Breaking down barriers and growing the township economy “kasi-style” is the idea behind a new market that two entrepreneurs are hosting in Port Elizabeth.
On the back of a successful Kasi Social Market in New Brighton in October, Lelethu Guntu, 32, and Limakatso Mani, 28, are already planning the next event, on December 9.
The two have experience in events, having been involved in the Rainbow Documentary, Kasi Pride and Unplugged Sunday Sessions.
The aim of the Kasi Social Market is to cultivate talent in the city’s townships while keeping its spirit vibrant through art, fashion, food and music.
Township crafters, business owners and artists will be given a space to show off their talents at the December event at PataPata Lifestyle in New Brighton.
Mani said the crafters, business owners and artists were all from previously disadvantaged areas around the Bay.
“It is an event by the kasi, for the kasi. This market aims to grow the Bay’s township economy in terms of art, fashion, food and music,” she said.
“The first event was on November 4 and was also held at PataPata Lifestyle.”
Mani said the crowd was entertained at the first event by the stalls, mobile bars, designers, brand promoters, jewellers, painters and entertainment.
“Initially the idea was to host the event quarterly. However, small business owners saw the market as a great platform for exposure,” she said.
“And the crowd could not help but pass compliments about how they were enjoying themselves at every corner.
“With that being said, we felt we had no choice but to host another one in December.”
The market welcomes all township-based businesses.
Cheeky Vintage clothing shop owner Botlenyane Moleko, 24, said the market was an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
“I had a stall at the previous one to showcase my vintage clothing and it was a wonderful opportunity for me to publicise my business.”
Nontuthuzelo Jolingana, 29, said the market was a perfect opportunity for the #Total Shutdown movement to talk about social ills in a relaxed environment.
The movement is behind the mass push for action to be taken against gender-based violence.
“We booked a stall last time and sold T-shirts and, even though the weather was bad, everything went well.
“We will definitely attend the following one,” she said.
Azmeli owner Vuyolwethu Ndabambi, 26, who had a food stall at the previous market, said the event helped boost her business confidence.
“It was amazing and I’m definitely attending the next one,” Ndabambi said.
“I received advice from other entrepreneurs who attended and also had good feedback from customers. It will help grow my business.”
Artists confirmed to perform at the next market include Leko the Jazz, Songo Songo, Jooma, Soultronix, Deepteq, blaq Nubian Zandilla, Suli Soul and Wamkelwa.