Not-so-slow Sundays
Sundays are notorious for that lazy, lethargic, relaxed feel. After a long working week, and often a late Saturday night, Sunday is the one day in the week that can be reserved for self-love and recharging.
However, some Sundays are the exception in Grahamstown. Heritage Day 2017 was one such exception.
Afrojazz, RnB, House and alternative music underscored the laughter, conversation and colourful chatter that wafted through New Street right into the late evening.
Taking place for the first time at Rustic Route was Slow Sundays. Founded by Blessings Chinganga and Siphokazi Mathe, the market-based event has been taking place sporadically throughout 2017.
Chinganga and Mathe created the event aiming to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and creatives to network and market themselves.
Realising the vacuum in social spaces – with most spaces catering to party-goers, Slow Sundays aims to provide an alternative option for social experiences – it is not just a market, nor is it a party.
Rather, it is a “chilled vibe, safe space”. In particular, they emphasise that in establishing the business, they were particular about it being a “safe queer space”.
It is this kind of space that they used as the conceptual proposal for the Black Management Forum pitch competition on 14 September, for which they won R5 000.
The every-other-month, Sunday affair is open to the Grahamstown community for R10 only. Despite each Slow Sundays having a particular theme (e.g. the Heritage Edition), there is a range of stalls which aren’t necessarily chosen according to the theme.
Stalls are invited by Chinganga and Mathe, often on a running basis in accordance with their aim to promote local businesses.
Last Sunday stalls traded everything from traditional beaded jewellery and printed cloths to vintage and secondhand clothing and cosmetic goods.
Combined with food and drinks sold by Rustic Route stalls, the event was an exuberant success.
On “black joy”, which they identify as an inspiration, Chinganga and Mathe say: “We strive to continuously recreate and protect it.”
They hope to continue recreating this joy throughout the Eastern Cape. It is a commitment that they have the opportunity to uphold after the BMF success which made mentors like Siya Beyile, creative director and founder of The Threaded Man, accessible to them.
The R5 000 cash prize will also be directed towards establishing a website, and improving their marketing and branding.
Although, the name Slow Sundays certainly encompasses the way Sundays often slip into the rest of the week, the business that Rhodes students Chinganga and Mathe have created is anything but slow. It is vibrant, exciting and growing as they aim to expand their support team. In 2018, it will be expanding in Grahamstown and the two entrepreneurs ask for one thing only: “Come as you are. You’re welcome.”