Young people in Braamfischer gathered with excitement as the Township Social Hub
launched their first brand to motivate and unleash opportunities for small businesses
in the township. The Inspiration behind the movement is to develop and sustain
township economy through supporting Black businesses. Letlhogonolo Walter
Mangope started the movement in 2017, aiming to open doors for small businesses
and produce opportunities for young creatives as well.
The successful launch was attended by different stakeholders and entrepreneurs of
the community. Black Signature is one of the young fashion designers supported by
Township Social Hub however; they haven’t been able to attract potential investors
and sponsorship. ”Our aim is to grow and sustain our township economy; we need to
support small businesses and stop supporting big cooperation’s. We are working
towards creating an umbrella that accommodates all small trades and we also pave
the way for them to compete”, said Mangope. He added that local entrepreneurs are
not supported and many business initiatives never thrive to their fullest potential due
to financial funding. Other creatives supported by the movement include graphic
designers, DJs and visual artists just to name few. Mama Mavis is one of the
entrepreneurs selling food in the community and she shared her struggles of
competing with a food chain cooperation, “Our community is located next to
Dobsenville mall and this makes it difficult for us to compete with other businesses,
we are losing customers and some of us are breadwinners at home”.
