A market nestled in the heart of the community in Melville

The Melville Market launched a few weeks ago and it promises to be just what this community needs.

June 19, 2024

Neo Phashe 2 minutes read

Ernest Korkie and customer Veronique Stheeman who looks at getting some Baciami cheese, salami and seriously delicious pies.

With a clear mission to aid in the growth of its community, the first-of-its-kind, Melville Market was recently held at Melville Kruis Church.

One of the market’s founding members, Ernest Korkie, said its working model will contribute to an improved market experience for vendor and customer alike. “Being run by directors and not owners, the system is designed for the benefit of the market and vendors, not for individual personal gain. Our goal is a fresh approach within the market milieu, that is conducive to a positive, productive, and rewarding experience for all parties involved.”
On its launch day, the market had 55 seasoned vendors selling their goods.

Kathleen Wolmarans at the Paul Mills Life and Lemons.

Korkie said such a market is important in the community as it allows for the community to come together in an engaging way – contributing to the strength and pulse of the community. He described this market as being one that offers the opportunity to vendors to put food on their tables while also rendering a service to the community through a diverse offering. “Some vendors negotiate huge challenges to get to the market. To see not only their pride in their products, but also the pride in the market, is heartwarming. And happy people make happy communities.”

People’s reaction to the event varied, some nodded in acknowledgement as they made way through the venue, others were said to have been generally impressed and while others showed gratitude and congratulated organisers for what they had pulled off. One of the most rewarding reactions were sights of those who lingered and stayed, and soaked up all the vibrancy and festivities of the day.

Senate Notrem from Indulged Wellbeing and her son, Kopano sell herbal natural body products.

Though the event was ultimately successful, there were some challenges. “The two biggest challenges were finding a venue and to procuring unique vendors,” said Korkie. He had initially approached two different local venues but their lack of response or lengthy response times, resulted in weeks of little to no progression. “One day driving past Melville Kruis Church, the thought crossed my mind to approach them.”

Also read: School raises funds at annual market day

The Melville Market held at Melville Kruis Church

Follow-up meetings proved fruitful and now the market leases the church grounds on Saturdays, thus making the Melville Market find a home in the heart of Melville. Their next challenge was sourcing and securing vendors. “Not only did we put out a call for vendors on social media platforms, but I also combed through groups to find people making unique, handmade, local and upcycled goods. We are proud of every single one of our hand-selected vendors.”

Nichols and Katharina Rodriguez López from Greyloerie, sell hand-printed art T-shirts.

As a registered non-profit, Korkie said the Melville Market invests vendors fees back into the market and among other aspects, offer our vendors a curated platform in a safe environment with a wholesome atmosphere.