Expansion project commences at Joburg people’s market
The People’s Market, which totals around R250 million annual purchasing, is an informal satellite market that forms part of the Joburg Market.
Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, launched the beginning of the R144 million Joburg People’s Market expansion project which will see a total of 28 stalls added to the existing 71 as well as numerous facility upgrades that will assist entrepreneurial and economic growth in Johannesburg.
Mashaba was joined by the MMC for Economic Development, Councillor Leah Knott and the market’s CEO, Ayanda Kanana for a sod-turning ceremony that was held at the Market on Monday, September 2.
Mashaba said that the ceremony officially marked the beginning of the upcoming developments which are expected to create over 250 jobs during and after construction.
The People’s Market, which totals around R250 million annual purchasing, is an informal satellite market that forms part of the Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market in South Africa and all of Africa by volume and value.
By way of comparison, the Joburg Market is twice the size of the second-ranked market in the country and bigger than 17 other local markets. The Joburg Market, measuring a total of 65 000m2, serves about 5 000 farmers from across South Africa who send their fresh produce to be traded to a larger buyer base, averaging about 10 000 daily.
The People’s Market currently provides 71 informal traders with the opportunity to generate their income, often allowing them to educate their children or to buy a house. After the upgrades are complete, an additional 28 stalls will be created. Critical to the success of this project will be the development and incubation of entrepreneur development.
Several opportunities will be created where the market can facilitate the capacitation and upskilling of a number of the tenants, apart from creating new business opportunities.
“Further upgrades to the market include a new taxi rank, a new cold store and generator plant, upgraded road, electrical and water infrastructure. The upgrade to this critical component of the Joburg Market is a clear demonstration of this multi-party government’s commitment to bring Diphetogo to our residents and especially our entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Mashaba.
[also read] – Fifteen residents receive wheelchairs in Riverlea
Mashaba said that this project will also target women and youth when new stalls are allocated and when the entrepreneurship programme is implemented.
“Our goal is clear, we want Johannesburg’s economy to grow by five per cent per year, thereby creating more much-need jobs, especially among the youth. These upgrades are a commitment from the city to support the growth of businesses through implementing and upgrading basic infrastructure. This is a goal this administration continues to be committed to,” said Mashaba.
“I would, therefore, like to thank the members of our coalition government; the IFP, ACDP, COPE, UDM and FFP for their continued support in bringing change to the residents of our city. I also wish to thank members of the EFF caucus, who vote with us on an issue by issue basis, for their efforts in helping to improve the lives of our residents,” the Mayor concluded.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
