THE Rosebank Art & Craft Market is where you can find some of the most inspiring vendors who, during lockdown, found themselves without an income.
These extraordinary artists earn a living selling their meticulously crafted beadwork.
Each vendor has an intriguing story to tell about the journey that led them to the two-storey location, fuelled by an unquenchable thirst for making something good out of their lives.
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Greet them by name and encourage them for their unbelievable talent and perseverance when you visit this treasure trove.
One of them is Aletta Tshabalala (71) from Harrismith in the Free State, who started her beadwork in 1960 when she was selling fruit to pedestrians to earn a living.
She noticed other informal traders selling beads, and decided to try her hand at this form of art.
She became so good that she managed to send her children to university with the money she made. Today her kids help and support her with her small enterprise that grew from a unique and charming skill.
Another vendor is Thoko JaneNkabinde (32) from kwaNdebele, Mpumalanga, who specialises in mixing colour and culture.
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She took over her mother’s successful business when she died in January.
Her late mum, Anna Masemola, built her bead business from scratch. Before starting it, she was selling mealies to pedestrians and became fascinated when she saw other informal traders working on their beaded creations. between sales.
Anna took on the skill and did so well that she managed to build several houses and rented out rooms. It was this entrepreneurial spirit that empowered her to take care of her whole family.
Now Thoko wants to keep her mother’s legacy alive.
