Windhoek Farmers’ Market is back

Gideon and Esmé Lubbe, the owners and organisers of the market, said this time around they held a winter market.

“It is fantastic to be back and fully functional. We had great support from the public, though it was a busy weekend in Windhoek. People come and enjoy the outdoors, while spending time with family and friends. Every market is special. Although it is important to create a consistent feel to the market, there is always something new – new products and new exhibitors. At the last market, we had 110 stalls,” Esmé said.

She said the market gives small entrepreneurs a platform to sell and engage with the public.

Besides generating revenue for the sellers, the market also gives the community of Windhoek the opportunity to buy directly from the farmer/producer in an informal way, she said.

Esmé said the market has grown over the years. The first market was held on 5 March 2011 at the Windhoek Showgrounds' gravel area, where the children's entertainment area is. It started with 21 stands and has grown to more than 110 stalls per market.

Apart from Windhoek, exhibitors came from various towns across the country, such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Aranos and Gobabis.

Gideon said the market was inspired by a personal experience.

“One of the founders of the market, Elza van der Westhuizen, lived in Bloemfontein for many years, but moved to Windhoek to stay with her sister after her husband died. She regularly visited the Bloemfontein Farmers' Market while living in Bloemfontein. Elza and her sister, Kiet van der Westhuizen (also a widow), realised that Windhoek did not have a market with the feel and frequency of a farmers' market. The two wanted to contribute to the community and created the platform for senior citizens and other small business people to enable them to generate an income, as many of them survived on the sale of their home-made goods. Unfortunately, Elza died in 2003, and Kiet in 2018. Esme and I, who have been active exhibitors since 2011, continued with the market,” Gideon said.

He said they wanted the Van der Westhuizen's legacy to continue and the community to also benefit.

The next market will be held on 3 September. Gideon said the public can expect a variety of items such as good food, a good vibe, great quality and just a wonderful fun day in the open air.

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