Community reactions to the Bo-Kaap Market launch
7 Steps Cultural Group members, from left, are Junaid Isaacs, Shameer Isaacs, Isghaq Khan, Mansoor Joseph, and Abdu-Dayyaan Floris.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Mixed emotions welcomed the launch of the new Bo-Kaap Market, situated at the corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive, on Saturday, February 14.
While neighbours expressed a willingness to support the vendors, some voiced scepticism about the potential for sufficient foot traffic to sustain the market long-term.
The market includes about six stall spaces, selling scarves, fruit and vegetables, savouries, seafood, local cuisine, and colourful clothing.
Salie Khan, Bo-Kaap resident and neighbour to the Bo-Kaap Market, which was launched on Saturday, February 14.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Resident Sallie Khan suggested that the venue should be multi-purpose, including music and assistance with municipal services, to attract visitors.
"Can we make business with it? Look where it is situated. Nobody comes up here, unless we have music then you will see people come here," he said.
Mr Khan also voiced a concern that the market primarily attracted tourists, stating: "They bring the white people; We don’t see our people here."
He urged that Bo-Kaap residents benefit directly from tourism, market the area, and own their local spaces.
Veronica Sickle, from Mitchell's Plain, with advocate Advocate Shameemah Salie, proportional representative councillor for Al Jama-ah, reminisce about living in Bo-Kaap.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Advocate Shameemah Salie, proportional representative councillor for Al Jama-ah, emphasised the importance of local ownership.
"Bo-Kaap needs to own this and make it their own," she said.
She reminded residents that Bo-Kaap was historically the Mecca of clothing.
"I would love to see more people from the area, and who came from the area to have stalls here. So that we can keep it local. So that we can show off what Bo-Kaap is about," said Ms Salie.
Francine Higham, councillor for Ward 77 and mayoral committee member for community services and health.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Francine Higham, councillor for Ward 77 and mayoral committee member for community services and health, said it was a privilege to be at the launch, calling it the culmination of collaboration between the City of Cape Town, the community, the Bo-Kaap civic association, and the traders.
"We are really happy to be here. It has been a little emotional as we’ve come a long way together. And we are just happy to see it happen," she said, encouraging residents, traders, and interested parties to step forward to participate in the upcoming phase two.
Veronica Sickle, a visitor from Mitchell’s Plain whose family originated in the area, said the market was a deeply emotional homecoming.
"I’m proud and emotional to be here today. It brings back so many memories," she said, recalling her grandparents, the Star Bioscope, and attending school in Zonnebloem.
Ms Sickle felt compelled to visit the market to reconnect with her heritage and the memory of where her family once lived.
Ammaarah Lakay, owner of Roots and Rainbows, sells t-shirts, aprons, magnets and coasters with Bo-Kaap pictures imprinted.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Trader Ammaarah Lakay, from Roots and Rainbows, sold items like t-shirts, aprons, magnets, and coasters imprinted with Bo-Kaap pictures.
For her, the market is a way of "honouring the past and embracing the future."
The Bo-Kaap Market is open from 10am until 7pm, Friday to Sunday.
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