THE Mzansi Collection, a new all-South African branded concept store, has opened its doors at the Sandton Central Library on Nelson Mandela Square.
The initiative was launched on Friday, November 28 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in association with various other governmental departments, the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Provincial Government, Proudly South African and other South African organisations interested in creating market access for small and emerging enterprises, ensuring their products reach high-end buyers.
“The concept is a leap for producers from small township stores to Nelson Mandela Square, in the heart of Sandton. It is a milestone for those otherwise excluded,” says Deputy President of South Africa, Baleka Mbete.
All items in the Mzansi Collection – from handmade craft and fine jewellery to food produce and socially responsible gifts – are made in South Africa and support the creation of sustainable jobs and income generation. “The products of the collection each tell a story that taps into the soul of South Africa, celebrating the country’s culture, art and heritage,” says Mbete.
The store also features a coffee shop that serves contemporary and traditional treats such as rooibos-and-berry ice tea, homemade lemonade and Dora Sitole’s gingerbeer, locally grown coffee, bobotie spring rolls and mealie meal pear cake.
A public arts programme, conceived and managed by the Sandton Central Management District, will be held on the Nelson Mandela Square to promote the launch of the Mzansi Collection. Activities include open street performances and storytelling sessions.
The Mzansi Collection will run until December 16, 2008 from 09h00 to 18h00.
Photo: Deputy President, Baleka Mbete, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe, MEC of the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation of the Gauteng Provincial Government, Barbara Creecy, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ntombazana Botha, and Deputy Director General of Trade and Investment in South Africa, Iqbal Sharma.
Photo by: Ntswe Mokoena
