Entrepreneurs will have their own market place thanks to the vision of Bishop SJ Mpondo who availed his land to start Thasompo Eco Village in the heart of Khayelitsha.
The eco village is situated in Makabeni Road, adjacent to the popular Rands Cape Town establishment.
At the launch of the eco village on Saturday, Bishop Mpondo told the audience that he had a “dream to green Khayelitsha”.
“ I run a recycling company and I love nature so it came naturally to me that I must start an eco village in our township,” said Mr Mpondo.
“We will be able to teach the younger generation about the importance of trees and nature in general,” he said.
He said it will also give businesses a platform to connect with new clients who are visiting the village.
The village will showcase stalls for a few Khayelitsha businesses like Baby Friendly, Mkhetshane Upholstery, Khaltsha Cycles, and Ikasi Water, which offeres purified bottled water.
Ikasi Water manager Cindy Mpondo said she was excited that the village was finally launched.
“People go to markets outside Khayelitsha and now with Thasompo Eco Village opening it means we have taken the market to their doorstep,” she said.
Ms Mpondo said all occupants of the village were doing something to uplfit the community by creating job opportunities.
Khaltsha Cycles’s Sindile Mavundla said visitors to the village will feel the “magic” when they hop from stall to stall viewing what local entrepreneurs can offer.
“This place will look much better than existing markets and I hope people will support it,” he said.
Monwabisi Mkhetshane, who runs an upholstery business from his home, said he was happy to be part of the village.
“This is a huge display space for local businesses and I see it growing to the extent that it will be a must-see place to visit in Khayelitsha,” he said.
The market will be held every weekend.