Georgie and Simon Carter are vibrant, successful business owners who wanted to uplift the life of their domestic worker and her family. Through BBE Enterprise development / economic transformation, they chose to give Thuli Khanyile a chance in a lifetime – the opportunity to run her own business.
After careful consideration, the Carters purchased the Midlaunder Laundry in Nottingham Road, Kwa-Zulu Natal and on 1st May 2020, Thuli became the proud owner of Geza Geza Laundry and Cleaning Services.
Together, Thuli and Georgie have worked hard to meet the demands of running and growing a business during the COVID pandemic. They learned quickly that they had to find resourceful ways in which to make ends meet and did so by selling value-for-money cleaning chemicals into rural areas, and by offering cleaning services.
The business started picking up with a focus on quality and service delivery. However, their equipment was all domestic and it was a struggle using outdated / domestic equipment to do the job. In March 2021, a medium contract was secured which put even more pressure on the team at Geza Geza.
And so the decision was made to purchase larger equipment and we were thrilled to be able to assist. What we especially love, is that Geza Geza has given all their equipment meaningful Zulu names!
Lithemba – Our Hope
1 X Speed Queen SCG040 Industrial washer
Smangaliso – Amazing / Magic
1 X Speed Queen 23kg Industrial Gas Dryer
(Gas due to Eskom Loadshedding & Limitations on power)
Smangaliso was given this name as he “Shined with great beauty” through all the piles of washing that had to be conquered. “He stood there with a shine, a sense of strength and superiority. He was going to conquer everything and make everyone’s lives easier.“
Gugulethu – Precious and a sense of relief
1 x Tullis 1,6m Flatwork ironer
Amawele (Girls)- Indoor twin girls.
Business was getting busier and Geza Geza required additional assistance. Amanda was interviewed by Georgie and Georgie asked Amanda “What is the most difficult thing that you have had to deal with in your life?”. Amanda replied “Having my twins and having to provide for them”.
Georgie hired her on character and not too long after that the following machines were purchased: 2 X NF3J Front load washers.
Amawele (Boys) – Outdoor twin boys.
Additional NF3J Front load washers.
Siyamthanda – One that is loved.
The Diesel Generator.
Georgie read our SA rugby captain, Siya Kolisi’s book and “We rise by lifting others” stood out. The generator in times of loadshedding has the ability to lift all other equipment out of the dark.
With all the machines having affectionate meaningful names, there is an appreciation, care, sense of emotion that is developed and the machines are taken care of, like fellow beings.
What began as a personal laundry service has grown into a healthy commercial laundry offering fantastic services. One can certainly sense the positive atmosphere of empowerment and pride.
We salute Thuli and Georgie and their team, wishing them everything of the best.