By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Economic Development Nomoya Mnisi visited Soweto with Joburg Market board chairperson Mzikayise Ndlovu and CEO Sello Makhubela to look at possible sites for a new market.
- The proposed Soweto Market is expected to create jobs and opportunities for informal traders, emerging farmers, transporters and small businesses in the township.
Joburg’s current fresh produce market is in City Deep, an industrial area in the south of Johannesburg. Getting there from Soweto can take between 30 and 45 minutes by car, and even longer by public transport.
That distance adds to transport costs for traders and buyers who need daily access to fresh produce.
The City of Johannesburg now wants to bring a fresh produce market directly to Soweto. Officials say the move will support township economic growth and help local businesses take a bigger role in the agricultural value chain.
MMC for Economic Development Nomoya Mnisi said bringing market infrastructure closer to communities will help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses. She said residents will also get easier access to fresh and affordable produce.
Feasibility studies will be done in the identified areas over the next few months. These studies will look at the best operational model, infrastructure needs and sustainability plans for the market.
The proposed market is part of the City’s broader plan to move services closer to township communities and invest in areas that have historically been left out of economic development.
Pictured above: Officials visiting a site in Soweto for the proposed fresh produce market.
Image source: Supplied
