Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in South Africa, particularly in low-income townships like Alexandra. Traditional food systems often fail to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable solutions. Enter the Gcwalisa weigh-and-pay model, a groundbreaking initiative that merges socioeconomic upliftment with environmental sustainability. A recent Research & Development (R&D) study conducted by the University of Johannesburg’s Process Energy and Environmental Technology Station (PEETS) highlights the significant impact of this innovative approach.
Making Food Affordable and Accessible
Gcwalisa enables customers to bring reusable containers and purchase bulk food items at prices up to 75% lower than traditional supermarkets. By eliminating packaging costs, the store directly supports low-income households struggling with rising food prices. This model is particularly impactful in communities where transport costs to supermarkets can consume a large portion of already limited budgets.
Customers are also empowered to buy only the quantities they need, reducing food waste while improving food security. The study found that 35% of respondents benefited directly from this model, affirming its effectiveness in addressing household food insecurity.
Driving Sustainability Through Reduced Plastic Waste
A core principle of Gcwalisa is fostering a zero-waste culture. By encouraging reusable containers, the store has significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics. Over half of the customers actively participate in this initiative, but the study also revealed a gap in environmental awareness, with only 10% of customers fully understanding the broader impact of plastic waste.
To address this, Gcwalisa is rolling out educational campaigns, using in-store displays and messaging to inform customers about the importance of sustainable practices.
Fostering Trust and Community Engagement
Gcwalisa’s success is deeply rooted in its ability to earn the community’s trust. The store’s cleanliness and the helpfulness of its staff are frequently praised, with 92% of respondents rating the store as "very clean" and 87% finding the staff "helpful" or "very helpful."
This focus on hygiene and customer service distinguishes Gcwalisa from other spaza shops in the area, enhancing its reputation as a reliable and welcoming place to shop.
Contributing to Global Sustainability Goals
The Gcwalisa model aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including
- SDG 1: No Poverty – By offering affordable food to low-income households.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By improving access to essential food items in underserved communities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By integrating sustainable practices and building resilient communities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By promoting a zero-waste culture through the use of reusable containers.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – By collaborating with community-based organisations and manufacturers to streamline supply chains and reduce costs.
Opportunities for Expansion
The R&D report highlights the potential to replicate the Gcwalisa model in other townships. Expanding this initiative could benefit more low-income households while promoting sustainability. Recommendations for the future include introducing loyalty programs and maintaining strong communication channels with customers to deepen community ties.
Spaza shops serve as a food security measure for low-income urban households who cannot use supermarkets as their main source of food22. The results of the study concurred with the statement as the results indicated that Gcwalisa was among the most preferred for monthly grocery shopping, with one of the respondents indicating that they only shop at supermarkets if the store is closed. Spaza shops are, therefore, an important part of township communities as they not only provide access to the basic needs of consumers but also provide employment opportunities among township communities.
