One-stop ZOK Shop
Sep 22 2008
Retail Wrap >>

SA communications company ZOK Cellular has introduced an entrepreneurial project that will supply communities with essential retail, financial and communications services. The ZOK facility is a compact multi-function business unit that operates out of a refurbished shipping container. The name is taken from the initials of the three original partners - the Zion Christian Church, and top local football clubs Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs.

The ZOK containers have been officially launched with assistance from Blue Label Telecoms and in partnership with Vodacom, Absa Bank, and Premier Foods. Other key partners are software giant Microsoft and wireless internet provider iBurst, while the three initial partners are still shareholders in the ZOK brand.

ZOK intends to distribute more than 2 000 containers over the next few years across South Africa, rolling out between 30 and 40 every month. Each container costs R35 000 (excluding VAT) and is divided into two sections, one offering communication services such as four public telephones, two internet stations, and banking and faxing facilities, and the other operating as a small spaza shop that will sell prepaid airtime and electricity, lottery tickets and basic fast-moving consumer goods such as bread and maize meal.

Source: www. sagoodnews.co.za, 5 August 2008