The History of the Makarapa
The story goes that one Alfred Baloyi, a South African football supporter, was at a match back in 1979 when someone threw a bottle which hit him on the head. He decided in future he would wear a hard hat to live games and then had the idea to decorate the hat in the colours and symbols of his team. And so the makarapa was born.
According to Wikipedia:
The origin of the term "Makarapa" goes back to the late 70's and early 80's [derived from Makarapa, meaning migrant worker and associated with the 'helmets' because they were used by migrant workers in the mines of the Witwatersrand | singular: Lekarapa
The Makarapa Today
Today you will see countless styles and increasingly outlandish decorations and additions to hard hats. Many fans enjoy the process of making these themselves, but for the creatively impaired or time constricted, you can also purchase these ready made with the colours and symbols of your own team, or custom made with your input.
(Image source)
A spin-off from the growing popularity of the makarapa (also known by some as the makaraba) is that it has allowed for the creation of jobs, especially in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa kicking off next month.
Makoya Makaraba
For the past 4 years, a South African couple started an upliftment project called Makoya Makaraba, offering work to previously unemployed men to make makarabas. The company has had excellent success with large orders pouring in from corporates and individual buyers from around the world, mostly via their website. Company logos and colours can be used to make a unique set of decorated hard hats for clients or, for South African accommodation owners, for your imporant guests staying at your guest house / B&B.
Check out http://www.makaraba.co.za/ for more information and to place your order or make an enquiry.
By supporting Makoya Makaraba you will be helping the team make an honest living and supporting a proudly South African company.
2010 FIFA World Cup Accommodation
Remember to contact Portfolio for accommodation during the World Cup in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and all around South Africa.
