Vilakazi Street came alive as it was transformed into the epitome of youth-culture hustle, echoing the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of 2019 which celebrated a youth on the rise. With the powerful backing of American Express, The Box Shop June 16 Food Market celebrated its second year of the partnership.
The food market featured 30 stalls operated by young entrepreneurs. Out of the 30 stalls, 12 stalls were dedicated to food from African-inspired traditional cuisines, hot authentic beverages, a display and showcase of local wines and ready-to-eat products. The remaining 10 stalls were dedicated to fashion, accessories and jewellery products.
American Express set up all 30 suppliers with Pocket Point-of-Sale (POS) devices at no cost to enable the youth-owned SMEs to transact with ease and to be used beyond the Box Shop June 16 Food Market at other markets.
Under the theme, Uprising, this year’s event recognised and celebrated youth heroes who were remembered but never celebrated. The establishment partnered with Mbuyisa Makhubo’s family and the June 16 Foundation to commemorate Mbuyisa Makhubu’s display of heroism and bravery on the fateful day when he carried 13-year-old Hector Peterson.
The day’s line-up included a knowledge sharing masterclass which unpacked the reality of being an entrepreneur in South Africa. The session was moderated by creative entrepreneur Nandi Dlepu. Joining the discussion to provide insights was the Box Shop co-founder Sifiso Moyo, American Express executive head, Mpho Sadiki, founder and managing director of Candi & Co, Candice Thurston and Palesa Mnyaka from Business Arts South Africa (BASA).
“We should be looking to the future and starting conversations about the realities of entrepreneurship,” Dlepu said.
Sadiki advised young entrepreneurs on cash-flow solutions and said it was important for them to register as vendors with the service providers that they want to supply to prevent delays in receiving payments.
“Think about how you want to get paid. Cash is an option but having a point-of-sale device is important no matter how big or small your business is,” Sadiki said.
Mnyaka also shared her words of wisdom by reiterating the importance of creativity, flexibility and partnership while Thurston urged the entrepreneurs to be purpose driven and passionate, taking on all challenges, to ensure success in their endeavours.
According to Moyo, the evolution of public markets in South Africa contributes positively to the country’s image by stimulating the culture of travel, from a domestic perspective. The market is now perceived and understood in the context of the long urban tradition across South Africa.
The day was filled with live music and performances from local hip-hop and soul music artist, DJs, dances, poetry, pop-up gallery, fashion show and a live mural painting of Mbuyisa Makhubo by artist Senzo Nhlapho.
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