STIMULATING TOWNSHIP ECONOMY

By Roma nna Media House Last updated May 19, 2021

Three young entrepreneurs celebrated youth month with what they do best, “business”. Thabisho Moruri, Roderick Mavundla and Sipho Maxegwana are founders of Kasi Market, a trade fair held in front of Jabulani Butchery in Botsang Street, Vergenoeg, Kimberley.

A number of entrepreneurs responded well to the event. There were a wide variety of items on display from insurance, clothing, accessories and various artist including tattoos.

Each client was given a few minutes to present their product to the public.

The audience was mesmerrised by different dancers who showecased their talent, a confirmation that indeed we are in kasi.

The multi talented Faith Mhlongo was the program director and model for Nagpil clothing label.

It was inspiring to see two high school learners, Brandon Resego Manyape and Kholine Matlhaopane displaying their arts. The duo has been marketing their products through social media and word of mouth.

Brandon, a first-time exhibitor, who has been attracted to colours since childhood and started painting from an early age. The reality only struck him this year that he could make an income out of his passion. His work is in pastel, acrylic, charcoal and lino printing.

Kholine, the owner of Kholes Bracelet and Necklaces, started designing and creating accessories since last year. Her target market starts from children to adult, you qualify for a lolly for each item purchased.

Nagpil, a clothing brand owned by a co-operative of eight youngsters. It is ten years since the business started operating and believe in the distribution of labour. All members are actively involved from drafting patterns, sourcing material, sewing and administration. Their second label Moribo produces school uniform. “We intend to employ more people as business grow” said Monageng Scheepers, a member of the co-operative.

Motheo Funeral Insurance, one of the new “insurance concept”, sells cash policies which cover, tombstones, meat, groceries and other essentials needed during a funeral.

Matimba Chipung, the founder of My Black is Beautiful Movement, said “the objective is to embrace dark-skinned people in our society”. She sells beautiful long and short sleeves T-shirt with positive messages.

Other exhibitors included the Small Entrepreneur Development Agency (SEDA), Infinive Blaqu Feather, a tattoo boutique in Mangope Street, Tswelelang, Obakeng Shoai, a Deep House Activist selling T-shirts. Letlhogonolo Montwedi from Maxilla Portraits, specialises in Human Portraits and Luvuyo Tshaka from Redq label or Dungeon Style, embraced a niche market of using heavy fabric such as velvet, sack, and upholstery, he also designs and sews shoes.

Mr Dingi Mhlongo, owner of Jabulani Butchery was impressed with this initiative as this is a model of township economy.

“The idea is to stimulate and return the buying power to our townships”, said Roderick Mavundla, the organiser.

He can be contacted at 061 107 0725 to book a stall.

The next Market will be in August at the same venue.

By Karabo Ntanzi