October 26, 2011. Warwick Junction is really moulded by the throngs of people from different races, cultures, religions and creeds who all co-exist there in harmony. Situated in the heart of central Durban, Warwick is a historical symbol of Durban and has been established for the past century.
The district is a true reflection and example of South Africa’s rainbow nation. Walking up Warwick Avenue you feel a sense of South African culture, and feel that you are in a truly African city. There is no other place in Durban where you could feel and experience South African culture better than here.
Trade is the name of the game. There are street vendors situated at nearly every corner, selling a variety of goods ranging from vegetables and fruits to cultural Zulu and Indian attire. You can smell the aroma of Ingila (braaied chicken liver kebabs) and braaied meilies in the air. Taxi horns go off here and there and it sounds like vuvuzelas at an intense World Cup soccer match at Moses Mabhida. A street vendor shouting, “five rand airtime MTN, Vodacom, Cell C”. These are the sounds and atmosphere of a true African market.
A lot of renovations and improvements have been done in the Warwick Junction area, some of which have been met with resistance by many of the traders in the area. The traders viewed some of the renovations as a way the municipality was trying to get rid of them. A spectacular flyover has been constructed over the Warwick area, primarily to help ease the manic traffic congestion in the area.
The eThekwini Municipality proposed that the Early Morning Market, which has been around for more than a century, be torn down and a R400 million mall be built. This idea had the traders up in arms. They argued that a lot of people would be disadvantaged if the municipality decided to follow through with the idea.
Romalia Chetty, who has been a trader at the Early Morning Market for 10 years said, “I am a fourth generation trader here at the market. My great- grandfather was a trader selling vegetables which he had harvested at our family’s farm in Tongaat. This place has sentimental value to me and no amount of money is worth that.”
The Early Morning Market is probably the cheapest place to purchase fresh produce in Durban. “We mostly cater for the poor and students from universities around Durban,” said Chetty.
Advantages of purchasing at the Early Morning Market
- Fresh produce every single day
- Clean, secure area
- Cheaper products
- Close proximity to public transport facilities
- Porters to help you carry your purchases to transport are available
Disadvantages of purchasing at the Early Morning Market
- Lack of parking facilities
- Lack of security personnel when outside the market compound
The current Victoria Street Market has been around for the past 21 years. The Street Market was officially opened by Dr Anton Rupert on the July 27, 1990. The market provides employment to more than 500 people. There are about 40 shops in Victoria Street Market, which sell a variety of products ranging from African curios and attire to spices and jewellery.
Dennis Naran has been running a shop in Victoria Street market since its interception in 1990. “This is a family business; my sons and I run the day to day operations of this shop,” said Naran. “If you are looking for true African souvenir, this is the place to go.”
Colour, colour everywhere . . . and the intoxicating fragrance of currie mixes . . . that’s the magic of the Victoria Street Market.
Advantages of purchasing at the Victoria Street Market
- Clean, secure area
- Cheaper products
- Close proximity to public transport facilities
- Porters, to help you carry purchases to your vehicle, are available
- Items from across Africa sold here
Disadvantages of purchasing at the Victoria Street Market
- There are parking facilities underneath the market, but these can come under pressure during busy periods
- Lack of security personnel when outside the market compound
For more on the markets of Warwick, or if interested in taking a guided tour
1 Comment
I visited Warwick Avenue a couple of years ago and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things I’ve ever done in Durbs – bright, vibey and so rich in culture. It’s a must for visitors and locals alike!