The Shongweni Farmers Market, which was started back in 1998, is on again this Saturday, 30 January.
Open from 6am to 10:30am every Saturday, the Shongweni Farmers Market is a family orientated market with loads of amazing goods on offer. There are a variety of breakfast options, fresh produce and proudly South African stands.
Initially just 12 stalls selling food and fresh produce, the Shongweni Farmers Market was located on a field belonging to the Shongweni Polo Club which is in the far outer west region of Durban.
From humble beginnings the market grew rapidly, attracting stall holders and customers from far and wide and now has more than 150 stalls, of which over 80 are food and fresh produce related.
Shongweni is probably the only market where dogs are welcome. Indeed, think of it as a chance for your best friend to engage in some social climbing, not to mention the biltong sampling when the opportunity arises!
The aim is for people to realise the importance of purchasing locally produced, everyday items such as bread, milk, cheese, vegetables, fish and meat… as well as luxury items like homemade cakes and pies.
Knowing where your food is made, grown, reared or produced will ensure quality and peace of mind. It can actually be a cheaper option as Farmers’ Markets cut out the middle man, not forgetting it is also a more environmentally friendly way to shop!
If one had to sum up what it is about the Shongweni Market that draws people week after week, you could say it’s the ambiance, the fact that you can buy there most of what you need often directly from the maker, the safe environment, the professional management, and above all, the feeling of a real community. It’s a rare combination, which undeniably makes this the most authentic market around.
For more information on the Shongweni Farmers Market visit www.shongwenimarket.co.za.