Bo-Kaap Market opens as a cultural and economic hub for Cape Town's community

The City of Cape Town has officially opened the Bo-Kaap Market as a permanent public trading space, marking what officials say is a boost for local enterprise and cultural expression in one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods.

While the market has been trading since December 2025, the formal opening was held over the weekend of February 14 and 15, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos visiting the site on Saturday.

“It was great fun visiting the bustling Bo-Kaap Market on Saturday as Capetonians and tourists came out to enjoy this iconic part of our city. We are especially pleased for the traders themselves, who are benefiting from upgraded infrastructure and City support to make this market a success,” said Hill-Lewis.

He added that informal trading remains a key economic sector for Cape Town, with the City investing R270 million over the current three-year budget cycle to upgrade trading spaces across the metro.

Vos said investing in public trading infrastructure was about creating business-friendly spaces that offered dignity to traders and a welcoming experience for customers.

“Markets like the Bo-Kaap Market add real value to communities. They support livelihoods, strengthen local businesses, and ensure that public trading contributes positively to the character and economy of an area,” he said.

Ward 77 councillor and Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham described the opening as a community-driven milestone.

“More than just a market, this is a place of opportunity where local entrepreneurs can grow their businesses, residents can support local, and visitors can experience the flavours, creativity and culture that make Bo-Kaap so special,” she said.

The Bo-Kaap Market provides space for local food traders, creatives and small businesses to operate in a managed and accessible environment that reflects the area’s distinctive heritage.

Among the traders are Nafeesah Dante of Bo-Kaap’s Finest, known for Cape Malay-inspired dishes, and Ammarah Lakay of Bo-Kaap’s Roots: Painted Rainbows, offering locally made products celebrating the colour and resilience of the community. They are joined by other long-standing and emerging traders selling food, fresh produce, clothing, accessories, plants and local memorabilia.

Following the official launch, the Bo-Kaap Market will continue operating as a regular weekend market, aimed at strengthening economic participation and providing a consistent space for community connection in the historic Bo-Kaap.

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Cape Argus