​Lerato Mailoane
As Tourism and Heritage Month drew to a close, Gauteng was a thriving hub of cultural festivities, with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival taking center stage and drawing music enthusiasts from near and far for an unforgettable two-day celebration.
Beyond the pulsating beats and electrifying performances, these festivals are becoming a powerful tool in the fight against unemployment.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised that hosting events like these is a vital catalyst for economic growth.
"This is how we stimulate our economy," he declared. "We have committed ourselves to pump life into the Gauteng economy from all angles, ensuring that our people reap the benefits of these events." 
The profound impact of such festivals on the Gauteng economy is undeniable. Often referred to as the heartbeat of South Africa, Gauteng stands as a beacon of boundless opportunities alluring visionary entrepreneurs from every corner of the nation.
"Businesses were overflowing with customers, hotels were fully booked, shops saw an influx of new customers, and countless individuals seized various economic opportunities within our province," Lesufi remarked with pride. 
Fentse Mokale is a testament to the life-changing opportunities that these festivals offer.
Hailing from Phokeng in the Northwest province, Fentse ventured into the bustling markets of Gauteng during events like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. 
"I initially trained as a Chemical Engineer," Fentse explained. "But while working in the engineering sector, I felt a deep inspiration to create Marabou Essentials, and I've never looked back." 
Marabou Essentials is Fentse's brainchild, a jewellery, art, and accessories brand that melds traditional African aesthetics with modern urban culture and artistic flair. 
Her creations are wearable works of art, celebrating individuality and the artistry of fashion, all inspired by the rich tapestry of African aesthetics – daring colors, bold prints, intricate patterns, and graceful curves.
"My accessories are more than just adornments," Fentse emphasised. "They are individual pieces of art inspired by my travels, my connections with people, and my belief that stories must be told."
Participating in festivals like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been transformative for Fentse.
 "I've sold most of my earrings, and my accessories have found a new audience I wouldn't have reached otherwise," she said with a smile. 
Beyond her creative pursuits, Fentse is passionate about teaching and the craft of purposeful creation. She conducts local and international creative workshops, collaborating with women from various communities to craft handmade items.
Helga Klizanie, representing the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, shared their vision for the festival, including a market encouraging festivalgoers to buy local. This initiative,  Klizanie explained, contributes to economic resuscitation and helps combat the high unemployment rate.
"The economy will not revitalise itself; it takes collaborations of this nature to realise our hope as an economy…and ensure we keep people employed in their respective jobs and create more jobs."
In a world where unemployment remains a pressing challenge, festivals like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz are more than just music celebrations; they are beacons of hope, job creators, and platforms for entrepreneurs like Fentse Mokale to shine.
As the economy revitalises through such collaborations, the promise of an inclusive economy for Gauteng is more tangible, one festival at a time.
Photo cred: Standard Bank Joy of Jazz