No, the Neighbourgoods Market is not shutting down

Johannesburg’s Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein is not shutting down, says co-founder Cameron Munro.

This was after the rumour mill suggested the popular attraction was closing its door forever. While Neighbourgoods has not been operational for almost a year due to lockdown, Munro gave his assurance that it will soon be resurrected.

The food and goods market was a popular Saturday outing for many Joburg residents, while tourists were often brought to the market to show off its vibey nature and city views.

“The whole rigmarole started due to a WhatsApp message in the trader’s group,” says Munro, where a former employee suggested the market’s demise.

“It is entirely untrue, and we are engaging with one stakeholder at a time to determine the safest and best way to reopen.

“We are still in the grip of the pandemic,” he says, and as such it did thrown a spanner in the works, but one which is in the process of being resolved.

Stallholder Kathleen Wolmarans, who left the corporate world to open lemonade stall Life + Lemons = Lemonade, says that she loved the vibrance and energy of the market and would be sad to see it go on many levels.

“This is how I make my living and when the pandemic hit, my income nosedived to zero. Many traders have out of necessity had to exhibit at other markets to try to eke out a living.”

Neighbourgoods, she says, was cosmopolitan. “It attracted tourists from all over the world as well as stallholders from countries as far afield as Venezuela. It’s eclectic and had an electric vibe.”

Husband and wife team chef Song and Li ran Li’s Kitchen, a spring roll deli. “We and tons of other stallholders make our living from Neighbourgoods and it would be a great pity if it never reopens.”

There may be a move on the cards for the market when it reopens. “We are considering various options that consider its geography, size and capacity as well as other considerations. We plan to move full steam ahead,” Camerson said.

He adds that former employees may have inadvertently spread fake news about the market. “We are correcting this misconception and look forward to relaunching this treasure.”

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Author Hein Kaiser

About the author

Hein Kaiser is a seasoned journalist, broadcaster, producer and marketing communication professional. He has worked in a variety of markets, sectors and countries. He presently hosts the 360 Brunch at weekends on Mix 93.8FM, writes for the Citizen and consults to various companies on a strategic level.