7 great South African markets

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE23: Clothing and accessories on sale at the Market on Main on June 23, 2013 at Maboneng Precint in Johannesburg, South Africa. Market on Main is Johannesburg’s new food and design market which happens every Sunday at Arts on Main. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Lauren Mulligan)

7 great South African markets to buy gifts for family, friends… & yourself

Whether you are looking for the perfect present for a loved one or a sneaky little gift for yourself, be sure to check out this list, written in association with Private Property, of the stalls at these top venues across SA, ranging from down-at-heel to the height of hipster.

7 great South African markets

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE23: Clothing and accessories on sale at the Market on Main on June 23, 2013 at Maboneng Precint in Johannesburg, South Africa. Market on Main is Johannesburg’s new food and design market which happens every Sunday at Arts on Main. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Lauren Mulligan)

Shongweni Christmas Extravaganza Market, Durban

Who could possibly resist a name like that, eh? Head down to Hillcrest throughout December for your bumper selection of presents, packaging and decorations.

“Just” a common-or-garden farmers’ and crafts market during the rest of the year, these guys pull out all the stops for their annual festive feast.

And while we have you in the seasonal spirit, be sure to Experience the best of South Africa’s Christmas Markets.

Neighbourgoods Market, Cape Town

Did you know that it’s the law to say “gritty, up-and-coming” before mentioning Cape Town’s trendified suburb of Woodstock? The prefix gives it gravitas, as does this weekend wonder at The Old Biscuit Mill.

Also boasting a sister operation in Jozi, it’s the place to check out independent, small businesses and individuals doing their thing on the edge of the City Bowl.

One more top tip beyond the array of niche goods on offer: arrive hungry. Seriously, there is food for anyone and everyone. You can’t be buying gifts on an empty stomach.

Makhelwane Fest, Soweto

Born out of the regular LoCrate Market in Orlando West, this community festival has the usual combo of food, fashion boutiques and art galleries.

So what’s the twist? Well, all these things are popping up in people’s homes on 16 December. That must be worth the R100 entrance fee for the novelty factor alone.

Kings Beach Flea Market, Port Elizabeth

Friendly City, friendly market. These guys are in their fourth decade of offering an affordable market with an emphasis on family-friendly fun.

If you’re a bit hipster-averse, like to keep things unpretentious and yearn for a proper, old school market full of down-to-earth offerings, this is the one for you. And you’re doing your gift shopping by the seaside!

Market on Main, Johannesburg

Maboneng

With shades of London’s snazzy Shoreditch district, your cosmopolitan Sunday service awaits in Joburg’s Maboneng Precinct.

The brick labyrinth of industrial spaces, courtyards and rooftop bars has a surprise purchase lurking around every turn. Don’t be shocked if you come away with a huge piece of modern art, despite having only popped along to buy a picture frame for your sister.

Franschhoek Village Market, Western Cape

That’s enough of the mean city streets for a bit; let’s take in some fresh country air to inspire your prezzie purchases.

It’s open every Saturday, except when it’s raining (how quaint!). Your air will not only be fume free 80 kilometres east of Cape Town, but filled with the sounds of the musicians who set the tone in this well-heeled town.

The kind of place you could move to and settle down in, right? Here’s a first time home buyers’ guide to set you on your way.

The Irene Village Market, Gauteng

How adventurous are you and the family feeling? Well, you may find your answer just off the N1 between Midrand and Pretoria on a site that boasts mountain bike courses, trail runs and segways.

If you survive all of that, catch your breath and suss out the wealth of original arts and crafts up for grabs in Olifantsfontein. They open for business on the first and last Saturday of every month and you may just stumble across something unique.