JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said that the country’s fresh produce markets cannot be allowed to fail, as municipalities come under fire for inefficient administration and poor maintenance of their assets.
Last week, the Pretoria High Court found the City of Tshwane in contempt of court for failing to comply with an earlier order to maintain its fresh produce market.
The court ordered the mayor and city manager to be imprisoned for one month, unless they comply with the court order to ensure the market was fire and smoke compliant, purchase generators and evaporator coils, among other things, within 30 days.
Ramokgopa weighed in on the matter.
The markets in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Durban are not only municipal assets but have also been described as strategic pillars of South Africa’s agricultural economy, vital for transparent pricing, reliable market access, and critical for the livelihoods of thousands of producers and traders.
Ramokgopa said that the poor investment and re-investment by municipalities that own and operate the business hubs.
“I think on a point of principle, it has to be challenged, and it is something that has to be addressed. The fresh produce markets are so critical for the fresh produce sector and agricultural sector.”
Earlier this year, an inquiry recommended a review of some municipal by-laws in a bid to make the fresh produce markets more competitive and fit for purpose.