Entrepreneurship is about tackling challenges head-on, and that’s something Godiragetse Mogajane knows a thing or two about. He’s the mastermind behind two thriving businesses that address real-world problems. With Delivery ka Speed, he’s revolutionizing food delivery in townships by catering to a market that is overlooked by bigger players such as Uber Eats and Mr Delivery, who typically focus on servicing consumers in urban areas. Meanwhile, his digital tutoring platform Goodie Tutors has recruited over 150 freelance tutors who help students conquer tricky subjects like math and science.

Why entrepreneurship?

Godiragetse has always been aware of the challenges facing young people in his community, especially when it comes to finding work. “I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of business and the power it has to change people’s lives for the better,” he explains. With his two thriving ventures,  he has achieved that goal. Take Goodie Tutors, for instance – it employs young people full-time and provides freelance tutoring opportunities to over 150 university students. Unlike traditional tutoring businesses, which often require tutors to have their own car or laptop to travel between students, Godiragetse’s innovative online approach to tutoring has eliminated this requirement, making it a dynamic and empowering marketplace accessible to anyone with knowledge and passion. “It’s not just about making money,” he says. “It’s about creating opportunities for others and making a positive impact in often overlooked communities.”

Innovation ka Speed

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020-21, online shopping became the go-to option for many people, especially to avoid human contact. According to food blog adjust.com, global installs of food delivery apps increased by a staggering 25% in 2020 compared to 2019, and the trend continued with a further 21% rise in November 2021. 

Godiragetse realized that township and peri-urban customers were missing out on this when he struggled to get food delivered to his grandmother’s house in Hammanskraal. This led him to come up with the idea of starting a township-based delivery service that initially operated on WhatsApp before launching the Delivery ka Speed app. Customers could give precise instructions and directions to drivers, and since piloting almost two years ago, over 6,500 orders have been received. The team now uses electric scooters to carry out deliveries.

Venturing into uncharted territory means facing new challenges, and Godiragetse believes that there is an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit among South Africa’s youth. However, access to funding and markets can make it challenging for young entrepreneurs to succeed. “There are many businesses in the township because there’s a culture of doing things for ourselves. Almost every day, you’ll see a new car wash or spaza shop popping up,” he says, adding that the entrepreneurial spirit alone is not enough. Young entrepreneurs need more education and funding to run their businesses more efficiently. Despite the existence of enterprise development programs that aim to empower young people, he believes there is still a significant gap in fostering engagement and mentorship between aspiring and established entrepreneurs. 

Godiragetse’s advice for young entrepreneurs

Is to have a clear understanding of their “why”. “You need to build a business that goes beyond you, a business that can last and still have an impact long after you’ve gone,” he says. He emphasises the importance of taking your business seriously by doing the necessary research and formalising your ideas where necessary.

Tell us: What groundbreaking ideas do you, as a young entrepreneur, dream of bringing to life?

Read about entrepreneur Mbali Mahlungu here