A R2.5-million upgrade is coming for Tongaat’s leaking and creaking daily market.

The 76-year-old building is a Tongaat institution, housing around 20 informal traders on whom much of the community relies for fresh food. It is also a crucial resource for the stall-holding families, many of whom have made their livings from the market for generations.

Once a beautiful example of Cape Dutch design, including detailed sculptures from renowned architect Ivan Mitford-Barberton, the building has since fallen into disrepair.

Traders cite difficult conditions, including a leaking roof, malfunctioning toilets and constant issues with crime.

“An upgrade would make a huge difference because for us, the current situation is tough,” said one trader, who has been selling fruit and vegetables at the market for 47 years.

“Thieves continuously trouble us, using the roof as their entry point. We even tried installing barbed wire to protect our stock.”

The refurbishment by the eThekwini Metro should improve both the trading and shopping experience.

“The upgrades include replacement of the existing roof with a new roof to ensure that there are no longer any leaks,” said eThekwini spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana.

“There will also be security upgrades and other alterations and upgrades.”

Sisilana said the budget was allocated after a team of professionals visited the site to speak to traders and quantify the repairs needed.

The upgrade is estimated to begin mid-February 2025 and take four months to complete.

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