The Umlazi Market and Sports Festival held on 6 May 2023 proved to be a true celebration of community spirit and a testimony to the power of collaboration! With over 300 participants and 400 attendees, the festival served as a warm-up for the main festival scheduled to take place in July.
The event saw Ranyaka and the Nedbank Proud of my Town team join forces with Umlazi Township Tourism, the Umlazi Football Association, eThekwini Business Unit, Durban Tourism, the KwaMnyandu Industrial Hub Committee, Intokozo FM, Autozone and Fire Spark to host a day jam-packed with an exciting array of activities.
From mini soccer tournaments, a fashion show which put the spotlight on the creativity of talented local designers and a market area where local small businesses could sell a variety of products, to indigenous games, and even a play zone for kids, the day’s programme offered something for everyone.
The importance of markets, cultural events and sports in connecting communities cannot be overstated. These events offer a chance for people from all walks of life to come together, socialize, and have fun. They promote social interaction and cohesion, showcase local talent and highlight the importance of supporting local small businesses.
“This festival has shown that the community of Umlazi is eager to participate and support these kinds of events. So, get ready, Umlazi, because more exciting initiatives such as these are on the horizon!” says Ranyaka Marketing Manager, Lesego Masethe. “And with the kind of energy and enthusiasm shown at the most recent Umlazi market and sports festival, they are bound to attract even more support!”
For more information on future events and projects in Umlazi, please join the Proud of Umlazi Facebook group. For specific queries or to find out how you could support or be involved in future initiatives, please contact Andile Mafa via email at andile@ranyaka.co.za.
{Umlazi is one of 27 communities in 12 towns across South Africa where Ranyaka Community Transformation is the implementation agent for the Nedbank Proud of my Town (PoMT) initiative. Read more about Proud of my Town here.}