Durban - Why should you go to some of Durban’s markets instead of the malls this year?
Anna Savage, co-ordinator of the I Heart Market, sums it up when she explained that markets are for “everybody who is looking to get out of the malls and away from the elevator music, out into the sunshine with family and friends to enjoy a day out, meeting the makers of beautifully crafted artisan goods”.
Durban’s markets are offering plenty for people tired of the fare available in shopping malls, promoting hand-crafted goods and healthy, homely meals instead.
Essenwood Market is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and intends to host a birthday bash in April.
The market, which started in the Easter weekend of 1993, has grown bigger and bigger every Saturday beneath the evergreen trees in Berea Park.
They are looking at expanding the work they do with charities this year, and have pledged to donate rent from 10 stalls a week to charities to help create awareness for good causes.
Also in the pipeline is their involvement in the Winter Warmth campaign together with East Coast Radio, where people will be encouraged to donate clothes to the needy.
Jethro Lefevre, a co-ordinator for Essenwood Market, explained that despite everyone feeling the pinch in this frosty economic climate, the need to help those less fortunate remained.
“People have far less expendable income. But they come to the markets because we have hand-crafted goods at affordable prices. We’re trying to maintain as much craft as possible. We’re trying to broaden that by bringing on crafting tables, and doing displays.”
Lefevre believes Essenwood Market’s charm has to do with the atmosphere they have created.
“We’ve always been well presented. It’s always been clean and we a have beautiful setting.”
The I Heart Market has seen growth and Savage believes it boils down to the fact that they have a careful selection process that emphasises locally made and designed products.
Savage believes even though everyone is feeling the pinch, markets are buoyed by the entrepreneurial skills of the crafters.
“Traders are constantly creating and producing new products. This allows them to monitor their sales and to then focus on products that suit the market, and fit their budgets.”
Samantha Petzer, who is an organiser for the Durban Night Market, believes that craft markets provide a relaxing environment for customers.
“The Durban Night Market is for young people and families looking for a good vibe, good music, good food and a craft beer.”
The Durban Night Market as well as Bulwer Market, run by the same organisers, places an emphasis on live music.
It is their view that these markets allow people the opportunity to get to know their community in an open, friendly and enjoyable space.
Bulwer Market, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month, creates a wholesome family atmosphere by ensuring that there is a fun space for children, complete with a jumping castle and animal menagerie.
One common theme of the markets in and around Durban is the idea that “local is lekker”.
Crafts stalls remove the middle man from the equation. You are able to purchase items you wouldn’t be able to buy in the shops, and your payment for your unique purchase goes directly to the person responsible for creating it.
While acknowledging that crafts in particular have seen a reduction in demand, Christine Standeaven of the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market has revealed big plans for the coming year.
The market, which started with 12 stalls and now has more than 150, is set to move eight km down the road, where they will be building a new site which is set to host a restaurant and permanent shops in addition to the market, which will continue to run every Saturday from 6.30am to 10.30am.
She believes the key to success for their market has been continuity.
“Continuity is a must for a market to survive. And our stallholders offer great quality food and crafts.”
Not even the weather can stop the Shongweni Farmers & Craft market.
“We are here every Saturday even if it rains.
“We have only cancelled two markets due to weather since we started,” Standeaven explained.
While budgets may be tighter as the petrol price goes up, the craft markets in Durban offer a great alternative to the bustling shopping malls.
So the next time you want to buy a present or even a fresh loaf of bread, consider the food and craft markets. - Independent on Saturday
If You Go...
l I Heart Market takes place on the first Saturday of every month on the lawns of Moses Mabhida Stadium from 9am to 2pm.
l Essenwood Market takes place every Saturday at Berea Park from 9am to 2pm.
l Bulwer Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month in Bulwer Park from 9am to 2pm.
l The Durban Night Market takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Docklands Hotel from 5pm to 10pm.
l The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market takes place every Saturday at 1 Fraser Road, Assagay, from 6.30am to 10.30am.