South Africa is know for the abundance of cultures in this third world country, and with that comes the expression of identity in various forms, art and craft being one of them. From the intricate bead work of Zulu people from KwaZulu Natal, to the finely crafted basketry of the San people, the riches of South African craft is ready to wow any tourist hitting the shores.
With a number of craft markets in the cities, you should find something that piques your interest whether you’re looking for traditional African instruments, ceramics or wirework.

CAPE TOWN:
Greenmarket Square
Snug in the heart of the Cape Town’s CBD is a hub of activity in an ancient cobblestone square .Surrounded by coffee shops very popular with journos and artists, Green Market Square has a vast selection of arts, fashion and Crafts. In fact, it's due to the popularity of the market that coffee shops and other businesses started sprouting in the cosmopolitan area, littered with buskers, jugglers, mime artists and drummers.
Mon-Sat. 09h00 to 17h00.

Old biscuit mill neighbourhoods market
A platform for local fresh produce, the Neighbourgoods Market is housed in a Victorian warehouse and courtyard at the Old Biscuit Mill in the emerging industrial neighbourhood of Woodstock, Cape Town. An award-winning market, it features over 30 traders producing, besides fresh foods, fashion, jewellery, furniture, accessories, vintage goods, shoes, textiles, books & publications, contemporary craft, ceramics, and much more. Enjoy live music while you eat at the big tables, or bring a vinyl record for a Bring and Play station. The market also features a full-service recycling depot.
Saturdays 9h00 - 14h00


Waterfront Art & Craft Market
Offering a wide range of high quality hand crafted products, V&A market has over 120 stalls selling locally produced items. From funky recycled paper jewellery to traditional beadwork,collector's teddy bears and fine wood turning, there’s something for everyone. The flagship of micro business development at the V&A, the Waterfront Market is the largest indoor art and craft market in South Africa.
Open Daily 09h30 to 18h00

Stellenbosch market
Branded a ‘slow food’ or organic market, this outdoor market in the heart of the winelands consists of producers selling products they have sourced, grown, raised, harvested, preserved etc themselves. If you’re in the winelands town on a Saturday morning, this is the place to be.
Dorpstreet square, open Saturdays 9am to 2pm

Rondebosch Craft Market
A great place for inexpensive handmade gifts held on the first two Saturdays of each month, for delightful crafts at non-tourist prices and delicious pancakes!
Open 1st and 2nd Saturdays of the month 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Khayelitsha Craft Market
For a true township vibe, visit the market with lots on offer in the form of Local crafts, music and dance.
Ncumo Rd. Harare, Kayelitsha.Open Mon. to Thurs. 10h00-14h00

Pan African Market
An authentic African feel permeates this flea market with arts, crafts and curio of 54 traders located on Long Street, Cape Town.
Open daily 09h00-17h00, weekends 09H00-15h00

DURBAN:
Victoria St Market
A wide range of products on sale including oriental items, spicing up the city,The Victoria Street Market also called Indian Market by the locals. Housed in a large cream building in the city centre, it has the ambience of an oriental bazaar. This doesn’t just stop at the products on offer, but also the hustle and bustle of the stall holders, and can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it. There is also a fish and meat market on site.
Open daily from 08h30 to 17h00

Essenwood Park
Set in a tranquil park, this market offers a fantastic range of homemade crafts as well as alfresco art displays. Stained glass, homemade decorative candles, clothing... the Essenwood Craft Market which is the regions leading craft and art market, offering a lot of treasures and collectables. Here your children can have fun on a playground while you browse and afterwards you can sit back in the tea garden and relax while watching enjoying the bustle around you.
Open Saturdays 09h00-14h00

Church Square Market
This market boasts a Large variety of goods on sale.
Open Daily 08h30-16h00

Farepark Market
A market with Crafts and collectibles.
Open Daily 08h00 to 16h00

JOHANNESBURG:
Rooftop Market
Regarded as one of the best flea markets in SA, it is visited by locals and tourists alike. Situated in Rosebank Mall, Rosebank it boasts over 500 stalls offering ceramics, art and craft, clothing, antiques and collectibles. There is also a food court and deli with tasty bites to eat.
Open Sundays 9.00am - 5pm

Bruma Lake Flea Market
Based near Eastgate Mall, this extensive market, has everything from clothes to crafts. And live entertainment.
Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9.30am - 5pm

Bryanston Organic & Natural Market
THis is the first outdoor organic market in Joburg. More than 120 stalls selling 100% natural products, including clothing, jewellery, gifts , food and fresh produce. Located Cnr Bryanston and Culross Rd, Bryanston.
Open Thursdays and Saturdays 09h00-15h00

Hillfox Market
A big market with over 250 traders, the Hillfox Market in Hillfox Power Centre, boasts great bargains, with brand names often selling at half the normal retail prices.
Open on weekends and public holidays 09h00-17h00

Market Theatre Flea Market
The "original flea market" at the Newtown Cultural Precinct in the inner city, this lively market features a bit of everything, including designs from up-and-coming designers.
Open Mondays to Saturdays 09h00 until late.

Ngwenya Glass Village
Ngwenya Glass Village in Muldersdrift offers visitors the opportunity to purchase handmade recycled glassware and observe glass blowers in action. There are 12 shops to browse around and you can have breakfast at Zest.
Open daily from 08h30-16h30

The Market Place
An array of goods can be found at this permanent flea market in Brightwater Commons, Randburg. Credit card facilities are also available.
Open daily 10h00-19h00

FOR MORE INFO ON CRAFT MARKETS:

greenmarketsquare
slowmarket
neighbourgoodsmarket
essenwoodmarket