Market brings community together

The Surrey Estate Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, held a market day on Saturday to give exposure to entrepreneurs and bring the community.

The association’s chairman, Moutie Abrahams, said that many entrepreneurs had suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic and the market was a way of fund-raising for the community and giving exposure to local talent.

Savouries, plants, clothing, luxuries, and more were on display at the market, which was held at the Orion Road Park.

Mr Abrahams said that after the long pandemic it was important for the community to find ways to reconnect, and the market sought to do just that.

“We planned this about two weeks ago. We really wanted to give back to the community. We wanted people to promote themselves and show people that they don’t need to drive far out to get things done. The services are right here amongst our own people. The community has responded well and we hope to have more like this after the Ramadaan.”

Surrey Estate resident Washiela Bohardien, who sold succulents, at the market, said: “Many people have lost their jobs in Covid, and this is a good way of making their businesses grow again.

“This park is home to our kids who love playing here. This is really about supporting each other and ubuntu. It gives people a way of thinking out of the box and developing and practising their skills. This park was built to keep the community safe so it’s really appropriate that the first event is held here.”

Resident Anwar Blom, whose wife makes baby clothing, said that the community needed to give more support to small business.