After facing brutal flooding and life’s hardships, hundreds from the Fairbreeze community were invited to a Mahala Market which is exactly what it sounds like—a free market where they could get many essential items!
Fairbreeze, South Africa (26 February 2024) — Ever gone to the grocery store and wondered what it would be like if all those essential items were just free? For many of us, that would be a treat. But for others, it would be a lifeline. And a lifeline is exactly what was cast last week in KwaZulu-Natal, where a little ‘Mahala Market’ popped up in the right place at the right time for a community in Tongaat.
To paint the picture of context, the Fairbreeze community have experienced a lot. From brutal and life-taking floods many of us saw on the news to water shortages, unemployment and other hardship-baring daily struggles struggles we don’t always see; times have been incredibly tough.
In an effort to boost the community’s morale and give them hope in a very practical way, the Robin Hood Foundation sat down and came up with a plan of action. For months, they have had their sights set on making a difference in the Fairbreeze community, and finally, it was time to shine.
RHF’s Mahala Markets are about restoring dignity through choice. Where essential goodies and items such as handouts do have their place in making a big difference for so many facing life’s toughest cards, the opportunity to go to a market, shop freely, and choose your own essentials similarly makes a huge difference with the added bonus of choice-led empowerment.
300 people benefited from the Mahala Market, which ran for several hours. Meals, clothing pieces, shoes grocery items and even toys were all available thanks to donations from individuals, families and businesses. Set up like a traditional market, the initiative makes the concept of ‘taking what you need’ that much more comfortable for those who are hesitant.
The relief on many community member’s faces is absolutely heartwarming, and we can’t help but wonder what life would be like if there were more Mahala Markets to go around.
Sources: The Robin Hood Foundation
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