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Takealot is more than the go-to for online shopping in South Africa. In a world where small businesses face monumental challenges, Takealot emerges as a beacon of hope, connecting South African entrepreneurs with millions of shoppers and giving them easy access to joining the formal economy. From Lesley’s innovative water solutions to Noluyanda’s craft beer revolution, Takealot’s online marketplace platform celebrates diversity, resilience, and growth in true entrepreneurial spirit.
Lesley Mukwada – The Chemistry Solutions Company (60 Sec)
Lesley’s journey began with a curiosity for science, leading to a master’s in chemistry. In South Africa’s water crisis, she saw a dire need for quality testing solutions. Her company now provides essential water testing kits, significantly impacting public health. Through Takealot, Lesley extends her reach across the country, offering peace of mind to countless households regardless of location, embodying the essence of innovation meeting necessity.
Noluyanda Roxwana – Co-founder and Managing Director of Ukhamba Beerworx (30 Sec)
Noluyanda’s story is one of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. From homebrews that reminded friends of home to a microbrewery at the waterfront, her journey is a testament to perseverance. Through Takealot Marketplace, Ukhamba Beerworx reaches customers nationwide, showcasing how digital platforms can propel local businesses to nationwide success.
Liesl Smerdon – Founder of Curl Chemistry (60 Sec)
Liesl Smerdon turned a personal need into a booming business. Curl Chemistry, born from a lack of curly hair products, grew exponentially through Takealot. Her story of innovation, community engagement, and the celebration of natural beauty exemplifies the impact of digital platforms on turning passions into entrepreneurial successes.
John Ebako – Owner of King Kong Leather (60 Sec)
After a devastating fire, John Ebako’s resilience shone through. King Kong Leather, which specialises in handcrafted bags, found new life on Takealot. This move salvaged his business and underscored the power of positivity and determination. John’s story is a profound reminder of the resilience embedded in the heart of entrepreneurs.
Frederik Zietsman – Takealot Group CEO (60 Sec)
Frederik joined Takealot in 2015 and initially headed up the Takealot Marketplace division before ultimately moving into the role of Takealot Group CEO. His passion for SME growth and development has been prevalent throughout his time at Takealot and has been a critical driver in the growth and transformation of the marketplace platform. Starting with a mere 120 sellers to where it is today, Takealot Marketplace serves over 10,000 sellers based in more than 1000 towns and cities across South Africa. This growth is a testament to the empowering value of the platform and its impact on South African SMEs.
Liesl Smerdon Founder of Curl Chemistry (30 Sec)
John Ebako – Owner of King Kong Leather (30 Sec)
Lesley Mukwada – The Chemistry Solutions Company (30 Sec)
Corporate Overview
Takealot stands at the forefront of South Africa’s e-commerce landscape as a retailer and a catalyst for economic growth and entrepreneurial success through its marketplace platform. Under the helm of CEO Frederik Zietsman, Takealot Marketplace has scaled from a modest 120 to over 10,000 sellers today. Since its inception in 2014, Takealot Marketplace has transformed how small businesses connect with consumers, showcasing the incredible journeys of entrepreneurs like Lesley, Nolu, Liesl and John. Behind these success stories stands a marketplace for accessibility and empowerment. It champions the small business sector, which is crucial for job creation in a country facing employment challenges.
Takealot’s platform is more than a sales channel; it’s a springboard that enables small businesses to overcome barriers to market access, reaching millions of customers nationwide. Takealot’s symbiotic relationship with entrepreneurs like Lesley, John, Noluyanda and Liesl illustrates a vibrant ecosystem where innovation, resilience, and community converge, foster economic growth and offer solutions to societal challenges. This marketplace isn’t just a platform but a catalyst for change, proving that with the proper support, small businesses can survive and flourish, embodying the spirit of South African entrepreneurship.
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