Deputy Minister Peace Mabe Champions Local Crafters and Designers at Pretoria Market

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has congratulated South Africa’s crafters, fashion designers, and interior decorators for their innovation and resilience, following her visit to a Pretoria local makers’ market. She described the creative sector as one of the cornerstones of South Africa’s heritage and economic future, calling on citizens to rally behind local talent with the message that “Local is Lekker.”

The Deputy Minister’s engagement with exhibitors reflected the Department’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for artists, artisans and entrepreneurs within the cultural economy. The Pretoria market showcased a wide array of products — from hand-made crafts and fashion garments to interior design items — proving once again that South Africans are producing world-class work that deserves recognition, platforms, and investment.

“Every creation on display tells a uniquely South African story. These are not just products; they are living expressions of our history, our creativity, and our resilience. Supporting local creatives means investing directly into communities, into job creation, and into a sustainable future,” said Deputy Minister Mabe.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has long emphasised the importance of market access as a means of strengthening the cultural and creative industries. Guided by the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage and the National Development Plan 2030, DSAC has prioritised creating enabling environments where local creatives can thrive. Through initiatives such as the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Programme, artists and entrepreneurs are provided with grants, incubation support, touring opportunities, and skills training.

“These policies are not abstract ideas; they are real commitments designed to make sure that our creatives are not left on the margins but are given the space and the tools to lead. What we witnessed in Pretoria is living proof that South Africa’s creative industries are ready for global stages — what they need is our consistent support as citizens and institutions,” Deputy Minister Mabe said.

The visit also highlighted the importance of empowering youth and women in the creative economy. Many of the entrepreneurs exhibiting at the Pretoria market were young designers breaking into formal markets, as well as women-led businesses balancing innovation with community impact. DSAC has identified women’s economic empowerment and youth participation as key levers for cultural growth, recognising that inclusivity is central to building a sustainable industry.

“Creativity is one of South Africa’s greatest natural resources. By buying local, we are not just supporting individual entrepreneurs — we are unlocking opportunities for young people, empowering women, and ensuring that our cultural identity continues to thrive in a modern economy,” she added.

Deputy Minister Mabe’s market visit also coincided with Heritage Month, providing a platform to reinforce the message that celebrating local culture goes hand-in-hand with supporting local enterprise. The theme of Heritage Month, “Inspiring a Nation of Winners”, found expression in the vibrant work on display, demonstrating how heritage can be both preserved and reimagined through design, craft and innovation.

The Department has further called on businesses, corporates, and government supply chains to integrate more locally produced goods into their procurement strategies. The multiplier effect of “buying local” contributes not only to individual livelihoods, but also to broader economic resilience. According to DSAC’s cultural economy research, every rand spent on local creative products stimulates further job creation and community upliftment, ensuring that economic growth is more inclusive.

The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the passion of South Africans who consistently rally behind local initiatives. “The support of our people is the fuel that drives this sector forward. When South Africans choose to buy local, they are choosing to invest in their neighbours, their communities, and the collective future of this country. It is a patriotic act as much as it is an economic one,” she said.

Her visit concluded with a reaffirmation of DSAC’s commitment to working alongside local creatives, municipalities, and cultural organisations to sustain platforms like the Pretoria market. By fostering consistent access to markets, encouraging partnerships, and investing in skills development, DSAC seeks to ensure that the creative industries remain a driver of both cultural pride and economic growth.

South Africa’s creative entrepreneurs are global ambassadors in their own right. From fashion runways and design expos to craft markets and cultural festivals, they carry the South African story into every product they design and every interaction they make. The Pretoria market once again proved that local talent is abundant, powerful, and capable of influencing trends far beyond the country’s borders.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture salutes all the crafters, designers and decorators who continue to inspire through their work. As South Africans embrace the message of #BuyLocal and #SupportLocal, the nation will not only celebrate its heritage but also secure a future where creativity becomes a cornerstone of economic and social progress.