After lockdown regulations put a grinding halt to many livelihoods, due to job losses and pay cuts, local activist and author of the book, Made In Chatsworth, Kiru Naidoo, together with other key role-players, have found a way to boost the local economy.
On Sunday, they launched the Made In Chatsworth Market, at the Depot Road Memorial School in Bayview with the hopes of creating a space for small local businesses to gain the support that they need from their own community. Naidoo said the market is aimed at job creation and sends a strong message to residents to support small businesses as a part of the Covid-19 economic recovery plan. “Chatsworth is a very loyal and supportive community. We are so happy that hundreds of people came out to the market and obeyed the Covid-19 protocols. The Made In Chatsworth Market will be a regular Sunday feature at Depot Road Memorial Primary School. It is our small contribution to economic recovery. Lots of people have lost their jobs or businesses. The market might be one way for people to get back on their feet,” he said.
The first market was held under the banner of Workers’ Month and celebrated the heroes of the Chatsworth community who contributed to the freedom struggle. The event also encompassed the launch of Ismael Vadi’s book, titled Thambi Naidoo and Family, Struggle for a Non-racial Democracy in South Africa. The book takes readers on a journey of four generations of Thambi Naidoo’s family, who were part of the struggle for our freedom. “The book launch is part of our work to encourage reading, especially among children and youth. Books like Vadi’s also tell the proud story of our community’s contribution to struggle. We cannot allow that history to be lost or erased,” said Naidoo. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the MEC for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay and activist and former politician, Mac Maharaj as ewell as, human rights activist and attorney, Jerald Vedan. Anyone with an interest in the market can text the organisers on 073- 685-5426.
