The viral automated refill store in Diepsloot changing SA grocery shopping

In Diepsloot, Skubu is reimagining how everyday essentials are bought and sold. Skubu is a fully automated refill store in Diepsloot that offers affordable staples like rice and flour, saving customers up to 50% compared to traditional retailers. Its rise to fame began with a simple TikTok video that captured the attention of millions of South Africans. Skubu’s creator, Eben de Jongh, shares how a tech-enabled refill retail model is helping communities access household goods without single-use packaging, making sustainability both affordable and practical. This is a story about the circular economy in action, where reducing plastic waste and lowering costs are not competing goals, but part of the same solution. A reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be abstract; it can show up in the most everyday places, changing how people live, one refill at a time. This episode is proudly brought to you by Old Mutual Wealth – helping clients grow, protect, and preserve what matters most with investment strategies designed to support your legacy. Comment below. The full edition drops every Friday at 07:00 on all of your favourite streaming platforms. The show is produced by An Wentzel and quality-checked by News24's editors.