The Mai Mai Market is one of the oldest markets in Johannesburg. Many sources describe it as 'the Place of Healers' (Ezinyangeni). People from across Gauteng flock there in search of cures for a myriad of ailments. The market is located to the east of the city on the corner of Anderson and Berea Streets and has been through many periods of neglect and revitalisation. There appears to be a relatively settled community and thriving trade for those lucky enough to run a business at Mai Mai.
In the lead up to Johannesburg's centenary celebrations the market was selected as one of the top 100 places worthy of preservation. WJP Carr, a member of the Johannesburg Historical Society (now part of the Egoli Heritage Foundation) and for many years the Manager of the City Council's 'Non-European' Affairs Department (NEAD), compiled the following overview in 1985.
The original Mai Mai Bazaar was located on the grounds of the old Salisbury and Jubilee Compound, at the corner of Wemmer, Jubilee Road and von Weilligh Street on the East, and Kruis Street Extn on the West. The Salibury and Jubilee Gold Mine closed down before the First World War and the compound was taken over by the City Council round about 1919/20 and used for the accommodation of black men casually employed in Johannesburg. This class of worker was known as a ‘Daily Labourer’ and they carried a special pass which had to be renewed every month; since they had no fixed employer the...
