By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Meet an Alexandra-born brand that is exclusively for the premium market.
Cartaways was established on October 1, 2021, with the little that they had. This great business has already claimed the reign of being Alexandra’s premium fried fish joint.
It is located at 19th Roosevelt in Alexandra and operates from Monday to Saturday between 06:30-13:00 and Sundays between 07:00-18:00.
More and more people are becoming hooked on the fried fish from this establishment everyday!
They have something fishy for you, whether you’re two years old or just an ordinary person.
Their variety of marine treasure have been sustainable wild caught into land with courtesy, coated with precision and golden brown deep fried to bring about flavours and textures that will most definitely wave you back to the sea.
The founding CEO Philimon R. Mushiana (21), a BA Policy Student at UNISA, started the business from his savings after completing his retail sponsored learnership.
As lowly financially resourced as he was, he believed that he was equipped with the necessary skills to start the business from scratch.
“My deepest gratitude goes out to the hundreds of customers who show love,” as he said.
He told Alex Reporter that his dream is to build a consumer-centric company with roots in the township.
For so long, the township street food was associated with junk, but this brand plans to change the state of things with their ‘All day quality reserved’ pledge.
Mushiana said inflation, load shedding and horrible weather conditions are some of the challenges faced by this small business but keeping their head high is what they are striving for.
“The way this brand has been shown love, the customers keep the pressure high for the business to grow,” said the dedicated leader.
Aside from striving to clean out stock almost every day, they also want more from the brand, such as extending their product offering and trading hours.
However, it has been noted that they currently do not have the necessary appropriate facilities and equipment for such to happen in the immediate term.
And it is worth noting that Philimon is still fighting for financial empowerment from government institutions in the background.
Interesting news is that Cartaways is expected to bring more fishy products and complements to mass social events, as promised.
They aim to collaborate with Alexandra’s largest establishments and generate more permanent and sustainable employment for the youth in the township.
“Oh sea, it’s hooked to the best of the good life, deservingly so!” he said.
