Two Pretoria West business women hosted their first Proclamation Hill Springfest flea market last week at Danville Clinic sports ground on the corner of WF Nkomo and TransOranje roads.
Thelma Tamsanqa and her business partner, Sakhile Mkhonta organised Springfest as an event designed to give a platform to people and businesses that suffered greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic to showcase their products and services to residents to fend off joblessness.
Tamsanqa is the owner of Creative Decor and Mkhonta owns Fabric Fantasies, the women believe initiatives such as these will help small businesses in the area get back on their feet.
Various governmental entities were in attendance as well, including the Pretoria West SAPS, health department and social services.
The police handed out pamphlets to educate residents on issues such as safety tips, rights of elderly people, domestic violence and substance abuse. The health department offered free health screening to community members in attendance.
Indaba Zosindiso is a Christian orphanage in Danville Pretoria West that Tamsanqa and Mkhonta plan to donate the proceeds to. Tamsanqa believes initiatives such as these will help small businesses in the area recover from the crippling effects of Covid-19
Tamsanqa explains: “As charity starts at home, the market aims to motivate local businesses to support each other first, by making and bringing the best quality products to their niche market and supporting the value chain.”
The businesswomen plan to host these markets on the last Saturday of each month, the next one being planned for October. and appeal to donors to assist with its “go big” theme plan for the market.
“Being impactful for purpose is our vision, and I pray for this to be the beginning of greater things that would change lives. We are hoping this grows into a business expo that will put Pretoria West on the map,” continued Tamsanqa
Business vendors interested in stalls are required to call in, fill out an information form and adhere to regulations.
Vendor Philly Selundu, an owner of a small catering company, expressed his appreciation for the market.
“This was well organised, we enjoyed seeing new members who have team spirit. We learned new business skills from each other. Clients supported us a lot. As this was the beginning attendance was not satisfactory but we will grow and expand our initiative.”
Tamsanqa and Mkhonta thanked Jinger for its media sponsorship, the government entities that attended and the businesses that participated as well.
It also assured West residents that the market was here to stay.
“Seeing how our locals would visit other markets struck me with so much concern to rather bring back the market to Pretoria West. Digital marketing is not for everyone, hence we need to find alternative plans that would help change people’s lives,” concluded Tamsanqa
For more information, contact Sakhile Mkonta on 0832469020 or Thelma Tamsanqa on 078 737 6044.
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**This article has been amended**
