The beloved Dorp Street Sunday Market, a staple of the winelands community, has sadly announced its closure due to ongoing administrative challenges with the Stellenbosch Municipality.
The market’s team made the heartbreaking announcement on social media on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, revealing that despite their best efforts, they could no longer continue.
Administrative Roadblocks Lead to Market’s Closure
The market organizers explained that after announcing their return in December 2024, they encountered significant roadblocks.
Although they had received approval for their 2024 application, their 2025 application—essentially the same as the previous year—was rejected by the events committee of Stellenbosch Municipality.
According to the market’s social media post, the only change in the application was the updated dates for 2025, yet this was not enough to secure approval.
Frustration Over Red Tape
The Dorp Street team expressed their frustration, noting that despite being separated by just a two-month gap between applications and having received no complaints from any municipal department, their application continued to face rejection.
They also pointed out that there were no changes to the events by-laws during this period, further highlighting the perplexity of the situation.
“We’ve done everything possible and knocked on the door of numerous departments, yet we still get turned down around every corner,” the market organizers said.
The ongoing hurdles, they explained, were a result of excessive red tape, with various departments within the municipality blocking their efforts.
Disappointment Over Political Hurdles
The organizers voiced their deep disappointment, acknowledging that politics and the need for power had ultimately thwarted their attempts to continue providing a platform for local businesses.
They also lamented that their efforts, which aimed to create more jobs and support the community, had been blocked by these administrative challenges.
“The reality is that despite our tireless efforts, we’ve been hindered by a system that seems more focused on bureaucracy than on supporting the growth of local businesses and the community,” they added.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to a Community Favorite
For those who regularly visited the Dorp Street Sunday Market, this closure marks the end of a cherished local gathering spot.
The market has been a place for people to connect with local artisans, food vendors, and small businesses in the heart of Stellenbosch.
It leaves behind a void in the community, one that the organizers and market-goers will surely feel.