When you’re not in the know, it’s easy to miss the Rosebank Art and Craft Market, located next to the bustling entrance of Rosebank Mall. Once you find it, you’re transported to a vibrant market teeming with all sorts of crafts and handmade products from different parts of Africa. The wares reflect the diversity of cultures and traditions across the continent, ranging from beadwork and hand-painted ostrich eggs to paintings, animal skins, and high-quality sculptures carved from wood and other materials.
If you’re a budding linguist, this is the perfect spot to strike up a conversation with traders from countries like Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, Malawi, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Of course, South Africa is also well-represented. You’ll likely meet the affable Jackson Moyo, the market manager, who checks up on both traders and tourists, ensuring that everyone is enjoying their experience.
XploreZA caught up with Jackson during a recent media day organized to showcase the wide variety of arts and crafts, as well as the vibrant traders who are the heartbeat of the market.
When was the Rosebank Art & Craft Market established?
The market has been operating in Rosebank Mall since 1993.
What sets it apart from other similar markets in South Africa?
Rosebank Art and Craft Market is unique because it primarily sells handmade products sourced from various African countries. There’s a wide range of ornaments, beadwork, handbags, décor items, paintings, animal skins, and gifting products on display.
Tell us about the clientele that comes to the market.
About 60% of our customers come from the US, with the rest from European countries.
What is the added value for tourists from outside of SA who visit the market? And what do you offer locals?
We encourage hotels to spread the word about the arts and craft market and recommend it to guests looking to buy unique souvenirs to take home. For locals, we urge them to support our handmade products and help promote and anchor our African cultures. The market is a safe space to shop and xplore freely.
What is the best time to visit the market, and how much time should visitors set aside for the best experience?
The market is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and from 9 am to 5 pm on public holidays.
How many stalls are there, and what are your biggest attractions?
We have 114 traders under one roof, with each vendor selling unique products.
There’s always a notion that at craft markets, you should haggle because traders inflate their prices. Is this true?
All our prices are fair and negotiable.
Which payment options do you encourage—cash or card?
We accept both cash and card payments.