Johannesburg’s oldest tradition healers market has received a R3.2million boost from City of Johannesburg.

The money is being used to revamp and enhance the market’s appearance as well as giving it a new and welcoming look in order to attract customers.

Kwa Mai-Mai is filled with dozens of stalls run by authentic traditional healers who have dedicated themselves to healing the sick.

The market does not only have sangomas who use real animals parts and herbs to heal but also has traditional clothing on sale and this has attracted a lot of tourists.

The city has now pumped R3.2 million to give the market a whole new look

“Our priority was cleanliness and the safety of the community. The precinct was overcrowded and insecure.

“It has now been given a new kiss of life. Tourists are now back and the whole area is abuzz with informal traders and business is booming like before,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Councillor Ruby Mathang.

Shopping in the city of gold

The city is also looking to encourage tourists to spend more during their visits by launching the Joburg Shopping Festival.

From 30 October 2014 to 2 November 2014 shoppers at Sandton City and Oriental Plaza will get access to unbelievable price deals, sales, gifts with purchases, competitions and giveaways including trips to visitor attractions, trips, prepaid Visa cards, fashion, jewellery and much more.

Part of the City’s involvement with the shopping festival includes exposing retailers in the Bree Street Corridor to the concept, and preparing them for future shopping festivals. 

College students have been trained as festival ambassadors and are engaging with retailers in the Bree Street area about this and future festivals as it is the City’s vision to take the festival to numerous nodes throughout Joburg in future years.