‘Service Hub’ is a modern-day Yellow Pages that connects skills to jobs

Finding reliable service providers can be difficult, but a new mobile platform aims to simplify the struggle.

Service Hub allows users to find and hire a wide range of service providers, from everyday jobs to more specialised services.

The app is essentially a service-provider marketplace, designed to help those who need quick, reliable services connect with individuals or businesses offering those services.

It's the brainchild of founder Obonagetse Pataki.

"We came to a realisation that SMEs are really struggling with marketing, especially digital marketing, and they're limited to word-of-mouth."

For this reason, Pakati says, many SMEs struggle to get off the ground, and many end up shutting up shop before realising their potential.

"I like to refer to it as the modern-day Yellow Pages," he says.

The idea is simple, explains Pakati. The app connects everyday service providers and consumers.

Listings for providers have ratings, reviews, images, costs and a profile of the service providers in the users' area.

"I saw the need and wanted to fill a gap."

Pakati says the app features a broad range of service providers.

"It ranges from your graphic designing, your carpenters, your cleaning, gardening, car washes and so forth."

And far from being an overnight success, Pakati explains that developing the app to what it is today has taken time.

"It actually took four years to develop what we have now."

Service providers subscribe to the platform on a monthly basis.

"We have a vetting system in place," says Pakati. "We don't just approve anyone who wants to be on the system. Depending on the type of work you do, we would also request references."

To listen to Pataki in conversation with 702's Kgomotso Modise, use the audio player below: