The Florida Community Market held over the weekend (26 and 27 July) proved wondrously successful as many residents already asked about the next one.
The usual foods, baked and cooked goods, plants and books were available at the market, but with a slight twist. Much of the foods was produced organically or prepared as vegetarian or vegan dishes, candles were home-made, music reminding of the 70s played in the background and no money was involved. The Capoeira Cidade de Ouro group from Florida enhanced its alternative vibes with their performance.
An “ungenred”, in their words, band called Rex Ruther and the Unknown Angels even had the elderly folks swaying to the music.
This community market was the first of its kind on the West Rand, with innovative and fresh bartering ideas hiding behind the simplistic name. The market, held at Florida North Bowling Club on Saturday, was the brainchild of resident Ilet Jonker. She worked with the concept of a moneyless market, incorporating ideas borrowed from the community exchange system that is practiced worldwide.
Her own alliance to the Johannesburg Talent Exchange motivated her to make other members aware of the market and have them trade. Although some stalls did trade goods for cash (like Dorcas Aid’s charity stall), the main idea behind it was to trade talents for talents, or goods for goods.
“I wanted to create a space for the community to connect,” says Jonker.
“This market is here to stay and I want to draw those people who find their communities unsafe and are afraid to leave their houses to it.”
Many of the market visitors were aware of the bartering system and were registered with Johannesburg Talent Exchange, which meant their unique number allowed them to trade their talents for coffee, something to eat or whatever tickled their fancy.
Jonker hopes to organise the next market for Saturday 30 August.
View a gallery of the event here.
