The Tshwane Metro recently said that it has completed the upgrades ordered by the North Gauteng High Court at the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market, in the face of criticism over transparency.

The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) called out the metro in a statement on October 6, alleging that it had not implemented transparent contracts and proper tender processes at the Market.

FF Plus Councillor, Peter Meijer, said that while transparent contracts and proper tender processes are yet to be implemented, this has a significant impact on farmers, traders and consumers who depend on a functional market.

“The metro had already run into trouble when a court order compelled it to upgrade the market. Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya and city manager, Johann Mettler, were also found guilty of contempt of court in a second ruling because they failed to execute a court order. It cost taxpayers millions.

“The market is meant to be a hub of economic growth and food security. Instead, it is frequently embroiled in legal battles over mismanagement, contractual chaos, and financial losses suffered by farmers,” Meijer said.

The FF Plus has since called for a forensic investigation into all contracts and legal costs incurred since the disputes started, as well as a long-term strategy for managing the market that is sustainable, fair and economically viable.

“The party cannot stand idly by and look on as millions are squandered on court cases while the market bleeds. Fresh produce deserves fresh management, not rotten promises,” Meijer said.

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, refuted the claims made by the party, insisting the metro has fully complied with the High Court order.

“The City of Tshwane filed an affidavit in response to the court order. The affidavit, in part, provided clarity regarding the budget that was allocated and subsequently used for implementation of the Tshwane Market’s Financial Year 2021/22 capital programme. All upgrades are completed as per the city’s affidavit,” Mashigo said.

Concerning the lack of transparency in contract appointments and awarding of tenders, Mashigo said the metro did not need to appoint a contractor for the upgrades and a plan to ensure effective management of the market is in the works.

Mashigo outlined the steps developed to deal with issues, including the creation of a market plan to deal with the items in the court order.

A repair and maintenance plan to deal with both proactive and reactive maintenance and repairs will be developed.

Regular meetings between the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) and market management will also take place.

These meetings will focus on the progress of the market plan, and what possible steps to fix issues need to be taken.

Possible annual changes to the plan and prioritisation of projects, as well as other market-related matters not contained in the plan, will also be discussed at these workshops.

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

MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Cllr Sarah Mabotsa, confirmed late last month that the department’s group head, Makgorometje Makgata, submitted the affidavit as the court had ordered.

“Residents of Tshwane can be reassured that the affidavit notes for the financial year which ended in June, state that expenditure on maintenance at the Tshwane Market has been increased by more than 50% to R33.1-million. Almost all (99%) of this maintenance budget was spent this year.”

Mabotsa said the documents relating to the actions of the previous political administration are now with IMASA for consideration and review.

“We have recently met with IMASA and both parties have expressed their sincere desire to develop a far more collaborative working relationship and partnership than has been the case for the past few years,” she said.

On October 31 2022, the High Court’s Justice Meersingh ordered several actions to be implemented at the market during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

The records submitted speak to the draft and final operational precinct plan in 2022 and 2023. Records of work carried out include bringing fire and smoke detection systems, electrical connectivity, and lift and hoist facilities into compliance.

Records dealing with security and checkpoint management systems, maintenance of sanitation facilities, and refuse removal were also included in the affidavit.

Mabotsa said, “This is not merely an exercise in technical legal compliance, but a demonstration of our multiparty coalition government’s commitment to stimulate the city’s economy and create jobs for unemployed residents.

“This starts with fixing mistakes by past administrations to enable our farmers and traders to work in a safe, clean and efficient market.”

She added that the capital expenditure (CAPEX) of the municipality had decreased over the years in question as a result of the previous administration.

She explained that under the current administration, the market can expect something different.

“Although CAPEX spending had been reduced over the last few financial years under the previous political administration, this incumbent multiparty coalition government is actively seeking investors for the Tshwane Market to accelerate CAPEX injections to improve, upgrade and expand the market.

“These investment opportunities for the Tshwane Market were presented at the Tshwane Investment Summit this month,” Mabotsa said.

The current market precinct plan proposes that the land for the market and surrounding neighbourhoods shows that the market itself will occupy over 20% of the precinct. Medium- and high-density mixed-use (housing and commercial) development will take up just over 30% of the space.

Roads and infrastructure will get just short of 20% of the area, and open space, urban agriculture, and the Apies River account for a further 10%. The railway, existing educational, religious, and other public services or institutions will occupy the rest of the land.

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

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