It is no secret that every Saturday is market day in Woodstock. From the trendy stalls and gastronomic delights of The Biscuit Mill to the more serene setting of The Palms, the people of Cape Town come from far and wide to while away their mornings, tasting a bit of this, sampling a bit of that, and coming away with something to share with families and friends.
Around lunchtime, the crowds begin to disperse, heading off to wherever their plans for the afternoon and evening might lead them. A worthy few hours spent, to be sure.
However, from this Saturday, June 25, those wanting to prolong their visit to one of the city’s most eclectic boroughs will have the opportunity to experience a market that is being billed as something “slightly different”.
Notwithstanding the fact that this bazaar only begins at 3pm and ends at 11pm, the Love Local at the Greatmore Market aims to be a celebration of all things local, from Cape Town-produced fashion and jewellery to the prepared cuisine on offer.
The market is the brainchild of 30-year-old Mwabi Motaung, a social media manager at NPO Cape Craft and Design, and friend Tracey Rose, an Observatory-based talent manager and DJ.
While the monthly events are intended to offer Capetonians an alternative social experience, the women are determined that Love Local will also provide up-and-coming manufacturers and designers an engaging platform to access consumers in a vibrant setting.
“The idea had been brewing for some time,” Ms Motaung told the Tatler. “Obviously through my work at Cape Craft and Design I deal with a lot of talented traders, so I thought, ‘Why not give them a place to show off what they can do?’ Our local products are amazing, but for some reason entrepreneurs are not always given access to markets. Love Local aims to change that.”
Ten exhibitors, ranging from fashion and jewellery designers to producers of fine soaps, have been lined up for the inaugural market, although Ms Motaung said she had received numerous enquiries of interest in the run-up to the event.
This number includes Indwe Designs, TryAnglez, Imprint ZA, S’Bo Stylish Fashions, Masa Mara Wear, MissAnke and Naiobi’s Olive Kitchen.
“We are keeping this as affordable as possible, charging traders R200 a stall. For visitors, entry is free. Ultimately the market is about putting these entrepreneurs, many of whom hail from the townships, in front of a new, upwardly-mobile and diverse audience who have purchasing power.”
She said Greatmore Studios, at 47-49 Greatmore Street, had readily offered the venue, having seen the value in empowering local artists and communities.
“For visitors there will be great entertainment as they browse what’s on offer.Two of Cape Town’s most talented DJs, Mava and Waxon, have agreed to come on board to provide the music, while food-wise, we have prepared some delicious winter warmers, real comfort food.”
Ms Motaung hoped Love Local would strike a chord not only with market lovers, but people across the cultural spectrum.
“I think a lot of the time people tend to pigeonhole markets, that some might be for the hipster crowd and others for the older crowd. We want our events to bring everyone together in one setting, so we can appreciate and celebrate our talented people.”
Ms Rose said the market was all about creating a creative space in which everyone was comfortable, and in which talent took centre stage. “We are looking forward to experiencing talent in various forms – from our amazing DJs to our inspiring creative businesses. Come and see for yourself,”
Market trader Frankie Herwels, owner of jewellery brand MissAnke, said it was a “real honour” to be invited to an event that celebrated art.
“Markets like this create a home for your product to expand, as well as opportunities to meet other producers for possibilities of collaboration. This is how to equally grow this city’s creative society.”