{"id":178656,"date":"2024-10-16T11:34:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T09:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wereldwyd.co.za\/?p=178656"},"modified":"2024-10-16T20:54:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T18:54:56","slug":"makietie-at-the-maze-a-vibrant-celebration-of-south-african-spirit-in-victoria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wereldwyd.co.za\/en\/makietie-at-the-maze-a-vibrant-celebration-of-south-african-spirit-in-victoria\/","title":{"rendered":"Makietie at the Maze: A vibrant celebration of South African spirit in Victoria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2023, Hendrika Jooste, widely known as The Migrant Whisperer<\/a>, and Dr Christina du Toit<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determined to address these challenges, the duo launched Floreer Oorsee<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enter Francois and Tania Steyn, owners of Brookfield Maze<\/a>, 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>, a social media platform designed to unite South African immigrants. With Oorsee\u2019s involvement, the event gained momentum, and, soon, the concept for \u201cMakietie at the Maze\u201d was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those unfamiliar with the term, Makietie<\/em>\u2014borrowed from Zulu\u2014means 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event\u2019s 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<\/a>, SA Events<\/a> and AfriForum W\u00eareldwyd<\/a> for their marketing and sponsorship efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Braai<\/a> and MannaBrew Australia<\/a>, alongside local market stallholders, were able to introduce their products to a new market segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a feast of South African delicacies, with Bushman Meats<\/a> providing boerewors rolls, biltong, and other traditional favourites. Valley View Foods<\/a> offering curry and rice and jaffles, and Glenbosch Wine Estate<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n