Led by Thembisa Tshabangu, built for local makers
Thembisa Tshabangu guides the direction of Local Makers Market from the Hatfield base in Pretoria. She works with makers, venue partners and the wider team to keep the markets focused on practical trading opportunities for small businesses and worthwhile events for shoppers.
As Managing Director, Thembisa sets the tone for how the team supports makers at every stage, from first-time stallholders to established traders looking to grow. She is the person behind the overall standard of the markets, the maker nights and the workshop programme.
Market operations and event days that run on time
Hennie Basson manages market operations and keeps the moving parts in order from bump-in times to power points, stall layout and trader access. He handles the practical side of weekend markets in Hatfield, Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Menlyn and Centurion, as well as pop-ups in other parts of the country. When a site has access rules, parking limits or weather concerns, Hennie plans for it early so traders are not left guessing.
Vuyo Bhengu works alongside him as Events Coordinator, making sure event day details are covered properly. Between signage, setup schedules, vendor communication and load-in timing, he helps the whole team stay organised when the market is busy.
- Stall positioning and access planning
- Trader arrival schedules and event flow
- Practical support for outdoor conditions, including wind and rain
- Clear communication for setup, pack-down and event changes
Maker support that goes beyond a single market day
Some makers arrive with great products but still need help turning that into steady sales. Nompumelelo Mchunu leads Maker Relations and spends much of her time supporting traders before they even arrive at the market. She works with makers on stall styling, packaging for sales, customer conversation and first market prep, helping them present their work clearly and confidently.
Naadirah Rhoda manages the workshop programme and puts structure behind topics that matter to small sellers, including pricing products, food stall basics, seasonal selling and maker night planning. Her sessions are aimed at people who want simple, useful guidance they can apply straight away, whether they are selling candles, ceramics, bakes or printed goods.
- Stall Styling Workshop
- Pricing Products Workshop
- Packaging For Sales
- Customer Conversation Workshop
- Food Stall Basics
Digital content with a local, real-world focus
Neels Schoeman handles digital content and keeps the public informed about upcoming markets, featured makers and workshop dates. His work supports both traders and visitors by sharing useful event details, stall spotlights and reminders that help people plan ahead. The aim is simple: make it easy for the community to know what is on, where it is happening and who will be there.
Neels also helps tell the story of the markets in a way that matches the work on the ground. That means clear updates, accurate event information and content that reflects the actual makers taking part, not vague marketing talk.
A Pretoria base with reach across South Africa
Local Makers Market is based in Hatfield, Pretoria, but the team works far beyond one postcode. From weekend markets in the capital to maker nights and pop-up events nationwide, they keep a close eye on the details that matter to local traders: access, timing, weather, community fit and the kind of crowd a maker can actually sell to.
This reach matters because different towns and venues call for different planning. An indoor market in winter has different needs to an outdoor summer event. A food stall in one municipal area may need other approvals, while a craft trader in another venue may need extra lighting for darker trading hours. The team understands these practical differences and plans accordingly.
Hands on support for small traders
The Local Makers Market team is made up of people who know that good markets are built on preparation, clear communication and respect for small business. They are hands-on, responsive and used to working with traders who need straightforward support rather than fancy promises. That is what helps the markets feel organised, approachable and worth returning to.
Each team member brings a different strength, but the shared goal is the same: give makers a strong place to trade and give visitors an outing that feels local, useful and enjoyable. If you are planning to sell, attend or book a market spot, this is the team that keeps the process moving.
- Practical support for first-time and regular traders
- Events that suit families, friends and local shoppers
- Clear guidance for setup, selling and follow-up
- Consistent focus on small businesses and community value