Cape Town celebrates the official opening of the Bo-Kaap Market
MEC for Economic development, James Vos, celebrating with vendors at the Bo-Kaap market.
Image: City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town celebrates a major milestone with the official opening of the Bo-Kaap Market on Saturday, 14 February and Sunday, 15 February 2026. Though the market began trading in December 2025, this weekend’s event marked its recognition as a permanent public trading space, reflecting the vibrant heritage of the beloved Bo-Kaap neighbourhood while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined James Vos, Mayco for Member for Economic Growth, for a festive visit to the market. Hill-Lewis described the atmosphere as “great fun,” with both Capetonians and tourists flocking to enjoy this iconic part of the city.
“We are especially pleased for the traders themselves, who are benefitting from upgraded infrastructure and City support to make this market a success,” he stated, highlighting the importance of informal trading as a key economic sector supported by a R270 million investment to enhance trading spaces across the metro over the current three-year budget.
Vos emphasised that developing quality public trading infrastructure is a top priority for the city’s economic growth.
“Investing in public trading infrastructure creates business-friendly spaces that give traders dignity and customers a welcoming experience.,” Vos said.
Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewis and MEC for Economic Development James Vos visited the Bo-Kaap market which will now be a permanent feature.
Image: City of Cape Town
Francine Higham, the city’s Mayco members for Community Services and Health and councillor for Ward 77, expressed her pride in the community-driven project’s achievements.
“What a special occasion, celebrating the official opening of the Bo-Kaap Market, a space shaped by the community, for the community. 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.
Higham thanked the residents, traders, civic association members, and city officials who contributed to bring this vision to life and urged residents to visit and support the market’s growth.
The Bo-Kaap Market serves as a dynamic platform for local food traders, creatives, and small businesses to flourish in a well-managed, accessible environment, all while showcasing the rich culture and traditions that make the area distinct.
Notable traders include Nafeesah Dante of Bo-Kaap’s Finest, known for her Cape Malay-inspired dishes, and Ammarah Lakay of Bo-Kaap’s Roots: Painted Rainbows, whose products celebrate the colour and resilience of the Bo-Kaap community. The market features a range of established and emerging traders offering an array of food, fresh produce, clothing, accessories, plants, and local memorabilia.
Following the inaugural weekend, the Bo-Kaap Market will continue to operate as a regular weekend market, creating ongoing opportunities for local traders while fostering community connections and economic participation in the process.
Local leaders including Councillor Matthew Kempthorne, chairperson of Sub-Council 16, Ganief Laubscher of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association, and Mansoor Abrahams from the Bo-Kaap Civic Association joined Mayor Hill-Lewis and Alderman Vos in the celebrations, highlighting the collaborative efforts that went into bringing this market to fruition.