Spring Day Market empowers local entrepreneurs

On September 1, Dinkwe Maimela (DM) Events hosted the highly successful second instalment of the Spring Day Market at 3497 Maqgokhwe Street, Zone 3, Pimville.

The event aimed to empower local entrepreneurs by connecting them with the community.

Numerous business owners seized the opportunity to network, expand their customer base and strengthen existing relationships.

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The market featured diverse stalls with branded gazebos, showcasing products ranging from designer clothing and pre-loved items to flower pots, fast food, hats, and services like décor, pedicures and manicures.

Despite the amended Township Economic Act of 2019, local businesses continue to face challenges due to limited market access, resources and support.

Organisers, Mareng Kgopola and Mokgadi Ramokgopa of DM Events emphasised that business compliance, market access, resources, and marketing are crucial for driving township economic growth.

Kgopola, driven by personal passion, plans to revive her family’s legacy by reopening her mother’s shebeen and revitalising the iconic Jazz Clinic, a beloved hub for jazz enthusiasts in Soweto.

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Although financial constraints currently hinder her own business ambitions, she is committed to supporting fellow entrepreneurs.

“I may not have the means to reopen immediately, but I wanted to help others,” Kgopola explained.

“This is a start; we envision the street market growing and becoming a premier event that fosters community unity and economic growth.”

Co-founder, Ramokgopa added, “Our goal is to uplift the community and tackle the high unemployment rate plaguing our country.

“This is just the beginning – we’re already scouting a larger venue to accommodate more vendors and invite neighbouring communities to join us.”

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Thulani Zondo, founder of Shezlom Clothing from Emdeni, said the market offered him a great opportunity to expose his brand to new people.

Zondo designs aesthetic jeans, jackets, bags, and hats and is also an artisan.

Philda Fenyane, founder of Duma’s Events from Freedom Park, secured five potential bookings since her arrival in the morning.

“Coming out here is important because you meet people. You may not make a sale at that moment, but you create a network of people who might need your services in the future,” Fenyane said.

Artist, Kopano Matale stated that this will become one of the prominent events, and he will continue to support it.

Matale’s art is inspired by the Himba tribe merged with Ndebele-influenced patterns. He imprints his art on various household items like cushions, stickers, clothing items and sneakers.

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The Himba people are an indigenous tribe living in northern Namibia, primarily in the Kunene Region.

Matale’s artwork depicts a boy, wearing the neck jewellery and intricate hairstyle mostly braids, and captivating patterns and colours of the Ndebele tribe incorporated in the regalia.

Snowy Rodgers and Hli Choshi were spotted having lunch at Ko Dijong’s stall and highly praised founder, Brenda Mtshali for her unique meals and kotas.

Other participating businesses included Cozy Corner, Flattie Nails, Organic Corner, NX Shop and many others.

Ramokgopa said they plan to host the event monthly and hopefully secure sponsorship to host every fortnight.

For updates on upcoming events, contact Ramokgopa on 061 512 2650.