How a sneaker cleaning business in Soweto is creating jobs for young people

Tshepo Lebese, 47, from Soweto, started Sneaker Zone Wash in 2023 after a bad experience. He paid someone to clean his sneakers, but they were left in a bucket for days and damaged. That's when he saw a chance to start a business.

What does the business do?

The shop cleans, restores and repairs shoes and handbags. Prices are R70 for adult shoes, R40 for children's shoes. Deep cleaning costs between R100 and R200. They can also dye leather, suede and fabric, polish formal shoes, and clean ladies' handbags.

Jobs for young people

What started small now employs four men. One of them found a permanent job elsewhere but still comes back to help when he can. On a busy day, they clean up to 15 pairs of shoes.

Lebese says the business is about more than washing shoes. 'It keeps young people busy, gives them an income and keeps them away from crime.'

A worker's story

Nation Thabede, 28, works at the shop. He says the job gives him purpose. 'I enjoy this job because it keeps me away from doing bad things. The best part is seeing customers happy when they collect their shoes.' But he is honest – they cannot fix every shoe perfectly.

Customers love it

One customer, Kabelo Mokoena, says he is 'just lazy' to wash his own shoes. The service is convenient and affordable, so he keeps coming back.

Future plans

Lebese wants to grow the business into a well-known shoe-care brand and create more jobs for unemployed youth in Soweto. 'We started by cleaning shoes, but we are really restoring confidence and creating opportunities.'

This article was originally published on Sowetan.