Harry Mohlala on duty to realize his dream of Jacobs coffee kiosk on the road
JACOBS Coffee supports Coffee on Grayston, helping entrepreneur Harry Mohlala realize his dream. Harry’s vision of a coffee kiosk at the Department of Home Aff airs inspired him to start his business. Despite working in various industries, Harry wanted to be his own boss. He resigned in November 2022 and launched Coffee on Grayston three months later, testing his business during a financially tough time to ensure its resilience. Starting with a trolley cart, Harry sold coffee, tea, and Rooibos to commuters. Despite early mishaps, his commitment to customer service shone through. His business gained traction with support from the Chefs Association of South Africa and Sonwaro, where he received barista training. A viral TikTok video further boosted his profile, leading to a partnership with Jacobs.
Jacobs provided Harry with a branded backpack for safe mobility, comprehensive product training, and connections with sub-distributors. They also partnered with Engen and Sourcefin to supply branded kits, enhancing Coffee on Grayston›s visibility. Harry now sells 20 to 25 cups of coffee daily from 6 am to 10 am. Responding to customer demand, he off ers freshly baked scones and plans to add more treats. With his fi rst employee hired, Harry aims to create more jobs and expand his business. Ultimately, he envisions a ‹hustle hub› to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jacobs plans to introduce branded bicycles as mobile coffee stations, continuing their Coffee on the Go initiative, which equipped 1500 spaza shops. This eff ort not only broadens Jacobs› market reach but also supports the growth of small businesses, crucial for South Africa’s future.