Celebrating the revival of the Green Point Flea Market
Rosheda Muller, chairperson of the Green Point Flea Market said is over the moon that the much loved market has reopened
Image: File
After 15 long years, the much-loved Green Point Flea Market has finally come home—and the excitement is impossible to miss.
On Sunday, 11 May 2025, the market officially reopened at its original home in Green Point, Cape Town, and will now be held every Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00—except on major stadium event days. From the moment the first stall opened, it was clear: this was more than just a market reopening. It was a return of soul, culture, and connection.
“This is Cape Town—the land of the people,” said Rosheda Muller, Chairperson of the Green Point Flea Market and National President of NITASA (National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa). “This market is part of our identity. It’s how we survive, how we thrive—and now we’re back where we belong.”
“The atmosphere was buzzing with joy, and so were the stalls.
“It was phenomenal. Our things were sold out—completely sold out! What touched us most was how warmly we were welcomed by the local community and tourists. It felt like coming home,” Muller said.
Visitors were treated to a rich variety of Cape Town’s traditional flavours—from golden koesisters and crispy samoosas to hearty helpings of local dishes like akni, kerrie and breyani.
Muller added that they are hoping to soon include even more comforting favourites such as pens en pootjies and pap en vleis on the menu, ensuring an even more authentic Cape Town food experience for all.
The market brings together nearly 100 traders, many of whom are the children of the original vendors who traded before it closed in 2009. “It’s a multigenerational comeback,” Muller said proudly. “We held on to hope—even when it was hard. We never stopped believing we’d return.”
She shared the journey to reopening, including a pivotal moment three years ago when a mentor introduced them to the Legal Resources Centre. “That moment changed everything. It brought us back on track. There were tears, there was prayer, but we pushed through.”
Today, one of the market’s oldest traders, an 80-year-old clothing maker, still sews and sells from her wheelchair. “She’s our living legend,” Muller said warmly.
“Whether you’re browsing handcrafted ceramics, picking out locally made clothing, or just there for a plate of food and a chat, the market offers something for everyone.
“Even if you don’t buy anything, come for the stories. Come for the vibe. Just come,” Muller said.
This revival has been made possible through support from the City of Cape Town, with a vision to boost micro-economies and create jobs. “Many of our traders use this to put food on the table,” Muller said. “This isn’t just trade—it’s livelihood.”
The market runs every Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00—and the message from traders is loud and proud:
“Ons is terug, en ons is hier om te bly (We’re back. And we’re here to stay,).”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus