Investment summit restores hope to Marabastad market upgrades

Following the Gauteng Provincial High Court order last month, and the recent Investment Summit, the Tshwane metro is hopeful that one of the country’s largest produce markets will become a continental leader in the agricultural sector.

The Tshwane Fresh Produce Market’s budget was approved by Council earlier this month as part of the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market Precinct Plan.

On August 11, Judge Mmonoa Teffo of the High Court in Pretoria found the municipality in contempt of court for failing to execute upgrades, despite being allocated an R18-million budget in 2022.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and City Manager Johan Mettler face a month-long prison stay, or a year suspended, should the order not be followed within 30 days.

The Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) obtained a contempt of court order against the Tshwane metro.

The metro earns 5% commission on sales of fresh produce facilitated by market agents, and it has the duty to maintain the infrastructure, facilities and electronic systems at the market.

The Council-approved Tshwane Fresh Produce Market Precinct Plan has identified 15 improvement projects that will help the market better link with small-scale traders in Marabastad and maximise its reach to small-scale farming across the city.

The market is supplied with fruit and vegetables by over 6 000 farmers from across the country on a consignment basis. Sales on the trading floor are conducted by 11 market agents, with produce sold to an estimated 4 800 buyers daily.

The plan proposes that the land allocated for the precinct be divided into seven areas, with the market itself being the largest, covering 22% of the area.

Next in size will be a mixed-use medium-density development, using 15% of the space, followed by a high-density mixed-use portion, covering 16% of the area.

10% of the precinct will be reserved for open space, urban agriculture and the Apies River, and 19% will be used by roads and other infrastructure. 3% will be used by the railway line.

The remainder of the land is to be used for existing educational, religious and public services or institutions.

As part of the medium and high-density mixed-use development zones, it is estimated that more than 7 200 housing opportunities could be incorporated into this area.

The focus of the area is bounded by Eskia Mphahlele Drive and Marabastad, named after Chief Maraba from the MaNdebele clan in the 19th Century, to the east, with Staatsartillerie Street to the north.

Dr WF Nkomo Street (previously Church Street) forms the southern boundary, with the railway line to the west being the final border.

The market currently operates at 20% capacity, but has the potential to become the second-largest fresh produce market in South Africa, with a sizable turnover of over R3-billion annually.

Moya said the market can reach its potential with additional services.

“The Tshwane Fresh Produce Market, which has been the subject of discussion in the media for the wrong reasons, is already the second largest in South Africa.

“It generates billions in sales each year and is ready to expand into agro-processing and value-added services. With the right partnerships, it can become a continental leader,” Moya said.

The Investment Summit held on September 10 is said to have generated R86-billion in investments in 22 different projects.

ALSO READ: Officials visit Fresh Produce Market after budget approval

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