IN ADDITION to wearing a Springbok jersey and singing Shosholoza, rugby fans are making a serious statement by adding makarapas to their repertoire.
Uggy Khoza, an artist from Limpopo, makes a living selling makarapas. He started making them in 2009 and, since they were such a hit last year during the Fifa World Cup, Khoza has decided to the give rugby fans a piece of the action.
The hand-cut and hand-painted hard hats, which are commonly worn by South African football fans, have been painted in the rugby team’s green and gold. They have a South African flag and a Springbok emblem popping out from the hat. And Bok fans are loving them.
Khoza, who lives in a shack in Primrose, Germiston, has already sold more than 400 units, and the orders are increasing.
The rugby makarapa craze has been given momentum since Jane Simmonds, an HIV/Aids activist from Morningside, Sandton, discovered Khoza while shopping around for a rugby makarapa.
“Twenty years ago, who would have thought that white people would be shopping for makarapas in a squatter camp. Just last week, I went to the Bokke send-off with my maid and we had a blast… South Africa has changed so much and I love it!” said Simmonds, who was so inspired by Khoza’s business that she’s taking more orders.
She has also arranged for Bongani Ngwenya, the handyman who works at her house, to help him make enough to keep up with the demand.
“(As the business grows), I want to teach other people in the community to make these makarapas so that we can all be able to support ourselves,” said Khoza.
Robert Appelbaum has bought 10 makarapas to give to all his staff.
“Tomorrow (today), we’re going to have a big braai to celebrate the commencement of the Rugby World Cup. We’ll all be wearing our makarapas,” he said.
Fans can go to Vasili’s restaurant at The Wedge Shopping Centre in Morningside from 10am every day to get their makarapas, .
LeadSA and Montecasino have set aside a Springbok supporters’ village called Absa Boktown in Montecasino.
Get your tickets from Computicket or the Montecasino box office at R30 a person. It includes a beer, wine, cider, a soft drink or mineral water. – The Star