IKasi Experience 'Rains' Supreme

It's hard to remember when last it rained - let alone poured - in Cape Town. But that was until yesterday, of course, when the heavens opened up and then didn't let up until late into the afternoon.

While it was a welcome relief for many of us after months of uncomfortably hot weather, the timing wasn't ideal because the latest IKasi Experience event was held this weekend at Khayelitsha's Lookout Hill (this unique venue - even though 40km from the Cape Town CBD - offers amazing views over Khayelitsha, the Cape Flats and Table Mountain in the distance. It's situated on the corner of Spine Road and Mew Way in the culturally vibrant township).

But the IKasi Experience is about more than the views beyond Lookout Hill, because within this venue you will find what is fast becoming a township-based market unlike any other. Vendors from Khayelitsha (and other townships in Cape Town), have long impressed with their unique, well-crafted products, made from materials that many of us nonchalantly toss into trash cans (or on the ground, for those of us without a decent upbringing).
But beyond selling these products on the streets or travelling impossible distances to more lucrative parts of the city to trade, their options are severely limited. Thankfully, with the foresight of IKasi Experience / Ikapa Live co-founders Loyiso Mdebuka and Vincent Manzini, these vendors now have an accessible platform to market and sell their goods in an environment deserving of their talent and passion.

Having heard only good things from others who had attended previous Ikasi Experience markets, I braved the rain to visit Lookout Hill with the Hectic Nine-9 insert team yesterday, and soon it became apparent that the weather wouldn't keep many others away either. Outside, there were rows of soaked and deserted benches and tables - inside, it was another story. Performers kept the crowds (young and old) thoroughly entertained, while vendors on either side of the main stage did their thing.

Some goods needed a close eye (and a friendly explanation from its maker) to explain what they were made from, because at a glance you could be looking at something straight out of a boutique store in a shopping mall. The prices are incredibly low and I found some colourful arm bands that suited my taste.

With the coverage and warm reception that this event has and continues to receive (an insert on the leading breakfast show Expresso over here, a feature in the Weekend Argus over there...), one can safely expect that other vendors will be inspired to get involved, further building upon the entrepreneurial spirit that Loyiso and Vincent have tried to instill in this community.

In-between chowing on a boerewors roll and a cappuccino from the Department Of Coffee stall, one can only admire the dedication of these vendors to create and sell products of such a high standard and from the most basic of resources. Of course, a great deal of praise must go to Loyiso and Vincent for (not only running around carrying wet umbrellas), but also giving the people of Khayelitsha a once-in-a-lifetime chance to succeed in the community they call home.

The future of the IKasi Experience looks bright, so do yourself a favour and make sure you attend the next one!

Visit iKasi Experience for more information