A Zolani resident recently opened a water shop in the Ashton township.
Ntshokoleng Kumeke applied to be a “Kusini Water Champion” and her application was successful. Kusini Water is a social enterprise with the goal to ensure everyone has access to a source of clean drinking water.
“I decided to apply because of the continuous challenge of having clean drinking water where I live,” Kumeke related. “My partner, Siyabonga Nkomonye, also saw an opportunity for selling water, and it was doing well. I loved the idea and the importance of clean and drinkable water and so I partnered with him. But then I saw the Kusini Water Champion post on Facebook, and that’s when I applied to be one.”
All she had to is fill her details in on the website, and one of the requirements was that the applicant be an unemployed youth, which she was. Not long afterwards she was informed she was to be a water champion.
“It was a dream come true after so many rejections. I remember a month before the competition I got a job and signed the contract. When I was about to start they told me the job was put on hold. But with God’s grace I got to be part of Kusini Water Champions.”
She gushes that this opportunity has greatly boosted her self esteem.
“This has given me an opportunity of owning a franchise business and that in itself has boosted myself esteem. I’ve seen a whole new side of me that I think I have ignored for too long. This is a big deal for me and having a partner that is so supportive is a bonus.”
Kusini also assisted her with setting a kiosk with all the necessary equipment she needs to serve the community of Zolani.
“Being part of Kusini Water Champion you get the privilege of getting a kiosk and all the necessary installations, including a purification system.”
Kumeke has always been very involved in the community, and is even part of an anti-GBV group that assists women and children in their time of need. And this has given her just one more way to help the people around her.
“I definitely have some more community projects in the pipeline, but I can’t divulge any information about it right now.”
Her Kusini water kiosk is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 20:00. Refills cost R1 per litre with your own container. She also sells already bottled water.
