There isn’t a more colourful way to shop in South Africa than by sampling our markets. Our country boasts some truly incredible markets where friends, families and tourists can gather to shop, eat and socialise. Whether you’re a serious foodie craving some fresh produce and home-made breads, a fashionista on the hunt for one-of-kind items or a home owner in need of some quirky objects to furnish your abode, you’ll probably find what you’re looking at one of these markets.
Gauteng:
The Collective Market is a fairly new monthly pop-up market on the rooftop of 3 Desmond in Kramerville near Sandton. The market was created as an alternative retail space for designers, especially young ones who are unable to secure a permanent retail rental space but want physical interaction with their clients. There are over 30 vendors retailing their wares that range from clothing and jewelry to ceramics.
Where: 3 Desmond Street, Kramerville.
When: Sundays, 9am to 4pm.
Visit: www.collective-jhb.com
Bryanston Organic and Natural Market
South Africa’s first open-air market started back in 1976 when a group of women gathered together and started selling farm-fresh foods from their cars and bakkies. Now, 33 years later, it is home to an outstanding selection of vendors who sell everything from wheat-free biscotti and organic pancakes to organic popcorn and homemade tiramisu. Truly a feast for the senses!
Where: Culross Road.
When: Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am to 3pm.
Call: 011 706 3671 or visit www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za
Joburgs Neighbourgoods Market is a sister event to Cape Towns Neigbhourgoods Market. Established in 2011, the market is a great place to put your feet up and eat because it offers superb food, which can be enjoyed while savouring the fabulous views of the city.
Where: 73 Juta Street Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
When: Saturdays, 9am to 3pm.
Call: 082 370 4075 or visit www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Market On Main is a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Situated at the Maboneng Precinct in Joburg’s inner city, the market provides a relaxed and creative space where people can shop and mingle. The market has some great homeware, artisanal leather shoes and handbags, customised jackets and jewelry at reasonable prices. And if you get tired of shopping, you can grab some gourmet food and drinks from the various stalls or pop into one of the many restaurants in the precinct.
Where: 264 Fox Street, Joburg.
When: Sundays, 10am to 3pm.
Call: 083 245 1040 or visit www.artsonmain.co.za
Kwazulu-Natal:
Karkloof Farmers’ Market
Discover the meaning of community at Karkloof Farmers’ Market, where you can get the opportunity to meet with local farmers and producers, and learn about the products on sale. The indoor market offers traditional French artisan breads, Nguni biltong, organic cheese and yoghurt, scrumptious brownies and lots more. Kids activities include pony rides, a jungle gym and sand pit.
Where: Karkloof Road.
When: Saturdays, 7am to 11am.
Call: 082 851 8649 or visit www.karklooffarmersmarket.co.za
Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Many visitors to Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market travel from as far as Durban and Pietermaritzburg to sample the delightful fare on offer. This comes at no surprise as there are over 200 stores to choose from, which offer a great variety of vegetables, cheese, hormone-free meat, free-range chicken, eggs, breads and olive oils to name a few.
Where: 1 Fraser Road, Assagay.
When: Saturdays, 6:30am to 10am
Call: 083 777 1674 or visit www.shongwenimarket.co.za
Mpumalanga:
Casterbridge Village Market
Casterbridge Farm complex is a centre with a series of shaded courtyards built on a former mango plantation. Every Saturday these courtyards play host to an intimate village market where you will find local producers of quality fresh produce surrounded by designer boutiques and quirky independent shops.
Where: White River.
When: Saturdays, 7am to 2pm.
Call 013 751 1540 or visit www.casterbridge.co.za
Nelspruit Boeremark
The Nelspruit Boeremark has only been around for a few months but already has over 80 exhibitors and is attracting over 2 000 visitors. You can sample delicious home bakes and preserves as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, or sit down for a farm-style breakfast and coffee with friends.
Where: Lowveld Show Ground, Nelspruit.
When: Every second Saturday of the month, 7am to 11am.
Call: 013 752 2801 or visit www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/nelspruit-boeremark.html
Western Cape:
Neighbourhood Goods Market
Housed in an old sky-lit Victorian warehouse, the Neighbourhoods Goods Market has an unbelievable ambience and quality food, and a visit there will not disappoint even the most discerning palate. Market-goers are spoilt for choice with a mouth-watering variety of gourmet foods from over 100 specialty traders, organic merchants and fine-food purveyors. The market even features a full-service recycling depot where you can bring recyclable materials for disposal.
Where: Old Biscuit Mill, Albert Road, Woodstock.
When: Saturdays, 9am to 2pm.
Call: 021 448 1438 or visit www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market is a slow-food market that hopes to spread an awareness of good nutrition and environmentally-sensitive eating practices. Slow-food, as opposed to fast-food, is as fresh as possible, as no lengthy cold storage and chemicals are utilised and excessive food miles wasted to bring foods to the market. Producers have sourced, grown, raised, harvested and preserved the food themselves. Indulge in a spicy Indian curry, handmade pasta or organic salad, and then if you have any space left, treat yourself to a moist cake or milk and honey tart.
Where: Bosman’s Crossing Trading Village.
When: Saturdays, 9am to 2pm.
Call: 021 886 8514 or visit www.slowmarket.co.za
Leave a Comment