Fordsburg Square Flea Market

I am forever looking for new and diverse experiences, and thanks to a great friend I not only had an amazing time, but discovered a jewel in Fordsburg filled with traditions and history. Although it is important to travel, and educate yourself on different cultures, it's not always possible for everyone, and for those who don't have the means, you can find those experiences right here in your own back yard, you just have to look.
Prior to the 1922 miner strike, (Rand Revolt), during the segregation era, Fordsburg Square was a very popular market with white people. The market perished in 1922, because it was the central area where the clashes between the police and miners took place. For a long period the square was left in decay, and became an abode for the homeless, it then inherited the name "Hobo-Park". In 1990 a local businessman, Salawudeen Badrudeen, decided to revive the flea market?..
?..and today, more than 80 years later, I am glad he took the initiative.

The street is buzzing with people from all walks of life and it is clear that this is the place where friends and family come to meet. As I walk through the different stalls, each one bursting with bright colours and its own unique and pleasant smell I am astonished at how humble and friendly these traders and shoppers are. I decide to let my nose guide me?. and found the most remarkable things.
Stainless steel kitchenware, bona fide Indian jewellery imported from India, original Bollywood DVD's, music CD's, Hindu and Muslim items, perfume, some of the hottest trends in fashion, Indian spices, and my personal favourite, authentic Indian food. You can choose anything from, Schuwarma's, spicy Chicken Tikka, sweet meats like Burbee and Malai, Samosas, boiled peanuts, and my favourite, Chevron, which is a savoury snack made from Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, peanuts, spices, sugar, and potato. You can wash all the spicy food down with a very unique sugar cane juice drink which is freshly prepared while you wait.
I leave the market enriched and enlightened. It felt like I had entered a different world while I was there and I can say without a doubt that "there's no place quite like the Fordsburg Square Market, it is home to an eclectic, cosmopolitan community".
From the 4th of May the market will be in the process of being revamped and will be temporarily moved to Central & Lillian Road.

For more information go to www.fordsburg.com

---

Want to review something in the city? Click here

---

---

What Others Said

---

Judi said
on 13 February 2010

Is the market running in 2010?
What days?

---

sabs said
on 23 October 2009

cant wait for new revamped market to open plans look spectacular sabs JMOS 011 834 0099

---

Keloshni Augsutine said
on 22 June 2009

Please can you provide me with directions from Bedfordview to the curerently located flea market in fordsburg

---

J Red said
on 13 June 2009

Please tell us where exactly the flea market holds, what time it starts and ends. U left that out and i think its quite important

---

nickey said
on 28 May 2009

thed square is on mint road in fordsburg and its absolutly fabulas

---

nickey said
on 28 May 2009

thed square is on mint road in fordsburg and its absolutly fabulas

---

Alwin said
on 21 May 2009

Exactly where in Fordburg is Fordsburg square. I sure do want to visit the market

---

Daleen said
on 10 May 2009

Nice work my friend!  Don't think anyone could have done a better job than you!

---

Martin Claassen said
on 08 May 2009

This really shed some new light on a place and people we kind of forgot and neglected. I enjoyed reading this article and look forward to similar stories. Great work!