Small business owners have applauded the organisers of the Vaalgras Turf Club July derby for the platform to conduct business activities at the village.

In an interview with Nampa over the weekend, Philanda Christiaan who is part of those who founded the event said the business element was introduced to the horseracing competition three years ago, with the aim to create a platform for small business people at the village to engage in economic activities.

‘We have realised that little happens for the small businesses community in this area, so we decided to tie the business activities with the horseracing, to give an opportunity to those sitting at home with different types of skills to showcase their business activities,’ she said.

According to Christiaan the number of stalls at the event increased from three stalls when the business element was introduced to 10 stalls this year.

‘We see that the effort we put into the event pays off because whatever money you put in you will always get back and more from
such activities – it is good for the community, the community is embracing it and every year the stalls are increasing. We are embracing this event and we ensure that people are aware of the activity as it happens every year. We need to do this together, us from the community for the community,’ she said.

Speaking to this news agency, Kenneth April said the event provides a good opportunity as it allows them to make some money and improve their living standard.

‘It is a very important event to the community and us business people, even if it happens only once a year and we wish it continues but also grows from strength to strength so that more and more people will participate and we can have more business,’ he said.

Mercia Katzao said: ‘I stay here in Vaalgras and it is a great opportunity that we are given here to sell our things and make some money. I hope that next year we can grow from where we are now in our business. Horseracing is a pride of Vaalgras and we appreciate those who keep it going. I hope
the youth are also pulled into this and they also learn.’

Many of the stalls sold food and beverages.

Source: The Namibia News Agency