Market lives by ‘local is lekker’ motto

Sue Gajathar came up with the idea to save small businesses in the community.

December 15, 2023

Ditiro Masuku 1 minute read

Ilhaam Ghoor brings the blue sky a little closer to her table.

Right at the intersection of Witkoppen Road and King Fisher Drive inside Rustic Timber lies a haven for chefs, entrepreneurs, artists, and so many other inspiring individuals so dedicated about positive change within the community.

Rosie Phiri is star-struck by busker, Kutlwano Yika who performed live music at the market.

On December 3 2023, professional chef, Sue Gajathar hosted Fourways Rustic and Gourmet Market to promote local is lekker which means – buying items from home is always the best idea.

Residents are sightseeing to breath life into the ‘local is lekker’ slogan.

Gajathar said she came up with the idea after she heard that a local business had shut its doors.

Sonya Maharaj and Shani Sigh from Shwizzle brought beautiful smiles to the market.

“It broke my heart, and I said I want to boost the economy and grow small businesses. That was the whole aim of it – to bring the community together to promote the slogan ‘Buy local is lekker’ so all our vendors are proudly South African products– they are made here, you see them, they are baked here and there is lots of love that goes into it. This is a small space created for them to grow their business during this trying and challenging economy.”

Ilhaam Ghoor is pictured with the painting that sparked her artistic journey.

The market boasts an eco-friendly environment with beautiful scenery that is so soul-soothing. The chefs did not disappoint as they were cooking up a storm with their food smelling so good that it made one’s stomach rumble.

The beautiful scenery of the Fourways Rustic and Gourmet Market.

“We started a pilot in July. It was a three-month pilot just to see how it went and then the first month was excellent, the second one was the day after it snowed, so people came out and it was not as busy. We got a little despondent and thought maybe this is not working but the third hit and the rest is history. “

Rebabaletswe Sehoboko is in her happy place.

Every month, Fourways residents come to the market to enjoy a relaxing picnic with kids roaming around and nice live music by busker – Kutlwano Yika.

Connie Masibo at her Africa-inspired boutique.

“We live by the slogan ‘local is lekker’ and in this particular time where it is so difficult for businesses, we have to promote them to help job creation in the country. Our next market will be on February 4 because of Januworry.”