Shongweni Farmers
& Craft Market
Upon a hill in the Shongweni Valley, overlooking the majestic Kirk Falls — a buzz of activity every Saturday morning.
Up and coming events
The music, the moments, and the special guests coming up at the market.
This week's maker in the spotlight
Every Friday we shine a light on a maker from the market. Catch up on the latest stories below.
Yacoob Khan
FEATURE FRIDAY | Surf Style✨ FEATURE FRIDAY | Yacoob - Surf Style 🌊☀️ One of the things we love most about Shongweni Market is that it is so family-centric. And this month, we're shining the spotlight on another husband-and-wife team who have built a business together over the years! This week's Feature Friday takes us on a journey with Yacoob and Hamida of Surf Style South Africa, who joined the Shongweni Market family in 2020. ❤️ Their story began way back in 1994, when Hamida, after being retrenched in 1993, and Yacoob decided to take a leap of faith and start their own business. Their journey began at the Durban Amphimarket, which was open every Sunday along the beachfront. With Durban buzzing as a popular tourist destination, the idea of making casual beachwear and shorts seemed like the perfect fit! They started small, producing their very first batch of just 50 pairs of shorts. As the months went by, their business grew, and so did their range, expanding to include board shorts and three-quarter bermudas for both men and women. Interestingly, the name Surf Style South Africa came about thanks to a friendly tourist who visited their stall, fell in love with their products and encouraged them to give their business a name. After some thought, Surf Style South Africa was born! Their vision was to create products that locals could proudly wear as South Africans, while also offering tourists something special to take home as a beautiful reminder of their time in our country. 🇿🇦 Over the years, the business has continued to grow, with Yacoob and Hamida always putting their customers first and listening to what they want. Their range now includes luxurious ladies' swimwear and rash vests in various colours, alongside their popular shorts and three-quarter pants. Quality and comfort remain at the heart of everything they make. They carefully select quality fabrics, including drip-dry, cotton and soft denim, to ensure their products are comfortable, practical and perfect for the warmer summer months. Having traded at Shongweni Market for 6 years, Yacoob and Hamida say it has been an absolute pleasure. They love being part of the market, connecting with familiar faces and meeting new customers along the way. And we are just as grateful to have them as part of our market family! Now you don't have to be at the beach to get your hands on quality swimwear and summer essentials. Whether you're planning a holiday, heading to the pool or simply getting ready for summer, pop in and explore their range. You'll find Yacoob and Hamida at Surf Style South Africa, stall I4, trading every Saturday. Be sure to stop by, have a chat and support this hardworking husband-and-wife team! Thank you, Yacoob and Hamida, for being part of the Shongweni Market family. Here's to many more years together! 💙 #shoplocal #featurefriday #vendorspotlight #marketfamily #surfstyle
Michelle and Genevieve Barrel
FEATURE FRIDAY | Glass on Fire✨ FEATURE FRIDAY | Michelle and Genevieve ✨ From glass décor to beautiful sterling silver jewellery, this week's Feature Friday is all about embracing change, creativity, and finding your sparkle! Meet the lovely ladies behind Glass on Fire, Michelle and Genevieve Barrel, mother and daughter team. Their business has evolved over the years alongside the Shongweni Farmers Market. Their journey began at our old market site, about 16 years ago, where they originally sold glass décor. When the market moved to its new home, their business continued to grow and change. They ventured into glass jewellery before exploring costume jewellery, which quickly became a popular addition to their stall. But their journey didn't stop there! Wanting to offer something a little more special and timeless, they introduced sterling silver jewellery, and it was an absolute hit! Today, Glass on Fire specialises in sterling silver and stainless steel jewellery, offering a beautiful balance between quality, style and affordability. Jen has taken the lead with their stainless steel collection, while both ladies enjoy adding their own creative flair through enamelling, giving their jewellery that extra special touch. When asked what advice they would give someone starting a business, their answer was simple: "Have a plan, but if it changes, embrace the change!" And that's exactly what they've done. From glass décor to sterling silver, their business has undergone quite a metamorphosis, and they've found a comfortable fit that works for them. They also shared a little advice for anyone shopping for jewellery: "Make sure there is longevity in the product. It's okay to buy fashionable jewellery as trends come and go, but if you want a piece to last and be handed down through generations, a quality metal like silver or gold is preferable." But what makes Glass on Fire so special isn't just the jewellery. It's the friendship, laughter and shared creativity behind the stall. The two ladies love working together, bouncing ideas off one another and enjoying the wonderful community around them. "Our neighbours are amazing, and we look forward to every Saturday!" And that's what we love about our market family. It's not just about the beautiful products on display, but the people, friendships and stories behind them. Next time you're wandering through Shongweni Farmers Market, pop in and visit Glass on Fire at stall H13. Whether you're looking for a little something to treat yourself, a gift or a timeless piece to treasure for years to come, you're sure to find something that catches your eye! ✨ #FeatureFriday #GlassOnFire #ShongweniFarmersMarket #ShongweniMarket #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness #SterlingSilver #HandmadeWithLove #MarketFamily
Doomie B Creations
🌻 FEATURE FRIDAY: DOOMIE B 🌻🌻 FEATURE FRIDAY: DOOMIE B @doomie0303 Some people bring colour to the world, and Doomie from Doomie B Creations does exactly that! With his warm smile, gentle nature and wonderfully bright children’s clothing, Doomie has been a much-loved part of the Shongweni Market family for years, 16 years to be exact. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the man behind the colour and creativity! Doomie’s journey began with a simple idea — painting his own T-shirts. People loved what he created, and with just R200 in his pocket and public transport to get him around, he took the first steps towards building his own business. Today, his hand-painted creations have found their way into the wardrobes of customers both locally and overseas! His clothing is as practical as it is colourful, with machine-washable garments and non-toxic paints used in his designs. Every piece brings its own personality, making his bright creations a real treat for little ones and a wonderful way to add a splash of colour to their wardrobes. For Doomie, the market is about so much more than selling his products. It’s about the people he meets, the friendships he has built and hearing the stories of where his creations are travelling. It’s that connection with customers from near and far that makes his Saturday mornings so special. And if you’re wondering where to find him, you can’t miss him now! Doomie can be found at stall F7, right on the corner, where his bright clothing is sure to catch your eye. Next time you’re at the market, pop past, admire his colourful creations and say hello to this incredibly humble and talented trader. You’ll be greeted with that familiar smile! 📍 Doomie B Creations | Stall F7 📱 Facebook: Doomie B Creations 📞 082 369 3719 Come and enjoy a colourful Saturday with us! 🌻 🕖 We’re open every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. #ShongweniMarket #ShopLocal #SupportLocalMakers #KidsClothing #HandPaintedWithLove
Warren Dukas
Feature Friday: Frozen YoFEATURE FRIDAY: Meet Warren from Frozenyo Food Truck There are some stalls at the Shongweni Market that you simply can’t miss, and Frozen Yo is definitely one of them. Literally, they are parked at the front of the market in their bright turquoise and yellow truck. Warren have been serving up delicious frozen yoghurt and an impressive selection of toppings to our Saturday crowd for the past three years. With summer on the way, it seemed like the perfect time to catch up with Warren and find out a little more about the man behind the froyo, what brought Frozen Yo to SFM, and what keeps him coming back every Saturday. We asked Warren some quick fire questions to learn more about him: Q: If you were a Frozen Yo flavour, which one would you be? A: Natural, no question! It’s the OG. It’s simple, honest, and it goes with everything. I like to think that’s me too: no fuss, just the real thing. Q: Tell us a little about Frozen Yo. A: Frozen Yo started in 2015 with one simple idea: give people the cold, creamy joy of ice cream without the guilt. We started in Cape Town, took a detour through Joburg, and now we’re swirling in Durban! We’ve loved bringing froyo joy all over Mzansi. Our froyo is gluten-free and low in calories, and we serve it from a bright turquoise and yellow truck that brings the vibes! Q: How long have you been trading at SFM, and what made you choose the market? A: This month we’re celebrating our 3-year anniversary at the market! It was an easy choice. It’s a proper family market that easily rivals any market in the country — believe us, we’ve been to plenty! It’s one of our favourite ways to spend a Saturday morning, in the most amazing natural setting. There’s a real love for local, quality food, which is exactly who Frozen Yo is for. Q: What keeps you coming back every Saturday? A: The people, honestly. We have regulars who pop in every week just to say hi. Plus, there are the friendly traders all around us. Saturdays don’t feel like work; they feel like hanging out with the community. Q: What do you think makes Shongweni Market different? A: It has soul. Lots of markets feel like a car park full of stalls. Shongweni feels like a community. The setting is beautiful, the traders really support each other, and the customers come to slow down and enjoy themselves instead of just rushing through. Q: What’s your favourite Frozen Yo combination — and what’s the craziest creation you’ve seen? A: I’m a purist, so you’ll mostly catch me with Natural and something fruity. The craziest one a customer ever built was four flavours with seven toppings! 😂 Respect to them, though. Froyo is meant to be fun! Q: What’s been your funniest or most memorable moment at the market? A: It was a scorching Saturday and the queue at the truck was long. Right in the middle of the rush, a gorgeous Labrador strolled up, made himself comfortable right in front of the truck, and left behind the biggest “deposit” I have ever seen in my life. His poor owner was mortified! Credit to her, though: she did her doggie duty like an absolute champ and cleared away the whole mountain while the entire queue looked on. 😂 Q: Do you cater for events? A: Absolutely! You can book the truck for corporate functions, weddings, engagement parties, birthday parties, school events, music festivals and concerts, and even film and advert shoots. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the truck makes a great photo backdrop or prop too. Bookings: info@frozenyo.co.za or 072 477 3121. Q: What has Frozen Yo taught you over the years? A: Consistency beats everything. Show up every week, keep the quality the same, and treat every customer like a regular, because they soon will be. It’s also taught me to roll with the punches: breakdowns, load-shedding, quiet days. A small business teaches you patience, and it teaches you that relationships are the real product. Q: Finally, describe Frozen Yo in three words. A: Fro. Zen. Yo. “Fro” for the good stuff in the cup. “Zen” for the Shongweni vibe, because there’s no better place to spend a Saturday morning. “Yo” for the community that keeps us coming back. Put it all together and you get… Frozen Yo! 😉 ________________________________________ A LITTLE FROZEN YO FOR YOUR SATURDAY Three years is a wonderful milestone, and we’re so pleased that Warren and Frozen Yo have become part of the Shongweni Market family. Whether you’re a Natural purist like Warren, someone who loves adding a few fruity toppings, or the kind of person who thinks four flavours and seven toppings sounds like the perfect combination, there’s something wonderfully fun about building your own cup. So as the weather warms up and summer arrives, make sure a Frozen Yo stop is part of your next Saturday at Shongweni. Grab your froyo, find a shady spot, listen to the music, wander through the stalls and enjoy exactly what Warren describes so well — the Fro. Zen. Yo. of Shongweni Market.
Instagram Feature
FEATURE FRIDAY | Nikki HollidayFEATURE FRIDAY | Nikki Holliday You never quite know what you’ll find at @hangingaroundrsa, a great thrifted piece, an unexpected treasure, or perhaps even a convo that stays with you long after you’ve left. For Nikki, the woman behind Hanging Around, the market has become about so much more than the clothes. After 8 years at SFM, she has watched customers become familiar faces, familiar faces become friends, & her stall become a place where people come to browse, discover something special & connect. And if you’ve walked down Nikki’s aisle, you’ll know that you’re never quite walking through the same space twice. Nikki has a wonderfully bold & funky way of decorating, constantly transforming the aisle around her & finding new ways to make people stop, look & wonder what she has come up with next. There is always something new to experience at Hanging Around. But October is particularly special. For 7 years, Nikki has turned her stall pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, creating vibrant displays &, in true Nikki fashion, making sure they get people talking. This year, you’ll once again find bras hanging from the ceiling, creating an eye-catching display while helping to raise awareness and proudly supporting the wonderful NGO @iloveboobies_za And that is exactly what makes Nikki’s displays so meaningful. They aren’t simply decorations. They start conversations. As Nikki says: “The display gets people talking - & sharing their stories. Some are sad, but many are positive & inspiring.” Those conversations, connections & stories have become such an important part of her journey at SFM. For Nikki, that’s the magic of SFM. It’s not just about finding a beautiful thrifted piece or an unexpected treasure — it’s about the people you meet, the friendships you make & the stories that unfold along the way. So next time you’re at the market, take a stroll down to stall H9. Stop for a browse, see what’s new, admire her latest creation &, who knows, you might just find something you weren’t looking for… or leave with a story you’ll remember. 8years, countless treasures, ever-changing displays and so many stories — that’s Nikki & Hanging Around. 💗
Instagram Feature
Meet the Trader: Dave TurnerMeet the Trader: Dave Turner A treasured SFM stall for over 12 years For the past 12 years, Dave’s Tools has been a much-loved fixture at SFM, attracting everyone from DIY enthusiasts & collectors to those simply looking for that one missing tool at the right price. Dave is at his stall every Saturday, with his collection of quality second-hand tools carefully sourced from people who are downsizing or clearing out a toolshed or garage. But Dave doesn't simply buy and resell them. He takes the tools home, where he cleans, reconditions and restores them before bringing them back to the market. The result is a stall packed with tools that are ready to find a new home. One of the advantages of shopping at Dave's is the ability to find individual spanners, sockets and other pieces to complete an existing set, or to purchase a complete set. His stall also has something special for collectors and those who appreciate the craftsmanship of tools from years gone by. Visitors enjoy browsing the collection of old hand-held planes, hand drills and other equipment from yesteryear. And it's not just the men who enjoy Dave's Tools — both men and women regularly browse his extensive selection, whether they're experienced DIYers or simply looking to try something new. The move to the market's new venue has been a real winner for Dave, too. With excellent facilities and no need to pack up his tools every weekend, he has been able to display his stock properly and increase the range of tools available. “So if you have a box of old tools you want to sell, a few items missing from your toolbox or a grandchild who wants to try their hand at leather or woodwork, come and see me at the Shongweni Market.” Dave’s Tools — where old tools get a new lease on life, and there's always something worth discovering. 🔨🔧 I particularly like the “old tools get a new lease on life” angle for Dave because it captures what makes his stall different from simply being a tool seller. With his ever-changing collection of tools, you never know what you might discover. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer, a collector, or simply looking for the right tool at the right price, Dave will be happy to help. 📍 Find Dave’s Tools at L7 & L8 — and take a little time to explore. You might just find exactly what you’ve been looking for! 🔨🔧
The market map
Plan your visit before you arrive. Locate the main entrance, the village stage, the food court, and every stall block across the grounds.
A Saturday morning in pictures
Host your event on the hill
During the week, our market grounds and undercover spaces are available to hire for functions, corporate events, workshops and special occasions — set among the gardens with views over the Shongweni Valley.
- Available weekdays, Monday to Friday
- Flexible layouts for intimate or larger gatherings
- Undercover, accessible and ample parking
Come say hello
Follow along for weekly updates, photos from the market, and a peek behind the stalls.