ways to bring it back to South Africans ownership is to make sure safety is in place and how do you do that!!? You call up on all retired tourist guides to work together with the retired army soldiers, and the department of tourism to secure the safety of tourists when being taken on tours in our townships. Also, channels can be made and be available only if people can work together, without safety South Africans will never own back the township economy where investors would be interested to invest in township businesses”.
When did you commence with this business and what motivated you to start? “Sunrise Mobile Carwash was established on May 2020. It started as a result of the main pandemic challenge which was lockdown. As a person who works in the tourism industry I was immediately affected, and challenged to think on my feet to have income to sustain me. Friends and colleagues started going home as finances were the issue, but because my parents passed on long before lockdown, I had no reason to go back home. I then saw an opportunity to wash cars so I can pay rent and afford essentials, and the car wash idea was further motivated by the fact that I didn't qualify for UIF or R350 social grant, so I really needed to make an income. I started to offer the mobile car wash business in the Summerstrand and Humewood area and all my friends were very supportive and motivating me to do it. So, I started advertising on Facebook as social media was the only option to share whatever one offer and within my first post bookings started to come in. And yes, the residents of Summerstrand also motivated me a lot, hence the mobile carwash is still running even today”.
What kind of challenges you faced when you were trying to get your business off the ground? “Honestly speaking I didn't have any challenges opening the Sunrise Mobile car wash because I was honest to people around me. To start up I got a bike as a loan from a friend and got car wash shampoo and a few rags from my boss, at one of the tour companies that I freelanced for. Additionally, ‘Go Green’ came on board and helped with car wash cleaning material, so instead of challenges mine was easily off the ground through support from people in my circle”.
What opportunities are there for young people in the Tourism industry? “Tourism industry is a big cake and everyone wants to have a slice of this cake. There are lots of business opportunities in the food chain, for example - in South Africa we have very few restaurants that offer 100% South African food like 'umngqusho nembotyi' (samp), and so many to mention. There is also a high demand for female and male tourists that can speak African languages. Therefore, I think the youth could try and get their hands on deck and make use of these opportunities”.
Any highlights that you have about running your car wash business thus far? “Sunrise Mobile Carwash has surprised me, it has managed to pay rent for my flat, buy food, send money home, pay for my DSTV and buy me clothes. I have learned to save or manage funds from this business. I started by putting money in the ATM every day after the car wash, even if I had 2 cars in a day”.
Lastly, when not running the business what you do to keep sane? “If I'm not washing cars or house windows. I offer walking city tours, tours to Kragga Kamma, Addo Elephant National Park, and E-bike tours on the beach front. Other than that, I am working from home updating social media platforms for my companies”.