BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE- Vuyo Mndzebele, a 28 year old barber, has transformed unemployment into a thriving, three branch business, SmartCentre Barbershop. Launched in 2022, the company rapidly expanded by following a disciplined business model that prioritizes consistency, affordability, and deep community integration. Mndzebele’s mandate is to provide the community with the best service at the lowest possible cost.
Mndzebele credits the company’s success to passion and a strong belief in teamwork. To maintain quality across all branches located in Oshoek, Motjane, and Nhlanganisweni, he personally trains every new hire before employment, ensuring the “same Style in every branch.” To uphold this standard, he acts as a “middleman,” using the company car to visit each store and monitor consistency and customer care. Mndzebele notes that while challenging, it is the vision that keeps the business going, requiring the owner to be disciplined in financial management and self control.
The SmartCentre Barbershop model balances affordability with sustainability by matching prices to local community financial standards. The strategy hinges on the simple idea that affordable, yet “Smart (good looking) Haircuts” draw the high customer volume needed to generate profit.
The company offers unique, community focused services that go beyond standard business practice. For instance, to ensure financial flexibility, they allow monthly payments for their working clients. They boost accessibility by offering house calls (for a fee), which is particularly beneficial for clients in farm areas who may have difficulty reaching the shops.
Furthermore, the company shows strong Community Care by providing free haircuts to children at local schools who cannot afford the service. In addition to these services, they focus on Empowering the Next Generation by running annual barbering classes, offering training and practical experience in their shops to aspiring barbers and hairdressers.
The barbershop also actively contributes to youth empowerment by offering Barbering Classes every year during July and August (for a small fee). This program trains aspiring barbers and hairdressers, providing them with practical experience in the SmartCentre shops until they are ready to seek employment or start their own business.
The company aims to be known nationwide as a ‘moving train.’ Mndzebele’s core advice to new entrepreneurs is to prioritize “PASSION” to carry them through lean times and a clear “Vision” to act as a definitive goal.
The three SmartCentre Barbershop locations are: Oshoek next to Puma, Motjane Ngubonkhulu complex, and Nhlanganisweni next to the High school. Contact the company for inquiries or house calls via WhatsApp at +26879597493 or Call 76645920.
(Courtesy Pics)
