Creating what could be dubbed the township version of Airbnb, the founders of KasiAccom hope to turn their new venture into SA’s largest township accommodation online market.
The Makhanda-based company launched late last month and promotes township accommodation businesses on a mobile-friendly website.
KasiAccom co-founder and head of operations John Rammutla said the idea was born after he had moved to the Eastern Cape city and struggled to find a suitable place to stay in the township.
“I wanted to stay in the township. But I wanted something that was cool, affordable and in a safe space – but I couldn’t find it,” he said.
“So I ended up in the main town, paying a high rate.
“Other than going door-todoor to ask if there is a place to stay, it’s a struggle – you can’t find anything on the internet.”
Rammutla and his business partner, Challens Makondo, said their aim was to expose township accommodation businesses “to the market beyond their locality”.
“During our research, we observed that more and more township homeowners are building and [letting] backrooms or rooms in their main houses to students, professionals and tourists.
“We walked around and saw some of the best and most beautiful B&Bs and guesthouses in the township areas of SA that could comfortably compete with those in suburbs and city centres,” Rammutla said.
“But we also saw how difficult and frustrating it is to search and find affordable and safe accommodation in any of the country’s townships.
“When we spoke to people in Joza Township, here in [Makhanda], I saw the glow in their eyes because they could see how this could help them.
“And that inspired us.” Kholiewe Gaba, who rents out a section of her home in Joza Township, said KasiAccom had already helped her secure three bookings.
“KasiAccom has really helped me a lot.
“In the past it was always a struggle and we would mostly only have lots of bookings when it is the National Arts Festival,” Gaba said.
“I saw my home and a few other B&Bs on posters on the N2. It is a big help for all of us here in the township.”
Sindiswa Sobantu, who lives in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth and is currently in the market for accommodation, said she liked the idea but did not always have access to the internet.
“It is a good idea, but they must also consider some of us who don’t have a way of getting on the website, even on our phones,” Sobantu said.
“I am a domestic worker, looking for somewhere to stay in the township. So if they can have an office we can go to for help, it would be better.”
Rammutla said because of the safety concerns when looking for accommodation in the township, the KasiAccom team physically goes to verify every business that wants to list on the platform.
“Our target market is two-fold.
“Firstly, we are trying to get landlords and property owners to [list with us].
“Then our aim is to attract people who are in the market for accommodation.
“For students, verifying the listings is very important – to know that we have been there, and they can look at the pictures, know what to expect and compare.
“By the time they get there to lease, they would have all the information they need.”
Rammutla said the team hoped to start partnering with colleges and universities to assist students looking for accommodation.