The Section 79 Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning has contradicted the metro’s statement that all of the issues concerning the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market have been addressed.

During an inspection on October 9, the committee found that only 90% of the issues had been resolved.

The visit was to ensure that the market is well-managed and transparent, and that it remains a sustainable trading hub for farmers, consumers, and traders.

Committee Chairperson Joel Kgomotso Abram Masilela kwa Mahlangu noted the ongoing legal challenges the metro faces regarding the Tshwane Market, which involved the metro being taken to court by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa).

He said that this was among the reasons the committee met with market officials, as he describes the Tshwane Market as a hub for agricultural trade in the region.

During the inspection, Masilela requested the officials to indicate how many of the 20 issues raised by Imasa have already been addressed.

The officials indicated that 90% have been addressed, which the chairperson said was not enough.

“I am not entirely happy with this response.”

Masilela requested that a detailed report be presented to the committee on which issues have been resolved, and which ones are outstanding, together with the predicted timelines as to when we can expect these issues to be resolved.

“I will extend an invitation to both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to attend the committee meeting,” said Masilela.

It was noted during the walkabout that much work and maintenance need to be done to return the Tshwane Market to its former glory and for it to effectively compete in the national market.

Masilela concluded that the committee, as the custodian of oversight of the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department in the metro, remained committed to protecting this strategic asset, and ensuring that the market contributes meaningfully to the economy.

The Section 79 Community and Social Development Oversight Committee also recently visited the market, where it was reported that 1–2% of market produce is classified as spoiled food. The food is written off and deemed unfit for human or animal consumption.

These findings raised important questions about stakeholder co-ordination within the food supply chain and the city’s mitigation strategies to prevent food waste.

On top of the food concerns, the market finds itself in the middle of a political back-and-forth as MMC Mabotsa and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) exchanged jabs regarding the procurement processes for the market.

In a statement, the FF Plus called for a forensic investigation into all contracts and legal costs incurred since the disputes started. It also requested that a long-term strategy for managing the market in a sustainable, fair and economically viable manner.

The MMC refuted the party’s claims, insisting that any areas of concern with the market were present during the FF Plus’s time in government as part of the DA coalition and that the work they are completing is to return the market to its former glory.

Mabotsa said the current administration has met with Imasa, and is working to improve relations with the institute.
He continued, saying that they want to avoid the poor relationship that existed between the previous coalition and Imasa, which resulted in several legal cases being instituted against the previous administration.

He added that market funding was increased for the 2024/25 financial year to improve operations.

The Tshwane Market Precinct Plan, a strategic planning document to direct investment and revitalise the market and its surrounding neighbourhoods was approved in August.

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