Entrepreneur Nick Chali has launched Backroom Bookings, a web-based accommodation platform that connects township property owners with guests looking for authentic, local South African short stays. The idea was born out of a stay at his aunt's backroom in Mamelodi, where he realized that millions of South Africans live in modest spaces that mainstream accommodation platforms rarely recognize. Chali saw an opportunity to turn these overlooked spaces into income-generating assets.
Chali's research and development phase lasted 18 months, followed by six months of testing before the platform reached its pilot stage. The platform uses a commission model designed to put income directly into the hands of township homeowners, with hosts not paying upfront to list their properties. Chali's long-term vision is to list more than 500 townships and 12,500 properties, starting with a nine-month Gauteng pilot targeting 150 properties in Soweto, Thembisa, and Mamelodi.
The platform aims to offer hotel-room comfort while retaining the unique character of each township space. Every listing will undergo quality checks before being made available. Chali plans to involve interior designers from the same communities to help hosts improve their spaces. He is also speaking to funding institutions to support marketing and start-up costs. The platform is live at www.backroombookings.co.za, where property owners can register and access a host dashboard.
Chali's vision is to empower township homeowners to earn a steady income from their spare rooms or guesthouses. He imagines a homeowner in Mamelodi earning R4,000 to R5,000 a month from a spare room to help pay school fees, or a Soweto property owner growing from one unit into a portfolio. Success for Chali is measured by the lives behind the listings.
The platform is part of a broader effort to recognize the entrepreneurial potential of townships. Chali believes that townships are not just residential areas, but entrepreneurial ecosystems held together by a sense of community and ubuntu. He hopes to build a network of quality listings before welcoming guests onto the platform. Currently, no accommodation has been listed, and there are no rooms available for booking.
Chali is encouraging township property owners in Soweto, Thembisa, and Mamelodi to register their rooms, backrooms, cottages, and guest accommodation as part of the Gauteng pilot. He plans to grow the business steadily with quality listings. The platform offers a unique opportunity for township homeowners to monetize their unused spaces and connect with guests seeking authentic local experiences.
Backroom Bookings offers a new category of accommodation that is built on hospitality, ubuntu, and access to the 'local is lekker' culture. The platform has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of township homeowners and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Key points
- Backroom Bookings connects township property owners with guests seeking authentic local stays.
- The platform uses a commission model to put income directly into the hands of township homeowners.
- Chali's long-term vision is to list more than 500 townships and 12,500 properties.
