POLOKWANE – The Ratanang Agricultural Cooperative in Mamontitane was among the many local growers to benefit from Shoprite and Checkers’ nationwide Market Day, held on April 3.

The event, which took place at Shoprite Mankweng in Turfloop Plaza, gave small-scale farmers a platform to sell their fresh, homegrown produce directly to customers.

Cathrine Raesibe Gololo, the secretary of the cooperative, shared the group’s enthusiasm. “Market Day is an amazing opportunity for us. With so many small-scale farmers competing for a place in the market, this initiative helps us reach new customers who are looking for fresh-from-the-garden vegetables.”

Founded in 1998, Ratanang comprises 27 farmers cultivating a variety of vegetables.

Gololo noted that interest in their produce was high, with many shoppers requesting that Market Day become a weekly event.

The cooperative has received ongoing support from Food and Trees for Africa, who introduced them to Shoprite. Since 2022, Shoprite has played a key role in boosting the cooperative’s sustainability by assisting with water infrastructure and providing 18 months of training and mentorship. This support helped the farmers improve their budgeting, pricing strategies and income generation.

Launched in 2017, Shoprite’s Market Day offers supported community food gardens the chance to access a larger customer base, generate income, and gain retail experience while promoting sustainable agriculture.

The initiative forms part of the Shoprite and Checkers ‘Act for Change’ programme, which supports over 4 000 home gardens and more than 260 community gardens across South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Namibia – contributing to food security across the region.