Siyabonga Africa held a market for Mandela Day (July 18), where current and graduated students could exhibit and sell their work to kickstart their careers.
The entry was an item of non-perishable food or R10, and many volunteers ensured a lively atmosphere and friendly service.
There was a DJ, fashion and accessories, food, and fresh vegetables. The vegetables came from the food garden the centre started last Mandela Day.
There were dried chillies, spinach, cabbage, onions, delicious smoothies made from beetroot or spinach, honey, chilli sauce, flakes and paste.
The students and graduates exhibited clothes, bags, shoes, aprons and other accessories. One of the welding graduates also displayed some of the steel frame furniture she had built.
Others sold food and snacks, along with the centre’s bakery, Bread and Butter, which often sells loaves of bread to Felicitas School in bulk while delivering it to them for free.
Sarah Jane Brink, the centre’s director, said the market might become an annual event for every Mandela Day to help empower students of the centre, old and new.
“We can solve unemployment like this,” said Carol Mabophe, the project co-ordinator, when talking about the market.
“Look at these guys. There was no magic; it was just dedication and doing something with their hands [that brought them here]. Companies should give these young people a chance. They want to work,” she continued.
Siyabonga Africa also celebrates its 40th birthday this year, making all their latest projects and successes that much more special.
