The beloved Alexandra township known for its turbulent history and fascinating stories is becoming even more well-known for shaping some of South Africa’s up and coming stars and entrepreneurs such as Andile Khumalo. Khumalo is an owner of a pub and tshisanyama in the heart of Alex for the past 10 years. He also has a hand in the accommodation, transportation and entertainment space. “As a young man I had dreams and aspirations but never imagined that I would be my own boss and more importantly be able to work in the spaces that I currently do,” he says.
Khumalo used to work for Discovery Vitality and then started his a venture with a friend and his brother.
He started off small in June 2013 with his food and drinks business, which today is an Alex favourite among residents.
“We serve everything, from fast food, wholesome meals and drinks to quench anyone’s thirst. Our famous angel fish is like no other and is the most popular on the menu. Many have tried to replicate the recipe but it’s only at our shop that can make it tastefully and keep delicate,” he says.
Khumalo says he is currently running their business under the brand called Ko-9 with brothers Vernon Tabane and Neo Tabane.
The highlight of this growing brand is the trio’s famous party on wheels. They own a truck that has the ability to transform into a stage with sound and lighting, smoke machine effects and a desk top with microphones for DJs and artists to use.
The truck also comes with its own security for events as well as a designated driver. It only takes about an hour for the truck to set up and the party to start.
Taking it a step further especially in the current loadshedding times, the truck has a generator. So whether the lights are on or off, Ko-9 will keep the party going wherever you are.
“Our mobile truck is able to host gigs for up to 7 000 people given the space and capacity available. We have been hired and hosted more than 50 gigs across Johannesburg and in Alex for different companies and organisations,” he says.
Khumalo and his partners are in business not just for themselves but also for the community by giving them opportunities for part time work, exposure as artists to do performances as well as discover their own talents.
He says that they have been able to employ 25 people in part-time positions during the use of the truck at gigs. They have also given many artists a platform to be discovered. They try to give different people an opportunity with every gig.
“We definitely would like to acquire one or two more trucks. There is a market for what we have and it is increasing. We are always looking for our next big thing as entrepreneurs,” says Khumalo.
“We have to make the most with what we have. I hope that more people can be inspired to take that one chance and chase their dreams.”
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
29/06/2023