South Africa’s first refill store is changing the game

Updated | By East Coast Breakfast

This automated refill goods store is saving people money and saving the planet!

There’s a fresh new buzz in Diepsloot.

It’s South Africa’s very first automated refill store, and it’s doing big things for both people and the planet!

Skubu, the brand-new refill store in Diepsloot township, is changing the way we shop for everyday essentials.

The concept is simple but genius. You bring your own container, refill household staples like cooking oil, maize meal, sugar, rice and cleaning products - and pay a fraction of the usual price.

Less plastic, less waste, more savings.

Skubu store — Skubu Refill Store / Kasi Economy / X

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In a world where prices seem to go up faster than your phone data disappears, Skubu offers a much-needed alternative for families living on tight budgets.

Instead of buying a new bag of maize meal every time (and another plastic packet to toss out), you simply refill your container and save up to 60% on your grocery bill.

For example, 1kg of maize meal refill is just R9. 5kg of maize meal is only R45.

Who’s behind this store?

This isn’t just a cool idea someone cooked up over a cup of tea though. It’s the result of a powerhouse partnership.

Skubu was launched through a collaboration between Transform (an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and Ernst & Young), along with local operator Sonke.

Unilever brands like Sunlight and Handy Andy are already on the shelves (or should we say, dispensers?), ready for refills at affordable, bulk prices.

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Skubu isn’t just about going green; it’s about fighting food insecurity by offering affordable, high-quality products in quantities that work for people’s pockets.

The launch of Skubu also gives us a glimpse into how innovative, sustainable business models can transform everyday life in townships.

As Skubu continues to test and grow this refill concept, we can only hope it inspires a whole wave of refill-friendly stores across South Africa.