To boost local entrepreneurship and to promote homegrown talent, eThekwini Municipality has partnered with Galleria Mall to offer local businesses a platform to trade at the Galleria Craft Market.
Running from 3 October to 31 December, this vibrant market will help 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the arts and craft sector gain valuable market access at no cost to the vendors.
The Galleria Craft Market forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to encourage the ‘Support and Buy Local’ initiative among residents. Located next to The Hub at Galleria Mall, the market showcases a wide range of locally made products, including woven baskets, leather bags, African print fashion products, beaded customised candles, wellness items, and art from the Durban Art Gallery. It’s an excellent place to find unique gifts and support local artisans.
The market operates Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 5pm. During the holiday season (13 to 22 December), special trading hours are from 9am to 9pm.
This initiative is a public-private partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Galleria Mall, designed to help small businesses grow by providing them with a no-cost retail space.
Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the partnership aims to create an environment where SMEs can thrive. “Through the Business Support, Tourism, Markets, and Agri-Business Unit, we assist businesses by offering exposure, business support services, and market access,” said Councillor Ntuli.
The Municipality also provides technical workshops and skills development to arts and craft entrepreneurs, helping them improve their business management, sales strategies, and marketing efforts. Additionally, SMEs have access to national and international pop-up markets to further expand their customer base.
“In the past month, businesses at Galleria have made R53 000 in sales. When we partnered with Galleria Mall during Heritage Month, sales reached R128 000 for 15 arts and craft businesses that were trading from 13 to 29 September,” Councillor Ntuli noted.
Lindile Dlungwana is the founder of Gavutheju Business Enterprise in Verulam which specialises in African print bags, hats, and cards made from recycled materials. She shared that the market has provided her with more than just sales, it has provided exposure for her business allowing her to form valuable connections. This has translated in more orders being placed, she said.
By shopping at the Galleria Craft Market, you’re not only purchasing high-quality, unique products, you’re also making a difference by supporting job creation and the growth of Durban’s creative economy. The 10 businesses trading at the Galleria Craft Market were selected from eThekwini Municipality’s arts and craft database, which includes around 200 SMMEs that receive ongoing business support.
If you interested in joining this initiative or want to register for the arts and craft database, contact Nondumiso Mhlongo on 031 311 4578/00 or email nondumiso.mhlongo@durban.gov.