Mashudu

Build It Slow with Mawethu Soga

This is a conversation with Fixxr co-founder Mawethu Soga. Fixxr makes it simple and convenient to request a quote online, book a repair with a mobile mechanic, and keep track of your car's service history. Learn more; www.fixxr.co.za

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ta41hbaXRCttPWxrzHG71?si=Qu4oY5O9T7SklDm9yJ2YBg

by Mashudu

There's No Room To Fail with Liz Letsoalo

Liz Letsoalo is an Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, consultant in South Africa and the founder of Masodi Organics. Their Hair & Skin Care products are thoughtfully made to be kind on your body and reduce impact on the environment. All their products contain key ingredients from nature and are Free from Parabens, Sulfates and Mineral oils. https://masodiorganics.com/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ouk8Bzxye3AzsyR6sxToH?si=5EqUqMc0Ty2u4414m0m0zQ

by Mashudu

The Power Is In The Pivot with Matt Kloos

This is a conversation with CompariSure CFO Matt Kloos. CompariSure’s Digital Marketplace provides individuals with quick, reliable insurance comparisons from South Africa’s most trusted and established life insurers. Learn more https://www.comparisure.co.za/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3eGTdloWT6n4wtjTh6ga2e?si=V2afpjvHQnGn4PTu8KtzMQ

by Mashudu

It's All About Transparency with Alex Thomson

This is a conversation with Naked Co-founder Alex Thomson. Traditional insurance operates on the basis where fewer claims means more profits. Naked have removed their hand from the claims pot completely. Instead they take a flat fee off the monthly premiums clients pay to cover running costs and profits, and the rest of the money goes into a pot to pay out their clients’ claims. Learn more; https://www.naked.insure/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JbS9HsvgdfNlsl649nlSv?si=8kV5bSqKRXmwVF7B3EbWdA

by Mashudu

Growing Conciously. Together with Aisha R. Pandor and Alen Ribić

This is a conversation with Aisha R. Pandor and Alen Ribić the co-founders of SweepSouth. SweepSouth is an online home services platform that connects homeowners with trusted service professionals. Learn more here https://sweepsouth.com/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VRw9tSLDVZt2iAwfBusdN?si=6IagmFzYStWuU0zk6Ky6Gw

by Mashudu

Information is Power – How EskomSePush Built South Africa’s Go-To Load Shedding App

Herman Maritz and Dan Southwood-Wells set out to solve one of South Africa's most frustrating problems: load shedding uncertainty. What began as a simple tool for personal use has evolved into EskomSePush, a platform that now serves millions of South Africans with timely and reliable power outage information. Their journey highlights the power of innovation born from necessity and the impact of technology in solving everyday challenges.EskomSePush started as an inside joke, rooted in push notification technology that Maritz and Southwood-Wells worked on in their corporate jobs. The duo, both software developers, initially created the app to keep themselves informed about load shedding schedules during the December holidays. When friends and family found it useful, they decided to build a proper app. Within weeks, it had spread like wildfire, proving that simple, accessible solutions resonate deeply when they solve real problems.

Scaling From Side Project to Full-Time Startup:
While the app was originally just a hobby, EskomSePush quickly grew beyond expectations. It became South Africa’s go-to load shedding app, winning multiple awards, including the MTN App of the Year Award. By 2023, the app had surpassed 6.7 million users.

The founders juggled corporate jobs and their passion project until early 2023, when they took the leap to work full-time on EskomSePush and related projects. Their move was perfectly timed, as South Africa’s energy crisis deepened and reliable information became even more critical.

Key Features & Evolution:

• Push Notifications: Real-time alerts for load shedding updates.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies complex Eskom schedules for easy understanding.
• Community-Driven: Users can report issues like power outages unrelated to load shedding.
• AskMyStreet: A new hyper-local information platform for tracking electricity, water, road conditions, and other community concerns.

Funding & Business Model:
Unlike many startups, EskomSePush has remained self-funded. While the app itself remains free, the founders have explored monetization through their business API, which serves mobile networks, corporations, and customer support centers needing outage management solutions.

The Impact:
EskomSePush has transformed how South Africans navigate load shedding, bringing clarity to an otherwise chaotic situation. Beyond its functionality, the app has created a cultural moment, with users sharing light-hearted memes and celebrating small wins—like a rare day without load shedding.

Maritz and Southwood-Wells have proven that a side hustle can grow into a national necessity, showing that technology, when used effectively, can empower communities and improve daily life.

What’s Next?
With load shedding showing no signs of disappearing, EskomSePush continues to evolve. The founders are focusing on:

• Expanding AskMyStreet into more service categories.
• Enhancing the business API for corporate and municipal use.
• Exploring opportunities to use their expertise in real-time information services beyond power outages.

Their journey is a testament to how builders can create lasting impact by solving everyday frustrations with simple, effective solutions. EskomSePush is more than an app—it’s a necessity in South Africa’s energy landscape.

by Mashudu