What began as a simple idea to clear out unused household items has grown into a unique community event that encourages sustainability, bargain hunting and social connection. The Eswatini Car Boot Sale, founded by Thorsten and Inge, is steadily building a following by giving people a place to sell and discover pre-loved items in a relaxed and friendly market setting.
The founders explain that the idea was born from a personal situation. After inheriting a number of items that were still in good condition but no longer useful to them, they started thinking about a better solution than simply throwing them away.
“We had many things that we didn’t need but that were still perfectly usable,” they say. “Instead of disposing of them, we thought it would be better if they could go to someone who might still have a use for them.”
While online buy-and-sell groups are common on social media and messaging platforms, Thorsten and Inge felt these platforms were not always practical for smaller items. They also recognised that not everyone feels comfortable with online transactions, especially given the risk of scams that can sometimes occur.
This inspired them to look at a concept that has been popular across Europe for many years: the Car Boot Sale. These markets allow people to gather in an open space and sell items they no longer need directly to buyers.
To introduce the concept locally, they decided to keep the traditional British name, even though the event is not limited to people selling from their car boots.
One of the key differences between the Eswatini Car Boot Sale and typical flea markets is the type of goods allowed. Many flea markets in the country are dominated by imported thrift clothing, but the organisers wanted their event to offer something different.
“The name can be misleading, but sellers are welcome to use tables or small displays,” they explain. “We don’t allow thrift items at our market, only pre-loved second-hand treasures.”
Formal vendors selling new goods are generally not allowed, helping to maintain the spirit of a true community exchange. However, a few selected food stalls are invited to provide snacks and drinks so visitors can enjoy the market atmosphere while browsing.
Another feature that makes the event unique is its travelling format. Instead of hosting the market in one fixed location, the organisers move it between different areas. According to the organisers, this strategy helps keep the market exciting and diverse.
“By moving to different locations, different sellers will attend with new offers, and different buyers will have the opportunity to see items that may not have been sold at another market,” they explain.
Since households only have a limited number of items to sell, rotating venues helps avoid a situation where the same sellers return with the same unsold goods. It also helps introduce the market to new communities. Travelling also allows the event to reach people who may not have the resources to travel far.
“If someone saves money by buying an item at a bargain price but has to spend the same amount on transport, it defeats the purpose,” they say. “By moving around, we try to make the market accessible to more people.”
Visitors can expect an exciting mix of items whenever they attend the market. From tools and toys to kitchenware, books, artwork, furniture and everyday household items, the range of goods often surprises even the organisers themselves.
“Almost anything can appear at the market,” they say. “As long as it has been pre-owned by the seller or their family.”
Beyond the thrill of bargain shopping, the Car Boot Sale also promotes environmental responsibility. Every item that is reused instead of thrown away helps reduce landfill waste and lowers the demand for new production.
“We believe that any item that finds a new owner who has a use for it not only reduces waste in landfills — an eco-friendly way of managing waste — but also saves resources and energy that would otherwise be used to produce and transport new goods,” they explain.
At the same time, the event brings people together for a day of social interaction, conversation and discovery. Looking to the future, Thorsten and Inge hope to expand the reach of the Car Boot Sale even further. Their main focus is finding additional venues where the event can be hosted.
“The biggest challenge for markets is bringing enough sellers and buyers together,” they say. “Right now we are looking for more locations, especially in Mbabane and Manzini, so we can serve even more communities.”
The next Eswatini Car Boot Sale will take place on Saturday, 21 March 2026, at Legends SHARED, located opposite Mantenga Lifestyle & Craft Centre in Ezulwini.
Anyone interested in selling their items can book a space by contacting the organisers via WhatsApp on +268 7949 8215. The public can also follow Eswatini Car Boot Sale on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future market dates and locations.
“Supporting local initiatives helps strengthen our economy,” they say. “And by reducing, reusing and recycling, we all play a role in protecting the environment.”
For Thorsten and Inge, the purpose of the event goes beyond simply buying and selling. With its growing popularity and strong community focus, the Eswatini Car Boot Sale continues to show that giving old items a new life can create meaningful value for everyone involved.
