Warwick Junction

Since Durban’s launch of the area-based management initiative in 2001, there has been a surge of energy and community activism amongst the area’s informal traders. The “bottom-up momentum”, combined with infrastructure improvements like widened pavements and storage facilities, has translated into bustling markets with a constant flow of commuters shuffling between traders’ stalls. The lively atmosphere of the markets has also led to significant economic development and stability, while also deterring inner-city crime. Although plans to build a shopping mall in Warwick Junction threatened the market in 2009, strong local campaigns continue to fight against such infringements, and the markets continue to be the alternative, inclusive retail model of Durban.

With 38,000 vehicles and 460,000 people passing through daily, Warwick Junction is South Africa’s largest transportation and trading hub. Located on the outskirts of Durban’s inner city, the three different markets operating in the area – the Meat, Early Morning, and Victoria Street Markets occupy a repurposed highway and the land adjacent to Berea Road train station.

Each day, an estimated 8,000 traders come together offering an eclectic range of traditional African herbs and medicine, artisanal goods, and fresh produce. Given Durban’s historic ties with India, there is also a large selection of Indian products at the two-floor complex of the Victoria Street market, such as curry powder, spices, and incense. With its numerous purple minarets, the otherwise modern building resembles a Maharajah’s Palace and it functions as the key landmark of Warwick Junction.

Prior to the 1990s, Warwick Junction suffered due to apartheid government’s disdain for the informal economy. During this time, the market, along with a host of other local institutions, suffered from numerous hygiene and trade legislation. It was not until 1994, following the election of the first South African democratic government, that mandates were put in place to better support informal trade. The markets have since had a positive impact on the area, and on the lives of its many local entrepreneurs.

Image courtesy of The KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Architecture

Indian Market Stallholders Associations at the ML Sultan Technical College on Saturday 31St March 1973 which included the Action committee however resulted very negatively. The council’s attitude showed a lack of concern for the welfare of thousands from the destruction of the market as well as racism due to the fact that the market was one of the biggest Tourist attractions in Durban which inturn was brought in revenue in to the economy and finally Indian were rejected by the United Party Controlled City Council.

However Indians turned to the Nationalist Government for help. On 5th April 1973 the Chairman of the (S.A.I.C) Mr I.N. Reddy met with the Minister of Indian Affairs Senator Owen Horwood in Cape Town to discuss the plight of the many people who suffered financially, describing their struggles after the market was destroyed and how the market had become an essential amenity which served the city. On the same day in Durban the Mayor met with five members of the Action Committee representing the Indian Market Stallholders. The meeting was also attended by Councillor Mr Rauol Goldman (former Mayor), Mr Dixy Adams (Deputy Mayor) as well as heads of the Corporation Departments which included C.G Hands the city Engineer and OD Gorven the city Treasurer. The meeting was held at the Mayor’s parlour, while on the steps of City Hall 200 Indians people including the stallholders and the employees staged a silent protest, some holding up signs that read ’GIVE US OUR DAILY BREAD’ and ’WHERE DO WE GET OUR MONEY TO BUY OUR DAILY FOOD’.

The outcome of the two meetings taking place in Cape Town and Durban brought upon another meeting however this time was different as it was arranged by the Minister of Indian Affairs, the Mayor of Durban and the Minister of Development A.H Du Plessis held in Cape Town the next day. The outcome led to finding solutions and building a temporary facility. The Minister of Indian Affairs went on to form a joint committee comprising of one representative from each of the department of Indian Affairs and Community Development, the Durban City council and the South African Indian Committee. The joint committee was under the chairmanship ofJ.H.Van Eyssen regional representation of the Department of Indian Affairs for Natal. The primary objective was to find a solution.

The Natal Indian Congress( N.I.C) supported the rebuilding of the Indian market, their ran campaigns and hosted a meeting in the Kajee Memorial on Sunday 15‘’1 April 1973 with a great turn out. There were many speakers from different racial background which includes: Ms Harriet Bolton who stated that the Market was a shopping centre for all races where there was no Apartheid however when the Market was burnt down it became an Indian problem. The Mayor of Umlazi Mr Soloman Ngobese said that the burning of the Market had caused hardship to all races from surrounding areas in Durban that depended on the Market. The Women’s Cultural Group boosted the N.I.C Campaign on the 25′” April as they received 10,000 signatures on a petition (highlighting the historical importance, as well as a popular tourist destination and the livelihood of the stallholders) organised by them, these petition were signed by different groups and was presented by its president Mrs Z.G.H. Mayet to .i.H.de.W.Van.Eyssen Chairman of the Joint State Civic Committee.

A month later the Durban City Council were given consent by the administrator of Natal, Ben Havermann to start with building. After much struggles a new temporary market was built on the site of the old Indian Market. The new Victoria Street Indian Market was officially opened on Saturday 30 November 1973. It was built at a cost of R 109 527 and accommodated 66 stallholders. The Victoria Street Market became a permanent institution in 1988.

The Victoria Street Market, Formally known as The Indian Market was Rebuilt in 1973, and officially reopened in July 1990 One of the. of the main stipulations made by the City Council was that the Market be aesthetically pleasing as it is highly visible by passing traffic on the western freeway. Another main stipulation from the City Council was that the market have tourist appeal, all of which was satisfied when the market was reopened by Dr Anton Rupert, chairman of the Small Business Development Corporation(SBDC).

Given the back history of the Victoria Street Market , we have come to understand the following.

• The site the market is built on is one that comprised of the’ blood sweat and tears of those indentured labourers and our forefathers that have fought for the right to construct a place of trade that accommodates a multi-racial “melting pot of culture” destination that is rich in culture and heritage.
• The Victoria Street Market was based on the fight against the apartheid government against all odds that owed to the building Durban’s economy and trade.
• Many of the traders and stalls in the Victoria street market were part of the original market that burned down in 1973.
• It is built among many other historically significant structures with the likes of , The Juma Masjid Mosque, The Emmanuel Cathedral, The Early Morning Market and the Ghandi library to name but a few, and sites that were involved in the struggle that formed part of the building blocks of making south Africa a free and fair democracy.

The Victoria Street Market is an indoor bazaar (locally called a flea market) that remains a hub of activity throughout the year. It offers everything from Indian spices and incenses, to fresh fruits and vegetables, fabrics, ceramics, and arts and crafts. When you enter the multi-coloured building, you’re immediately hit with an assortment of smells: a mixture of curries and incense wafting through the air with the catcall of vendors urging tourists to “come in, and just have a look”. The top floor is popular with international visitors due to the collection of souvenirs, jewellery, fabrics, and crafts.

The market was started in the 1980s to replaced the 1910 Indian marketplace that was destroyed in a fire in 1978. It was opened by Dr Anton Rupert on 24 July 1990, and is one of Durban’s most recognizable pieces of architecture with 11 colourful domes modelled on Indian construction. This is hardly surprising when you consider Durban has the highest Indian population outside of India.

This market is highly recommended for those hoping to experience Durban’s rich Afro-Oriental culture, and with more than 170 stalls, there’s definitely something for everyone! Its the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for home…

Source: https://www.travelground.com/attractions/victoria-street-market