The success of the first Maties Marketplace exceeded all expectations and even Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, braved the rainy weather to attend.
Handmade jewellery, clothing, craft work, food and wine were just some of the items for sale at the event held on Wednesday 21 August. Student musicians and the local radio station MFM created a festive atmosphere and visitors could buy something to eat and drink and gather around a table in the tent.
"We were pleasantly surprised by the community's support," said JD Labuschagne, junior business developer at SU, shortly after the conclusion of the first market.
"All the stallholders who sold items made a profit and everyone gave positive feedback. There were even requests that we host the market weekly rather than monthly," he added.
Maties Market Place is an initiative of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (FVZS Institute) to provide a unique place where young entrepreneurs from the local community can start a business and trade on the premises of the University.
"The market wants to fill the niche for young entrepreneurs under the age of 30. Anyone from the student community or local communities (Idas Valley, Kayamandi, Cloetesville, etc.) is welcome.
"This initiative is a means to foster social entrepreneurship within the greater Stellenbosch community. The Maties Marketplace's short-term goals are to set up a market facility and offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to become profitable. The long-term goal is for the market itself to become profitable and sell products to the greater Boland community via online platforms," explained Labuschagne.
The Maties Marketplace will be hosted once a month. The next is planned for Wednesday 18 September from 17:00 tot 22:00.
