Joburg eyes Soweto fresh produce market to bring affordable food and jobs closer to home

By Charmaine Ndlela

City of Johannesburg officials have assessed five potential sites for a fresh produce market aimed at improving access to affordable food and stimulating township economic activity, the city said on Thursday.

Nomoya Mnisi, member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for economic development, joined Joburg Market board chairperson Mzikayise Ndlovu and chief executive Sello Makhubela on the oversight visit.

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The proposed market is part of a long-term strategy to decentralise fresh produce trading beyond the city centre, creating opportunities for informal traders, emerging farmers, transporters and small businesses while generating local employment, the city said.

Feasibility studies will be carried out in the coming months to determine the most suitable operating model, infrastructure requirements, and sustainability measures for the Soweto market, it said.

“This project represents a shift in how we deliver food access and economic