All things natural and healthy at the Bryanston Market

BRYANSTON – The market promotes conscious living.

Khulisani Mpofu at his Birds of Paradise stall. Photo: Itumeleng Komana

Bryanston Organic and Natural Market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays and has gained momentum in the past 43 years. Each market is a success and the Bryanston community looks forward to it.

The market is a registered trust of the Michael Mount Waldorf School. Parents started it as a fundraiser. “The proceeds of the market go towards the school to improve the facilities and create a more conducive learning environment,” said the COO of market, Glenda Moore.

COO of the Bryanston Organic and Natural Market Glenda Moore appreciates the love and support they get from the community and tourists. Photo: Itumeleng Komana

“It hasn’t been an easy journey. We have had difficulties, especially in the past three years with the recession in the country which affected most businesses.

“We have also had disastrous fires, but every time we rise from the ashes and it keeps on getting better.”

She also added that they are looking forward to rebranding the market to promote conscious living.

Gianni Vicente and Pablo Tesoriero at the market. *Photo: Itumeleng Komana*

“People think the market is only about organic products while, in fact, it is all about conscious living.” The new developments are still in the pipeline and the launch will be in October this year.

Lyn Bollewrs and Mercy Phiri of Leafy Greens Café. *Photo: Itumeleng Komana*

The market uses Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), in which the producer’s production practices and records have been assessed by the Bryanston Market PGS group and found to be compliant with organic agricultural principles.

Emmanuel Mukwiro, Nomathemba Moyo and Hannah Mboga encourage more people to come to the market. Photo: Itumeleng Komana

Annual appraisal visits are made by the group to the supplying farms and production sites. Customers are invited and welcomed as key participants on these visits.

Saras Naidoo of Happy Milk sells glass-bottled milk to save the environment. *Photo: Itumeleng Komana*

Saras Naidoo of Happy Milk has recently joined the market. “The idea with [glass] bottled milk is to save the environment, rather using plastic,” she said. “We are new here at the market but we are enjoying it so far.”

Innocent Manjengenja sculpts beautiful pieces. Photo: Itumeleng Komana

Innocent Manjengenja, a stone sculptor, said that he has been part of the market since 2011 and that he gets support from both locals and tourists. Emmanuel Mukwiro, who creates artworks on recycled elephant dung paper, shared the same sentiment, “I really enjoy every moment here and I hope more people come through to the market. It is a nice space to be.”