Manzi Water launches South Africa’s first fully automated refill store in Diepsloot

SOUTH AFRICA – Manzi Water has announced its participation in a pioneering initiative that has brought South Africa’s first fully automated refill store to life, officially launched this week at Chuma Mall in Diepsloot, Gauteng.

Part of the innovative SKUBU Project, the store aims to revolutionize access to essential goods in underserved communities while advancing sustainability and affordability through a circular economy model.

Led by Sonke Retail, the SKUBU Project is supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and funded through the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund.

It also benefits from backing by TRANSFORM, a global partnership involving Unilever, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Ernst & Young (EY).

Heralded as a global first, the SKUBU store allows consumers to purchase only what they need via smart, automated refill machines, cutting out single-use plastic packaging and offering fixed rand-per-litre pricing.

According to project leaders, this approach provides up to 50% cost savings compared to traditional retail – a game-changer for township residents.

Manzi Water, a brand synonymous with affordable, safe drinking water, is among the trusted companies selected to supply the store.

Diepsloot residents can now refill clean drinking water for just R1.00 per litre, marking a major milestone in equitable access to essentials.

“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.”

With sustainability at its core, the SKUBU pilot is expected to become a scalable model across South Africa, potentially expanding Manzi Water’s impact through its network of licensees.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving community health, wellness, and environmental stewardship through inclusive innovation.

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