The Nhabe Museum Trust has revived its long-standing flea market to promote tourism, local talent, and cultural preservation.
The second edition of the revived event, held at the Nhabe Museum on Saturday, attracted small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) specialising in beadwork, engraving, handicrafts, knitting, painting, and wall design.
Nhabe Museum Coordinator Tumelo Thuthuka told this publication that the market aims to help SMMEs advertise and sell their products more effectively. He emphasised that a core mandate of the museum is to protect both tangible and intangible culture.
“We are very interested in appreciating our indigenous knowledge. We have been supporting basket weavers for a long time by promoting and selling their products on their behalf,” Thuthuka said.
He noted that the open flea market had existed for nearly 30 years before it was halted. “We have now revived the programme to enhance trade between entrepreneurs and customers,” he added. Thuthuka observed that current economic challenges require alternative survival skills, such as entrepreneurship, and expressed appreciation for the entrepreneurs who turned out despite a low initial customer footfall.
The market day also serves as a service delivery hub, with institutions such as Capital Bank and the Nhabe Training Institute participating. Thuthuka stated that the Trust intends to make the flea market an annual event, offering customers the chance to purchase cultural items—such as cosmetics and woodwork—at affordable rates.
One entrepreneur, Ruth Monageng, shared that her family started a business in December to cope with the slow economy. “We decided to bring together our wooden goods, beaded jewelry, wallpaper designs, and traditional greens to sell,” she said, adding that her family relies on these handicrafts for their livelihood.
The event also featured established local companies, including Lighthouse Designs and Prestige, showcasing woven baskets, crocheted clothing, textiles, branded apparel, and home decorations.
