Every now and again people contact me with some very interesting concepts… Case in point non-profit organisation, TRADE-MARK, who connects home owners & businesses who are looking for assistance with any handy work, maintenance or renovations with skilled, reliable artisans from townships and low income communities:
I was immediately drawn to the concept as it’s a great way for you to get your various home or office bits done, while also uplifting local communities which are in need. What’s not to love?
They currently operate in the greater Cape Town area which includes: The Peninsula, Southern and Northern suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, West Coast up to Blouberg and the Helderberg basin/Cape Winelands, and they cover the following services:
What makes them extra cool is that they provide their tradesmen with marketing support as well as mentorship & skills development which enables them to build their own successful, independent businesses.
The idea is actually thanks to Joshua Cox who in 2007 helped Simon, an expert tiler/paver friend of his from the township of Diepsloot (who was struggling to secure regular work), by providing him with business cards and written references. By helping in this small way, Simon was able to better market his services and secure contracts of up to R30 000, and Joshua realised he was onto something that could make a real difference to many skilled tradesmen who were battling to get out there & market themselves.
Other than the general feel-good factor you’ll get from helping someone who really needs it most, there are many other reasons why it’s a fantastic idea to book your tradesman through TRADE-MARK:
So the next time you’re looking for someone to help around the house or office (or you hear of anybody else who might be needing someone), please keep them in mind. Also do check out their recent feature on eNCA news over here.
To the TRADE-MARK team I have to say well done on such an amazing idea. I wish you guys all the best, and I for one will definitely be in contact if I ever need a tradesman again.
xxx