Samuel Ramolefe (58) from Evaton, Sebokeng is happy to have sold five bags of coal. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
MAKING a living by selling coal is still the hottest ticket in town, literally!
Selling coal in kasis such as Soweto and Sebokeng in Gauteng is still a big business, which promotes entrepreneurship amid the high unemployment rate.
With the ongoing load shedding crisis, coal emerges as a lifeline in many townships of South Africa.
Phillip Ngobeni (50), a father of five who has only worked in coal yards, said: "I've been selling coal for 24 years. I mostly sell in winter and I provide services to shisanyama businesses and people who are using coal stoves."
At times, business can be very slow but I've learnt to be patient.
Phillip Ngobeni
It’s without question that in today’s modern times, this source of heat is a beloved township treasure, radiating warmth across generations.
Be it a summer heatwave or winters chill, loading coal onto their carts is just the beginning.
These coal sellers spend their days journeying through kasis on their horses, delivering coal to customers.
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The SNL24 team trailed behind them determined to capture every moment as they travelled through ekasi.
Bags of coal are packed and ready to be sold at a coal yard in Orlando West, Soweto. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Modise Seanya (49) from Evaton, Vaal using a fork to load coal in a bag for his customer. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Modise Seanya (49) from Evaton, Vaal taking a breather from chopping wood. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Coal yard worker Bobo carrying a bag of coal to deliver to a customer. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Samuel Ramolefe (58) covering his coal to protect it from the rain. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Phillip Ngobeni (right), from Orlando West, Soweto helping his customer to carry a bag of coal. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Thabo Mothibedi (22) and his horse are always on standby to transport bags of coal. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Thabo Mothibedi (22) removing mud from his horses' heels. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
Samuel Ramolefe (58) from Evaton, Vaal tells the SNL24 team more about the coal business. Morapedi Mashashe
A coal merchant and his horse getting ready to journey throughout Evaton, Sebokeng and sell coal to his customers. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
When sales are low, horse carts become a mode of transportation. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe
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