And since the computer industry is one of exponential growth, peripheral industries like computer maintenance and repair are here to stay.

Township mechanics in South Africa unite to turbocharge their small businesses Independent car mechanics in South Africa’s townships have long worked outside of the country’s vehicle repair ...

Dell veteran Habib Mahakian was appointed managing director of the computer giant’s South African business in May 2025.

South Africa has over 700,000 registered small businesses. In the townships these include hair salons, taverns, car repair shops, laundromats and others sometimes operating out of people’s homes.

New “right to repair” rules in South Africa mean car owners can now have their vehicles serviced by registered independent mechanics and not lose their warranties.

South Africa has over 700,000 registered small businesses. In the townships these include hair salons, taverns, car repair shops, laundromats and others sometimes operating out of people’s homes.