MANZI Water is proud to share news of its participation in the groundbreaking SKUBU Project, a first-of-its-kind refill store aimed at reshaping how South Africans access essential goods while advancing the circular economy, officially launched this week in Diepsloot, Gauteng. Located at Chuma Mall, this innovative initiative represents a significant step forward in affordable, sustainable consumption and access to everyday essentials in underserved communities.
The SKUBU Project is led by Sonke Retail in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), made possible through the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund. The initiative is also supported by TRANSFORM, a global partnership involving Unilever, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Ernst & Young (EY).
Described as the first store of its kind globally, SKUBU enables consumers to purchase only what they need through smart, automated refill machines, offering essential items at fixed rand-per-litre prices while eliminating single-use plastic packaging. The model provides up to 50% savings compared to conventional retail, delivering measurable impact in both affordability and sustainability.
MANZI Water is honoured to be featured among the trusted brands selected for this visionary platform, offering safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to the Diepsloot community at a price of just R1.00 per litre.
“We are incredibly proud that MANZI Water is part of this groundbreaking development,” said Alfred Challis, CEO of MANZI Water. “Our inclusion in the SKUBU Project underscores our commitment to making safe, clean drinking water accessible to all, and we are excited to see the positive impact this will have in Diepsloot.”
