Gogos show entrepreneurial savvy at Market Day
Thanda is grateful to everyone who supported the event this year.
The festive season of markets and merriment has officially kicked off, and nowhere was it more special than at Thanda’s Arts & Crafts Market Day in rural Mtwalume.
Hosted last week by the talented gogos of the non-profit’s creative initiative, this year’s event sparkled with craftsmanship and community spirit.
For these gogos, Market Day is the culmination of a year of hard work at Thanda’s Community Centre, where they bead, weave, and knit while sharing cups of tea, stories of yesteryears, and the occasional playful debate about who makes the best amagwinya.
Their creations – ranging from intricate beadwork to stunning straw-woven baskets – capture the essence of tradition while providing modern, practical beauty.
This year’s event saw the gogos earn more than double what they did last year. “Finding handmade gifts with such a personal touch is rare these days,” says Angela Larkan, executive director at Thanda. “The gogos’ earnings reflect not only their dedication but also the community’s recognition of their importance as cultural and social pillars in local neighbourhoods.”
New to the shelves this year were woven straw products, including mats and baskets, all crafted on a traditional loom built by Thanda’s facilities and maintenance caretaker, Babazi Msimango.
Another highlight was the involvement of children and youth supported by Thanda, who were given the opportunity to learn these crafts.
Of particular note, two teens, Singobile and Thubelihle, displayed real talent this year by creating and selling beaded jewellery at Market Day to earn some well-deserved pocket money.
Both are part of Thanda’s Inclusion Programme for children with disabilities and are not in formal schooling, which makes their twice-a-week sessions with the gogos even more rewarding.
Thanda is grateful to everyone who supported the event this year. For more information about the programme or to learn more about non-profit Thanda, visit www.thanda.org
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