With its sunny skies and warm weather almost year-round, Mpumalanga offers the perfect excuse to get outdoors, and there’s no better way to spend a morning or afternoon than wandering through one of the region’s vibrant markets. In Nelspruit (Mbombela) and White River, the market scene is alive with energy, offering everything from fresh produce, homemade bakes, vintage finds, flowers, handmade art, stylish clothing, to live music.
Kellaprince Properties caught up with Peta De Wet, owner of Peta’s Pantry and a well-known face on the market circuit, to hear her story, get her take on some popular market options, and uncover what she believes makes the local market culture so special.
Peta’s journey from pantry to pop-up
With a long-standing background in hospitality and event management, Peta De Wet's move into the local market scene was a natural next step after her 25-year business came to an abrupt end. But her love for food and creativity opened a new door. What started with a disappointing store-bought marmalade turned into something special. “I researched the basics, created my own citrus fruit blend, and started producing it for selling,” says Peta. “Today, that same marmalade, now with a whisky twist, is a crowd favourite at markets across the region.”
In 2018, she took a leap and joined her first market with just two products: her original marmalade and a homemade sriracha sauce. “I sold out. I fell in love with the whole market vibe,” she says. “Knowing about my background in events, fellow vendors began encouraging me to take the lead, and before long, I was running The Creative Hub Market and The Market at Casterbridge.”
Pouring heart and soul into every market day
For Peta, markets are about far more than just selling goods, but about creating opportunities, celebrating creativity, and uplifting the community. “After the COVID-19 pandemic, I realised that there was not only a need for a space for people to earn an income, but also that there was an incredible amount of uncelebrated talent in the Lowveld,” she explains.
Her focus is on supporting small, local businesses, especially the artisans, makers, and dreamers who pour their hearts into what they do. “I look for small businesses, the little mom-and-pop style ones rather than those promoting mass-produced or resold goods,” she says. “I’m a strong advocate for giving the artisans, the creators, and the dreamers a platform.”
Peta’s also on a mission to shift perceptions about what markets in the Lowveld can be. “People still think of markets as a ‘flea market’, where most stuff is cheap and nasty — and my markets couldn’t be more different!” Instead, she’s building a space defined by quality, home-spun appeal, originality, community, and being locally sourced.
Where to find the best markets in the Lowveld
In Nelspruit:
- The Creative Hub Market: This free, pet-friendly market offers retail therapy country style. It is an open-air event and situated on lush lawns next to a river and restaurant. This market prioritises crafts, art, artisan baked treats, and metal and woodwork. Stop by Friends Café on the last Sunday of the month from 9 am to 1 pm. Facebook | Instagram
- Riverside Night Market: This quarterly evening market is held at The Grove Riverside Shopping Centre from 4 pm to 8 pm. Stalls boast a range of food, desserts, and cocktails while live entertainment and a kids' play area are sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
- Mbombela’s Farmer’s Market: Hosted monthly from 10 am to 7 pm at the Lowveld Botanical Garden, this market brings friends and family together for fun times. Highlights include farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, artisanal food, cocktails, a kids’ play area, and live music. Facebook | Instagram
- The Sunday Market at Sonpark: The market at Sonpark Shopping Centre is known for its tasty artisanal dishes, a showcase of local musical talent, and all-round friendly vibes. Head over between 9 am and 2 pm every Sunday. Facebook
In White River:
- The Market at Casterbridge: This market is on the first Sunday of the month from 9 am to 1 pm and provides a true foodie experience, offering artisanal creations and fresh produce. Hosted in the courtyard at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, market-goers can also enjoy the array of shops and restaurants at the location. Bring your fur baby, shopping bags, and unwind to some local tunes. Facebook | Instagram
- The Vintage Fair Lowveld: Also held at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, this pop-up market is perfect if you love antiques, bric-a-brac, thrifting, and hunting for hidden treasures. The event typically runs on a Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Facebook | Instagram
- The Conscious Living Fair: This fair and expo celebrates everything organic and natural. It focuses on health, wellness, sustainability, alternative therapies and talks, giving you the path to lead a happier, more positive lifestyle. Facebook | Instagram
In Kaapsehoop:
- Kaapsche Hoop Village Market: With a backdrop of the Kaapsehoop mountains and greenery, this beautiful market is complemented by a range of stalls selling locally produced coffee, honey, locally made clothing, jewellery, wire sculptures, and more. Grab your favourite people and make a trip on a Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Facebook
Show some love to market vendors
Behind every beautiful stall is a small business owner putting in time, energy, and heart, often long before the market day even begins. As Peta puts it, “It is hard work and many first-timers get discouraged if they do not sell out at their first market. We have an amazing group of die-hard marketers who rely on them as their income and business.”
“Some of my favourite market regulars include Wendy Sippel from Crafted Cosmetics, who makes organic face, body, and home products. The quality and results are just amazing.
“Arthur Sippel, her husband, runs the Tinango Flavours stall and creates organic flavoured salts, cordials, and vinegars. His roasted garlic salt is a culinary delight!
“Denise Smith from Cotton Lily makes clothing for toddlers and young children, but nothing like you see in the shops. Her work is superb, creative, and original.
“There’s also Oliver Swart’s TrueLeaf Fresh Produce stall, where you can pick up microgreens, lettuce, spring onions, parsley, and chives, all grown using an innovative vertical farming method called GeoTowers. It’s easy, sustainable, and a great conversation starter for fellow foodies.”
Peta’s top market shopping tip
If there’s one thing Peta wants every market-goer to remember, it’s this: slow down. “You’ll get so much more out of the experience if you stop at the stalls, browse, and ask questions,” she says. “The vendors are really proud of their products and love to talk about them. Ask about the benefits, taste the samples, feel the fabrics, and literally smell the fresh produce. I can guarantee you that you will be blown away by the variety you’ll discover.”