Friends turn friendship into a workplace for differently abled professionals in Germiston
Two Germiston women have turned a shared vision into a social enterprise that aims to create meaningful work for differently abled professionals. Siyakhona Differently (Pty) Ltd opened at ACTOM Knights, 2 Magnet Road, Knights, Germiston, with backing from ACTOM’s inclusion initiative, according to reporting by citizen.co.za.
The company is run by directors Lindiwe Motha and Refiloe Makau, longtime friends who have converted their relationship into a business partnership. The venture will operate as a commercial laundromat while prioritising skills development, employment and economic participation for staff with disabilities.
“Siyakhona,” meaning “we can,” captures the belief that people should not be defined by disability but by their abilities, determination and potential,
said the report carried by citizen.co.za. The laundromat launch included ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo and ACTOM HC director Sylvester Makamu, underlining the corporate partner’s role in supporting the project.
What the initiative promises for Germiston residents
For residents and local jobseekers the project represents more than another convenience service. It is framed as a pathway to:
- Employment — direct jobs for differently abled professionals at the laundromat;
- Skills development — on-the-job training and experience that can improve future prospects;
- Local economic participation — integrating workers who are often excluded from formal employment into Germiston’s economy.
Both directors acknowledged entrepreneurship’s practical challenges — from daily operations and customer service to maintaining quality and building a sustainable client base. They said the foundation and support received from ACTOM would be instrumental as they navigate these realities, the report states.
Partners and practical details
The laundromat is hosted on the ACTOM Knights site and was launched with ACTOM leadership present. The initiative is positioned as part of ACTOM’s efforts to create opportunities for differently abled professionals, providing a workplace that emphasises capability and dignity.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Business name | Siyakhona Differently (Pty) Ltd |
| Directors | Lindiwe Motha and Refiloe Makau |
| Location | ACTOM Knights, 2 Magnet Road, Knights, Germiston |
| Partner | ACTOM (corporate initiative for inclusion) |
Local context and likely impact
Germiston is a city with a mixed industrial and residential profile, and local enterprises that create inclusive employment can have ripple effects beyond immediate hires. Practical benefits include increased household incomes, improved independence for employees and stronger links between industry and community.
From a municipal perspective, small enterprises that target marginalised groups can reduce pressure on social services and expand the local tax base, while offering a model for other employers. For other entrepreneurs, the story of two friends launching a business on the back of corporate support may inspire similar collaborations between community entrepreneurs and larger firms.
However, the founders are realistic about the work ahead. The citizen.co.za report quotes Motha admitting that running a business requires juggling operations, customer service and quality while building a sustainable client base. The presence of ACTOM leadership at the launch suggests corporate mentorship and initial support, but long-term viability will depend on commercial success and ongoing development opportunities for staff.
For Germiston residents seeking work or services, Siyakhona Differently offers a new local employer and a laundromat option that is framed around social impact. As the operation settles into its first months, observers will be watching whether it can deliver on both service quality and its inclusion goals.
This account is based on reporting by citizen.co.za.
