Township alive to fall of hammer
AUCTION fever has hit the townships, with the community of Vosloorus in Gauteng enjoying their first recognised auction recently.
Bidders went head to head for of goods ranging from used appliances to equipment and collectables. Judging by the interest garnered in the close-knit community, this auction will not be the last.
The event was held by Lokshin Auctions, with the support of the South African Institute of Auctioneers (Saia) and some of the country’s best-known member auctioneers including Park Village Auctions, Auction Operation, Dynamic Auctions and Aucor.
Tsitso Setai, the founder of Lokshin Auctions and the Saia head of the transformation committee, has made it his mission to bring accredited auctions to the townships where most residents have not been exposed to or benefited from the many advantages of buying and selling assets on auction.
“Lokshin Auctions is all about breaking moulds and bringing auctions to the people of our townships,” says Tsitso. Together with Saia, we are spreading the word and educating people from all walks of life. Simultaneously, we are encouraging business entrepreneurs and the youth to start their own auction businesses and join forces with Saia to reach this massive untapped market with untold numbers of benefits to the community.”
“Judging from the responses on the day and subsequent feedback from the community … they loved it, we loved hosting it and the big winner is the community. It means no more travelling and that communities will have direct access to assets such as houses and cars that have been repossessed from their own areas.
“Even on a Mampara Weekend (weekend before payday) we were able to raise about R90 000 and the most impressive winning bid was for a set of model cars that fetched an impressive R5 000 … It just underscores our belief that the townships are ready for auctions.”
The auction was held at Nonceba Nakedi’s eatery, allowing visitors to fill up on food and drink. She also provided items to be put on auction and donated the proceeds to the Princess Nakedi Foundation in the fight against cancer.
Saia’s Sonja Styger said the auction was the culmination of years of work in transforming the industry: “We encourage the youth and business people in the townships to take up the opportunity and work with Saia and work with Tsitso to popularise auctions within our townships.
“Saia… has a lot of work ahead to educate people about auctions and to encourage people to get involved and start auction businesses in the townships. There are many Saia-affiliated colleges that undertake training and we encourage anyone interested in auctioneering as a profession or as a business opportunity to seek training and make contact with us.”