Mogalakwena municipality hosts vibrant street market, empowering local business

Pretty Ndaba

The streets of Mokopane were abuzz with activity as the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), and other key stakeholders, hosted a successful street market. The event, held on October 6th, 2024, provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.

Business owners participating in the market expressed their sincere gratitude to the municipality and all stakeholders involved for the opportunity. They highlighted the event’s positive impact on their businesses, allowing them to reach new customers, increase brand awareness, and generate valuable revenue. One such beneficiary of the market is Clifford Pitjeng, owner of Mogwasha Fruit Juice, who credits the market with significantly boosting his business visibility and expanding his reach.

“Attending the street market helped me get visibility from a large audience, even to people who do not rely on social media to support my business,” Pitjeng said. “The market has helped me get markets that enabled me to supply to about 75 stores around Limpopo since the beginning of my company in 2017.”

Mogalakwena street market saw a diverse range of entrepreneurs participate, including Bonga of Bonga Fashion, Lesley of Lesley’s Sweet Treats, and Elizabeth Maluleke of Liza’s Signature. These entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with potential customers and gain valuable exposure. Mr. Richard Makhubele, District Information Officer at SEDA, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it was crucial for SMMEs to have opportunities to showcase their offerings and connect with potential customers. “We encourage more businesses to take part in similar initiatives,” said Makhubele. He urged interested SMMEs to visit the SEDA office at 40 Retief Street, Mokopane, or the Local Economic Development office in the Mogalakwena Municipality for more information. Alternatively, they can also visit SEDA’s social media platforms for updates and details.

The event also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among local entrepreneurs. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with other SMMEs and learn from their experiences. The SEDA has been actively supporting the growth of SMMEs in the area, and this street market is just one of many initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.