There is much work that still needs to be done to address the infrastructural woes plaguing the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market despite the 2022 court order compelling the municipality to repair and maintain the facility.

This observation was made by members of the Section 79 Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning during their recent oversight visit to the facility.

The visit follows a Gauteng High Court case, where the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) sought a contempt order against the city for non-compliance with a 2022 ruling which ordered the city to invest R18 million in the market’s maintenance and provide essential services. 

The recent court ruling threatened to imprison Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and city manager Johann Mettler if they fail to provide essential services to the facility in Pretoria West.

In August, Moya said the partnership between Tshwane and IMASA is yielding positive results, with productive discussions underway regarding the market’s future and its potential to boost South Africa’s agriculture and agro-processing sector.

The city council has since approved a market precinct plan, which aims to revitalise the area and stimulate economic growth.

The plan involves significant investments to enhance safety, upgrade street lighting, and improve public spaces and pedestrian areas, which were among the infrastructural concerns raised by IMASA.

Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, previously said the plan outlines a vision and framework for the precinct to expand, attract investment, and revitalise the inner-city area.

“Enhancing and revitalising the inner-city of Pretoria will allow our capital city to contribute even more to economic growth and job creation in the region. The vision of the precinct is a sustainable and prosperous precinct that is pedestrian-friendly and well connected to public transport,” she said.

Committee chairperson Joel Masilela reported that during the visit, officials were asked to indicate progress on the 20 issues raised by IMASA, and they claimed that 90% of the issues had already been addressed.

 “I am not entirely happy with this response, and I therefore requested that a detailed report be presented to myself and the rest of the committee members on what issues have been resolved, which ones are outstanding together with the predicted timelines as to when we can expect these issues to be resolved,” he said.

During the walkabout, Masilela said, it was observed that much work and maintenance are required to restore the Tshwane Market to its former glory and enable it to compete effectively in the national market.

He acknowledged the importance of the Tshwane Market as a key hub for agricultural trade in the region. 

“It is the second-largest market of its kind in South Africa by turnover, and it provides a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and other products,” he said.

He said the committee is aware of the legal challenges the city faces regarding the Tshwane Market, which involved the city being taken to court by IMASA.

“The committee conducted an inspection in loco to the Tshwane Market, as one of its priorities is to ensure that the Tshwane Market is well managed and transparent, and that it remains a sustainable trading hub for farmers, consumers, and traders,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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