Ice cream re-invented – some of Makhubu’s offers at Soweto Creamery Photo Supplied
In 2022 Thando Makhubu was mentioned by the president during the State of the Nation Address (SONA). He is rejoicing the success of his entrepreneurial ice cream business founded off saving his COVID grant for two months. While he is embracing his dreams, he is sure to remember those less fortunate around him.
“Giving back is something that’s close to my heart,” says Makhubu, “We identified youth, young ladies and gentlemen who are addicted to nyaope. We thought they don’t have anything to eat. When we can, we make meals for them, and we distribute.”
Makhubu’s new business, Soweto Creamery, was established with the R350 covid grant and is booming. Like many others, whose business was affected by the 2020 lockdown, Makhubu’s event’s photography business halted, and his finances ran out.
“Everything was good, it was great. I could afford everything. I could maintain my lifestyle. And then covid came,” the end, Makhubu gestured as he spoke with Maryam Mkwanda, “No money. Nothing. It was frustrating. It was bad. Always watching the news. Always looking online, is this real? It was crazy.”
Makhubu is comfortable behind the camera, and sometimes in front of it too Photo – supplied
When he heard about the R350 grant, he applied on every forum to ensure he was approved for the money, so that he could do something from home.
“People who know me know that I love food and I’m a foodie and I have a sweet tooth. I go on to this app called Pinterest and I see this ice cream which is interesting. I want to try it out. I didn’t even think twice about it. I was just fired up. It wasn’t a business idea. It was an experiment.”
Fortunately for Makhubu, through his photography he met the celebrity, Mohale whose Instagram following at the time was approaching one million. He contacted Mohale and things soared thereafter.
“We WhatsApp him what we had created, and he liked it. He came through two days later, after creating two products called chocolate overload – which is full of chocolate – and planet sweetness which is sweet and colourful. He loved it. He took images of the product and of him eating the product and he put it on his Instagram, his Facebook, and his Twitter. After that it was chaos. Our Instagram page grew from fifty followers to six thousand followers in a space of hours. We got calls and Whatsapp messages and after that it was crazy. And we grew.”
While being mentioned at SONA22 felt unreal and Makhubu is honoured he hopes the story is an inspiration to others who want to start something of their own. He also sees this time as his opportunity to give back to the community.
“I’ve been lucky to have people who have assisted me [reach my goals]. I’ve always wanted to do the same. When we help someone, it’s really fulfilling. We are really hoping to grow it and start a Soweto Creamery foundation so that we can reach more people,” Says Makhubu.
Makhubu has not looked back since his sweet moment of spontaneity. He didn’t dream of selling ice cream, he says. From being inspired to create something of his own, after seeing a Pinterest picture, his outlook now is growth.
“Plans for Soweto Creamery is to ultimately grow the brand vertically. We want to start producing our own ice cream. Hopefully start manufacturing and pasteurising our own milk and having more products. You have your milk, yoghurt and cheese and have Soweto Creamery in retail stores.”
People have shown interest in opening franchises around South Africa. Makhubu has employed four people and he runs the business from his home in Jabulani – Soweto.
“We are really small; the space is cramped. Step one is to find a commercial space within Soweto, maybe a thousand square meters and have that restaurant vibe… where it’s chilled and you can come with your family and relax.”
Soweto Creamery, has taught Makhubu that anything is possible, “If you really want something and you are willing to work for it, it’s possible and it showed me that it’s not about how much you have, it’s more about how bad we want it.”
His advice is to make use of social media to connect to others and to grow your business, to spend less and invest money in fruitful ways. And to give back to those around you.
