The Alex Mall hosted art, fashion, food and entertainment displays by local and youths from other countries to encourage them and their peers to be entrepreneurs.
The initiative was organised by VM Lubisi Events Trading Project and the Greater Alex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Galxcoc). It attracted a sizable crowd to a display of a variety of music genres, poetry, dance and impressive handmade crafts, clothing and other artefacts by youths from around the continent.
Vincent Lubisi of VM Lubisi Events said the free occasion sought to unearth the immense talent of the youth. “It’s an occasion for the youth, by the young, with the youth to, expose their potential as small, medium and micro entrepreneurs punted by the government but not assisted to thrive,” he said, calling for long term support from the Department of Arts and Culture.
Lubisi, a youngster and cafe owner at the popular Maboneng business precinct in central Joburg lauded the displays that included branded T-shirts, Rastafarian items, immaculately embroidered handbags and traditional clothing.
He urged for corporate support to mentor and partner the youth to help them be successful future entrepreneurs.
Tshitshi Bowers of Galxcoc said, “There is more good than bad happening in Alex through social and economic projects that give hope and retain the local economy for the local benefit,” she said.
Participants lauded the event. Beautician Phathiswa Mduba urged for more events such as this to expose the talent of the youth as she polished Unathi Mhloba’s nails. Simlindile Zwane from Thokoza who was displaying crafts from Zimbabwe and Ghana hailed the platform and said it exposed Africa’s greatness, creativity and immortal beauty.
Kenyan Rhoda Landa and Congolese Graca Mulumba’s range of handmade bags, bangles, necklaces, beads and clothes affirmed the continent’s rich artful tapestry.
Author Gavin Matseke, who was the master of ceremonies said charity began at home. “We should expose, recognise and appreciate what is ours before conquering the world,” he said.
Hip-hop artist and award winning Sphiwe Mbunjane aka SpijotheKYZ who is about to release his debut album, Pandemonium, said he was on a journey to stardom courtesy of the platform.
Details: Vincent Lubisi 084 948 3622 Galxcoc 011 440 8103
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