MMC Khoza engages management on plans to turn around Joburg Market
During the market tour, MMC Lawrence Khoza was pleased with the efficiency of the market and the incorporation of the Covid-19 health protocols.
City of Johannesburg MMC for economic development Lawrence Khoza met with Joburg Market’s CEO, Leigh-Anne Williams, and her team with the objective of addressing challenges and to intensify much-needed interventions for the growth of the market on February 17.
Delegates took Khoza around the market, showcasing a variety of fresh produce. The market operates from a 64-hectare site in City Deep, providing trading facilities to farmers whose produce is marketed and exposed daily to 9 500 to 11 000 buyers.
The tour included viewing the new construction of the “Mandela Market” precinct due for completion in the 2021/22 financial year. This is in line with addressing some of the challenges faced by the market, pertaining to repairs and maintenance backlog on infrastructure.
As the largest fresh produce market in Africa, informed by the volume of fresh produce traded, the Joburg Market plays a critical role in the fresh produce industry to over 6 000 producers and access to over 98 000 registered buyers across South Africa and the SADC region. In addition, the market agents and tenants operating within its facilities create over 5 000 jobs within the sector.
During the market tour, Khoza was pleased with the efficiency of the market and the incorporation of the Covid-19 health protocols. Having taken cognisance of the City’s GDS 2040 Strategy, the market has the potential to play a decisive role in the success of entrepreneurs in this sector.
“In light of the pandemic, the agriculture sector is important for ensuring the country’s food security. As the government of local unity, we need to make sure the market is functional, sustainable, provides quality fresh produce and certifies the economical contributions made by commercial-scale productions and emerging farmers,” said Khoza.
The strategic direction of the Joburg Market will place greater emphasis on driving complete designs for and implementation of a pack-house for emerging farmers, technology capabilities towards digital transformation and to appoint contractors for the upgrading and refurbishment of cold rooms. In addition, the market will review its business processes considering the Covid-19 outbreak and the impact it will have on business in the foreseeable future.
