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Sanele Mhlongo

Eloh App

January 2018

Commercialisation

Durban

Eloh App
Who does this innovation help?

Eloh App has two target groups, namely, other service businesses, as well as customers who require various services. Eloh App offers a variety of services such as barbers, car washing and home cleaning, amongst others. The App screens businesses to ensure that the customer will receive quality services and saves the customer time given that the service comes to you.

About the Innovator

Sanele was born and raised in Durban. A matriculant of Rossburgh High School, Sanele went on to study Electrical Engineering at Mangosuthu University of Technology. He is the owner and founder of Eloh App which was started with the sole intention of increasing employment opportunities and improving business services.

How the Innovation Works

Eloh App is a digital application that allows customers to connect to a professional service provider easily using their handheld device. Customers are able to view, book and request a variety of services which are available on Eloh at their own convenience. The Eloh App saves the customer time because they do not have to search extensively for service providers in their local area. Secondly, customers save time because they don't have to travel to the service provider because the service comes to you. Lastly, Eloh provides greater convenience since the customer can book a time that best suits their schedule. The App currently covers the whole of KZN and will be launching in Johannesburg this year and Cape Town in the first half of next year (2021).

Innovation picture

An interview with the Innovator

Q1

What problem/s are you trying to address with your innovation?

There are 3 main problems being addressed by Eloh App, namely unemployment, service delivery and market access. The main mission of the project is to improve the employment rate through small businesses. We discovered that there are a large number of skilled but unemployed graduates that simply need opportunities. Many small businesses also struggle to succeed because they do not have sufficient exposure to new markets. The App tries to improve market access by exposing small businesses to new potential customers by expanding the customer base. Lastly, Eloh App vets businesses to ensure that they meet a certain level of service delivery. Moreover, the App allows customers to provide feedback through the app (star rating) which also improves service delivery.

Q2

What has been the toughest challenge/s to overcome in your innovation journey?

Shifting people's mindsets has been a challenge, namely, getting people to transition from the conventional way of doing things to using technology. One major component of this is the ability to build trust with customers so that they know they can trust the Elop App brand. Another challenge has been convincing legitimate existing business as well as startup business not to close their operations but rather to move into the digital space as a way to 'future-proof' their businesses.

Q3

Where do you see yourself and your innovation in 5 years’ time?

In 5 years' time the hope is to see many South Africans utilising Eloh App for their own businesses and personal needs. Another goal is to launch Eloh App in other countries.

Q4

What has been the biggest lesson so far?

Great things take time so patience is key. It is also important to keep the vision of the business in mind. Finally, when building solutions it is critical to put people's needs first.

Advice from the Innovator

Numerous approaches were used in an attempt to gather support for the development of Eloh App. For example, participation in several exhibitions and competitions, as well as approaching resourceful business people for funding. However, these avenues were not very successful. Ultimately, I decided to sell my car, house appliances, furniture and other valuables in order to generate capital to support and start the business.

About the Supporting Organisations Involved and Approach to Galvanising Support

Numerous approaches were used in attempt to gather support for development of Eloh App. For example, participation in several exhibitions and competitions, as well as approaching resourceful business people for funding. However, these avenues were not very successful. Ultimately, I decided to sell my car, house appliances, furniture and other things in order to generate capital to support and start the business.

Media Exposure

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