Riving Lehae - The Rise Of Lehae Market Day

Tucked away in the south of Johannesburg lies the vibrant township of Lehae, home to a thriving community of black households. While Lehae boasts popular hotspots like Da Kitchen, Come Duze, Meat Khona Chisanyama, KwaNtsele, Khaya Center and the Lehae Library, a new initiative is breathing fresh life into this bustling neighborhood: Lehae Market Day. It is set to take place at Lehae Phase 1 taxi rank on the 21st of April 2025.

This article is derived from an interview with the mastermind behind Lehae Marketplace.

Thando Mabaso • image provided by interviewee

We spoke with Thando Mabaso, one of the passionate and driven admin behind Lehae Market Day. Thando's nickname, "Bathandekayo," which means "beloved," was given to her by the community, reflecting her warm and caring approach to interacting with others.

Can you tell us a bit about how you came to Lehae?

"I first arrived in Lehae on December 31, 2017, from Orlando East, Soweto. As I settled into the area, I was struck by the high levels of poverty and unemployment. It troubled me to see the social issues that stemmed from these challenges."

How did you respond to these challenges, and what inspired you to start selling everyday relish?

"I decided to take action by starting small. I began selling everyday relish items like mince, wors, chicken pieces, and beef meaty bones for just R10. My goal was to not only provide a convenient service but also to inspire and empower others to do the same."

How did the idea for Lehae Market Day come about?

"Everything started in a WhatsApp group consisting of vendors from Lehae and surrounding areas. We realized the need for a dedicated space where we could run our businesses. So, we began planning Lehae Market Day, an event that would bring our community together and provide a platform for local vendors to showcase their products."

Can you tell us more about the planning process and how you're ensuring the event's success?

"Everyone in the WhatsApp group is participating in bringing people together. We're working closely with the policing department to ensure security, and we've also enlisted the help of local boys to assist with cleanup efforts."

What do you hope to achieve with Lehae Market Day, and how do you envision it impacting the community?

"My ultimate goal is to inspire and empower each household in Lehae to sell something, thereby reducing poverty. I believe that by providing a platform for local vendors, we can create a ripple effect of economic growth and social change."

Growing Support and Inclusivity

Although there is no initial target for raising funds, the admin hopes to attract more vendors to register for stalls, which cost only R100. To maintain transparency, funds are managed through the Stockfella app, where members pay R50 on a monthly basis to cover membership and admin fees.

To promote the event, the admin leverages social media, recognizing that "people are always on their phones." The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback expressing excitement and hope for a brighter future.

In a bid to create inclusivity, the team has extended invitations to the community of special needs and senior citizens, ensuring that the event is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or status.

A Call to Partnership and Action

As Lehae Market Day continues to gain momentum, the admin emphasizes the importance of collaboration: "We wish to partner with everyone, as we're trying to build the economy." By joining forces with local organizations, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact on the community.

In fact, we invite anyone from any department to propose a partnership,

"Tell us what you're bringing, and we'll evaluate if it's for the benefit of the community or for self-enrichment. If it aligns with our values and vision, we'll approve it."

Community-Driven Success

The team is relying on social media, community WhatsApp groups, and word of mouth to encourage participation on the day of the event. Notably, there was no selection or criteria for vendors; instead, individuals were drawn to the initiative's vision and values.

As the event is still in its infant stages, everyone is motivated to provide resources. However, the community has been requested to assist with water and electricity on the day of the event, as the venue lacks these amenities.

To ensure a diverse range of performers, vendors are asked to advise on what they're selling as they register. This information is carefully noted to keep track of the various offerings.

Sustaining Momentum

We acknowledge that last-minute cancellations may occur, but we emphasize that forfeiting contributions is unavoidable in such cases. Undeterred, the team plans to continue selling in the taxi rank even after the event, with the goal of hosting recurring events to raise funds and support the community.

"We don't have any sponsorship, so we need to continue hosting these events to raise funds and achieve our vision of building the community and restoring infrastructure,"

explains the admin.

Sharing the Journey and Impact

To share the outcomes and impact of Lehae Market Day, the team plans to publish a digital magazine featuring the beautiful moments captured from the beginning of planning to the future. This will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the initiative's progress and the difference it's making in the community.

Lessons Learned: The Power of Relationships in Business

Thando emphasizes the importance of building relationships with customers, stressing that "people do business with people they know, like, and trust." She advises vendors to focus on creating meaningful connections with their customers, rather than solely focusing on sales.

"If you love and care for people, they will buy from you. Because they're not really buying the product, they're buying you."

Thando's wisdom highlights the significance of personal branding and genuine customer engagement in business.

Lehae Market Day is more than just an event – it's a beacon of hope and opportunity for the people of Lehae. As the community comes together to support local vendors and promote economic growth, it's clear that this initiative is just the beginning of a brighter future for Lehae.