In 2023, Hendrika Jooste, widely known as The Migrant Whisperer, and Dr Christina du Toit noticed that after the isolation of COVID-19, many South African women in Victoria, Australia still felt disconnected and lacked a strong support network. They also struggle to find professional opportunities in their new environment.

Determined to address these challenges, the duo launched Floreer Oorsee (Flourish Overseas), a series of morning teas to foster social and professional connections among South African women. The response was overwhelmingly positive with participants wanting a more extensive event that could include their families.

Enter Francois and Tania Steyn, owners of Brookfield Maze, who had long dreamed of hosting a South African festival. The idea for a weekend getaway took shape over a casual coffee catch-up in June with Hendrika. Leveraging her network, Hendrika reached out to key figures, including Steven Phyffer from Oorsee.com, a social media platform designed to unite South African immigrants. With Oorsee’s involvement, the event gained momentum, and, soon, the concept for “Makietie at the Maze” was born.

For those unfamiliar with the term, Makietie—borrowed from Zulu—means a grand celebration or big party. The event was scheduled for the long weekend following Heritage Day in South Africa, running from Friday 27 September to Sunday
29 September, to coincide with the AFL Footy finals in Melbourne, making it an ideal time for a community gathering and free camping.

The event’s programme quickly fell into place, and when tickets went on sale, the camping spots sold out within a week. For those unable to secure a spot at the Maze, nearby campsites, guest accommodations, and caravan parks became their temporary homes. Special thanks are extended to Oorsee.com, SA Events and AfriForum Wêreldwyd for their marketing and sponsorship efforts.

With the tickets sold to South Africans and the 295 day visitors at Brookfield Maze on Saturday, including local residents and holidaymakers, the total number of visitors on Saturday was about 500 people. They enjoyed the market and other activities, and South African businesses such as Let’s Braai and MannaBrew Australia, alongside local market stallholders, were able to introduce their products to a new market segment.

There was a feast of South African delicacies, with Bushman Meats providing boerewors rolls, biltong, and other traditional favourites. Valley View Foods offering curry and rice and jaffles, and Glenbosch Wine Estate serving up vetkoek and mince alongside their famous Rooibos Gin. The cafeteria at Brookfield Maze also provided South African beer and cold drinks. It was a true celebration of flavours, reminding everyone that, in South African culture, chicken is practically considered a vegetable.

The children delighted in craft activities and face painting, expertly done by local South African artist Elzette Bester. Later in the afternoon, everyone – adults included – had a blast participating in boeresport, facilitated by Susan de Lange and Judy van Tonder. The winners received prizes from The South African Shop in Templestowe and Caulfield, valued at $400. While the bokdrolspoeg-event hit a snag due to Australia’s strict health and safety rules, coloured gumballs were a creative and hygienic substitute.

Potjiekos enthusiasts spent the day preparing their dishes, judged MasterChef style by Steven Phyffer, Louw van Tonder and Leo de Lange. The winning team, JD Steenkamp and Wouter van Heerden, claimed the coveted No. 4 potjie sponsored by Tony’s Quality Meat. Other prizes included a Kalahari Khabu biltong maker, a hamper from Bushman Meats, and a hot air balloon flight for two, sponsored by Brookfield Maze.

Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed a rich array of Afrikaans music, storytelling featuring beloved characters like Liewe Heksie and Bennie Boekwurm, and traditional boeremusiek, courtesy of Wimpie and Phillip from Die Strandloper radio station. Saturday evening saw a lively dance party, and Sunday morning brought a soul-stirring message from Pastor Onida Weir, complemented by the music of Ilze Kellerman.

The festivities concluded with a spit roast featuring three lambs, generously sponsored and provided by local South African farmers John and Zoi from Gaza Lamb. Hendrika’s husband, Petrus, was responsible for ensuring lunch was served on time. Courtesy of the sponsorship by Sandy from Durbalicious (the home of South African pickles and spices), delicious salads were prepared by Tania Steyn, the cafeteria staff, and volunteers. To round off the feast, a decadent malva pudding (made by Karen Swanepoel from Valley View Foods), alongside jelly, custard, and ice cream, was provided and sponsored by Floreer Oorsee.

As the weekend ended, happy attendees asked the organisers to make the event a biannual tradition. Never had so many Afrikaans- and English-speaking South Africans, along with their partners and children, gathered in such harmony. You heard Afrikaans everywhere, and with three beautiful sunny days, it felt a little bit like home again. Laughter, new friendships, and shared stories filled the air, and as the final goodbyes were said, the organisers couldn’t help but feel proud of the neat and clean campsite left behind by the attendees.

Plans are already in motion for Makietie at the Maze 2025, with an even bigger celebration on the horizon.