Gcwalisa Weigh-and-Pay Shops Combat Food Insecurity in Johannesburg

The social enterprise Gcwalisa operates six container-based weigh-and-pay shops in the Alexandra township of Johannesburg, South Africa. Launched in 2022, the model allows low-income residents to purchase nutritious food and household essentials by weight, enabling customers to buy exactly what they can afford while avoiding the poverty tax associated with expensive, small pre-packaged goods.

The initiative addresses a national paradox in South Africa, where the country remains food self-sufficient despite widespread food insecurity affecting nearly two-thirds of households and high unemployment rates. Beyond food retail, the enterprise provides critical community infrastructure, including free wifi, solar-powered electricity for schools and homes, and a medical pickup point for diabetes and HIV medications.

Founder Miles Kubheka designed the model to eliminate financial barriers for poor families, while head of operations Josephine Katumba manages the accessibility of nutritious foods within local food deserts.