Springs Girls High School welcomed residents, businesses and supporters to its Christmas in July community market on July 25.

The market raised funds to improve the school’s netball and tennis courts while creating an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

The market, which featured about 30 stalls selling handmade goods, food, sweets and other products, was introduced as a mid-year alternative to the school’s traditional December market.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, teacher and organiser Caitlyn Pretorius said the decision was made after the school found that many learners were already on holiday by the time the December market took place.

“We realised that our December market was a little difficult for some of the learners to attend because they had already gone on holiday. The summer heat was also challenging for some of the vendors,” she said.

Pretorius believes that the school thought holding it in July would give the community something to enjoy in the middle of the year.

She highlighted that the primary goal of the fundraiser is to upgrade the school’s ageing netball and tennis courts, which cannot be funded through the school’s normal budget.

“Our extracurricular facilities need an upgrade and, as a school, we cannot allocate school funds to that, so we are trying to raise the money ourselves to improve those facilities for our learners,” she said.

One of the local entrepreneurs at the market was Springs resident Tumi King, owner of Royal Treats, who sold a variety of sweet confectionery items.

King told the publication that she decided to take part after receiving encouragement from a friend and a personal invitation from the school’s principal.

“A friend of mine registered to have a stall and convinced me to come. I also got a personal invite because I usually do things for the school, so I decided to sell my goods here,” she said.

She believes community markets play an important role in helping small businesses grow.
King believes that the markets are a good way to get your name out there.

She explained that events like this give people something to do on a Saturday while supporting local businesses instead of only big franchises, and are important for our community.

Having previously taken part in another market several years ago, King said she changed her approach this time.

“The first time I sold bigger takeaway items. I learned that people would rather have something to eat while they are at the market, so I tried a different strategy this time.”

She said she would consider participating in future markets hosted by the school, depending on the success of the event. King also encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs not to let fear stop them from showcasing their businesses.

Pretorius emphasised that community support is vital in helping the school provide opportunities beyond the classroom.

“We saw incredible support during our 75th birthday celebrations earlier this year, and we are so grateful to everyone who supports our school. It helps us provide the best well-rounded education we can for our girls,” she said.

She added that the market also allows learners to see entrepreneurship in action.

“There are so many talented people in our community and many of our stallholders are a testament to that.

“A number of them are female entrepreneurs, and it’s valuable for our learners to see what it takes to run a business and to be inspired by those examples,” highlighted Pretorius.

She added that the school is considering hosting another market later this year, although plans have not yet been finalised.

Pretorius encouraged the community to continue supporting the school and its fundraising initiatives.

“These girls represent the future of our country. They are strong young women who will lead the next generation.

“When the community supports our school, it strengthens not only our learners but the entire community.”