Frederika Village night market boosts local economy

The Moot came alive on Friday July 7 during the Frederika night market, which is hosted every first Friday of each month.

Numerous local entrepreneurs gathered at this market to showcase their products and network with potential customers.

The local entrepreneurs had an opportunity to set up their stalls at the complex free of charge.

The market was a place of social cohesion rather than just business discussion.

The night market offered both adults and children interesting and enjoyable activities in education, food, fashion, music, and history.

The residents were entertained through Afrikaans music and folklore songs.

The night market was hosted at the Frederika Villlage Complex.

“The main objectives of this market are to foster social cohesion, expose and develop local SMMEs, and support local creatives,” said Jean Sutherland, the managing agent.

Sutherland said the market was to get more people in the centre.

“The owners of the centre spent a lot of money upgrading the facility but with this market we are trying to bring more people and to showcase the services offered here.”

Sutherland said the market has proven to be effective.

“We are just coming from Covid-19 which put a lot of livelihoods at risk but with this market our local entrepreneurs meet customers and showcase their products.”

The market has attracted 25 entrerpreneurs who opened stalls.

“This time around we are showing growth as the number of stalls opened is bigger than the previous one,” Sutherland said.

Roelen de Jager said the market was different from the previous one.

“We have included prize monies, discounts and prizes for the kids so that they don’t feel left out.”

Maria Van der Merwe of Miaseplaaskombuis said the night market has been helpful to her.
“This is my second time opening a stall and it has yielded results.”

Van der Merwe said her first time at the market was to showcase her products.

“This time customers came around and I can say I am heading in the right direction.”

Karabo Diloko said she brought her children to the market so they can have a great time.

“The kids are happy and this is a great bonding session,” she said.

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