• Cloudy Deliveries does last-mile door-to-door deliveries in townships using bicycles.
• The innovative concept was enough to win over the judges of the DHL GIBS Route to Market Challenge.
• The win gives Cloudy Deliveries the potential to explore business opportunities with DHL Express SSA.

Yes we are indeed shouting out two township-based delivery services in one week. Yesterday we brought you news of Telkom’s investment in Delivery Ka Speed and today we’re highlighting Cloudy Deliveries.

In 2020, Colin Mkosi spotted a gap in the market for deliveries in Langa, Cape Town. Seizing this opportunity, Mkosi began last-mile deliveries in townships, using bicycles. Over the last four years the service has expanded and now Mkosi has a staff of 10.

It’s a brilliant idea and one that has won Mkosi the first DHL GIBS Route to Market Challenge. This challenge, held in partnership with Raizcorp, identifies innovative, high-potential businesses with the capacity to positively impact South Africa.

With this win, Cloudy Deliveries can explore potential supply chain integration and partnership with DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Winning the DHL GIBS Route to Market Challenge 2024 has been a remarkable achievement, especially since it’s the first of its kind,” says Mkosi. “This competition opens doors for businesses like mine to form partnerships with major players in the logistics industry, offering significant growth opportunities.”

Through the challenge Cloudy Deliveries gains exposure to key decision-makers in the logistics sector, mentorship and of course, the networking potential.

The top five contestants received guidance from Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) experts. This advice included how to position their businesses for growth and pitch to funders and partners.

They were then given the chance to test their skills with proposals to a panel of experienced business leaders, including Hennie Heymans (DHL Express), Allon Raiz (Raizcorp), Anthony Beckley (DHL Express), Thulani Nala (DHL Express) and Dr Faith Mashele (GIBS).

The top three businesses then advanced to in-depth interviews, where they showcased their potential to integrate with DHL’s supply chain and forge meaningful partnerships.

“This competition aligns closely to one of the key priorities in our business, the development of SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We want to make a tangible difference in the winners’ businesses – to ensure they grow sustainably by connecting people and improving lives,” Hennie Heymans, chief executive officer of DHL Express SSA said in a statement.

For those in the logistics and medical/health sector, keep an eye on the Route to Market website for news on the next iteration of the challenge.