A ‘LOCAL is lekker’, eco-friendly approach is the name of the game at a newly established art, craft and fresh produce market, which an Illovo Beach-based nursery launched on Saturday, 6 October.
The market sees locals given the opportunity to showcase their creations, all in the name of upliftment of the greater Amanzimtoti area and empowerment of its people.
View all the photos in the gallery: Out and about at Illovo Nursery’s craft and fresh produce market
Putting Illovo Beach on the map, Illovo Nursery has created a space for local vendors to showcase their goods. The tented area is sheltered from rain and wind and gives a cosy atmosphere to the market. Food vendors are situated outside the tented area beside the sitting area, where live music provides a lively atmosphere. The market is set to take place every Saturday and Sunday from 9am until 3pm at Illovo Nursery.
Check out Pam Golding’s video compilation of the event:
A definite earth-conscious energy is evident, as the stalls offer eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws and other environmental taboos. A juicing stall serves its products in bio-degradable cups. This stall creates vegetable and fruit juices and smoothies, all sold in completely biodegradable packaging and all ingredients are locally sourced.
Nikki Chapman explained the cups and straws are made of polylactic acid (PLA). While this costs a little more to source, the product is as durable as plastic and takes only between nine and 12 weeks to completely biodegrade. In the near future she looks to make steel straws accessible to the community.
A neighbouring stall sells slops made from recycled tyres. Looking at the product, you’d never say it was created from unwanted materials. The store is proudly South African, environmentally-conscious and looks to give an incentive for those collecting and recycling litter in their town.
Speaking to the stall owners, who are all Toti locals, they shared their journey of the last year, which saw them turn their hobby into a market stall. Homemade foods, pickles and chutneys, gem stones, jewellery and decor-related goods are the many things you’ll find.
In an economy where entrepreneurship is encouraged, the start-up of this market is indeed an inspiration for locals to embrace their talents and passions and share it with their community in an effort to inspire and attract visitors from all over, benefiting the tourism industry.
“The Sapphire Coast Tourism team is thrilled to have the market taking place every weekend,” said SCT chairman, Romy Wenzel.
“It’s a market of good quality products in a safe and tranquil environment. We wish organisers all the best in its new ventures and are more than willing to support the market by proudly flying the SCT flag. As from mid-December, the market is going to run every day, making it available to holidaymakers who are going to flock to the Sapphire Coastline.”
Romy shared that she would love to see the market decorated according to the Christmas theme during the festive season: Lights, decoration, themed goodies and carols setting the mood.
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