A pair of young entrepreneurs in Beaufort West found a clever way to earn a few rands while easing the daily struggle for water in their community.
Beaufort West, South Africa (17 September 2026) – Two young boys have turned a water crisis into a small hustle that’s making life a little easier for people in their town.
Beaufort West has been battling a water crisis, leaving residents reliant on water distribution points and trucks while supply problems continue. Amid the frustration it has caused, two youngsters got into the business of becoming the community’s helpers.
“While Beaufort West faces a water crises, where frustration and despair are everywhere, two young boys from Mandela Square are turning a disaster into hope.”
Alex Fox recently shared their story on Facebook, where it has already earned more than a thousand likes and shares.
According to Fox, the boys have been working a local street with a wheelbarrow in tow, collecting buckets from residents who need water.
“They took the initiative to turn this crisis into their daily hustle. They carry people’s buckets, go and refill them with water at the distribution trucks, and bring them back to your homes – especially for elderly people who cannot walk far – for just a small donation”
A simple little business, born out of a very real need. Getting buckets to a water truck, filling them and hauling that water back home is a challenge, especially for elderly residents or anyone who cannot easily make the journey themselves.
“Entrepreneurship is not waiting for opportunity, it is identifying opportunity inside a problem. These two boys saw that our community was struggling, that our elders were suffering, and they stepped in with a solution.”
They may be earning a little bit of pocket money, but every trip also means one less person struggling to carry heavy buckets home.
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Alex is now encouraging Beaufort West locals to keep an eye out for the young businessmen and support their budding venture when they can.
“Let’s support them. If you see them in Mandela Square, give them that R5, R10, R20 donation.”
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