Westville’s new Mahogany Market proves to be a hit
COMMUNITY markets are the rage all over the world and the Mahogany Market in Westville has proved no exception.
It held its debut offering last Saturday at 38 Pitlochry Road. Retailers who arrived on the day to spread the news of their business, constructed their stalls under a massive mahogany tree, from which the market takes its name.
The market aims to promote local entrepreneurs and traders of all ages and niches, from jewellery makers and artists to Granny’s home-made treats specialists.
The market’s site is a plot of land next to the Reservoir Hills Plant Nursery and Turtle Café.
Organiser and Westville resident Nishi Padayachee said: “My parents and I had done a lot of charity work, so I was motivated to start a nonprofit, community initiative market to uplift home industries and small businesses.
“I really want to help people who are unemployed and disadvantaged and even pensioners who earn a living by showcasing their talents.
“I also wanted to promote local traditional talent in areas of cooking, art, jewellery making and fashion.”
The focus of the market, with its five book stalls in operation, leans towards promoting a richer reading society. Three of the book stalls are run by book sellers, while the other two belong to South African authors Cyril James and Erin Anastasia, who want to promote their work.
Community activist and bookseller Nkosingiphile Ndlovu, of Chatsworth, took great pride in saying: “I wanted to promote reading and literature and at the same time raise funds for a crèche. I am trying to build a crèche for the community living in the Bottlebrush informal settlement.”
Those who visited the market enjoyed the family atmosphere. There was plenty of room to play, a toy stall and a face painter to keep the children entertained.
You could smell boerewors and samoosas, while pickles drew many to the Turtle Café, with its milkshakes proving to be another favourite.
The market also allowed friends and family to network and provided an opportunity to bump into old friends.
Ndlovu said: “I met so many interesting people from all walks of life. It gave me a chance to share my ideas with others. It was an enriching experience and fantastic to meet so many wonderful people.”
Padayachee said: “I think the turnout at the first market was good; everyone had a great time.”
The market is scheduled to assemble at the same venue on the first Saturday of every month from 9am. For more information, contact Nishi Padayachee on 082 896 7220.