Following the approval of a mid-term expenditure framework allocation of R300 million for the recapitalisation of mission-critical infrastructure, supporting the Market’s core business, the Joburg Fresh Produce Market will soon receive a major facelift.
Department of Economic Development MMC Leah Knott welcomed the investment and said that the Joburg Market has a vital role to play in achieving the economic objectives set by the multi-party administration.
“We want to bring real change to the market and its stakeholders. This is the largest fresh produce market on the African continent and when it succeeds, the entire SADC region prospers. Multi-administration has set a goal of 5% economic growth and the Joburg Market will play an instrumental role in achieving this. Last year I announced the new road rehabilitation project aimed to enhance access to the Joburg Market Road Network. This internal road network deteriorated over time with no proper investment, being allocated by the previous administration. This posed serious challenges for the market and its stakeholders”, she said.
Joburg Market Chief Executive Officer Ayanda Kanana said the investment will focus on key projects, which include the upgrading of the Mandela Market, new ICT developments, upgrading of cold rooms and banana ripening facilities. She added that it will improve cold chain management and enhancements to entrance and exit gates.
“The recapitalisation projects will assist the Joburg Market to do not only realise its vision of becoming a clean, safe and smart market but will also assist in repositioning the market as a fresh produce industry market leader. The funds will aid the growth of the market. I am thankful for the visionary leadership in spearheading visible service delivery at the Joburg Market. We are confident that such support will enable the company to exceed the turnover of R10 billion by the end of the 2021/22 financial year”, she said.
Kanana added that markets were still a viable platform from driving economic growth.
“In the last decade the fresh produce market value chain was established to have generated over R140 billion worth of turnover in the agriculture sector”, said Kanana.
