Tshwane council approves fresh produce market plan to boost economic growth

The City of Tshwane's council has given the green light to the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market precinct plan, aimed at revitalising the area and boosting economic growth.

The plan includes investments to improve safety, upgrade street lighting, and enhance public spaces and pedestrian areas.

This development comes on the heels of a recent high court ruling that threatened to imprison Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and city manager Johann Mettler if they failed to comply with a court order requiring the city to provide essential services to the facility.

The Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) took the city to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, seeking a contempt order due to the city's non-compliance with a 2022 ruling. 

The court had ordered the city to invest R18 million in the market's maintenance and provide essential services. 

Moya said the collaboration between Tshwane and IMASA is bearing fruit, with productive discussions on the market's future and its potential to support South Africa's agriculture and agro-processing sector.

Councilors from various parties weighed in on the precinct plan, highlighting its potential benefits. 

ANC councillor Macalene Mazibuko said the market's role in revitalising the economy and enhancing the city's food system, providing greater access for farmers, especially black farmers, and offering consumers affordable fresh produce.

“The plan addresses safety and health risks promoting environmental accessibility and creating employment opportunities, ensuring that the market continues to function as a vital economic hub and the stock exchange of the fresh produce industry,” he said.

DA councillor Pogiso Muthimunye welcomed the plan, saying it would lead to economic development and investment in the city. 

EFF councillor Moafrika Mabogwana noted that the development would provide protection for investors and create a safe environment for investment. 

He stressed the need for transformation, accountability, and adherence to timelines in the project's implementation.

The precinct plan proposes a mix of land uses, including medium and high-density mixed-use development, open spaces, and infrastructure upgrades. 

Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, said the plan provides 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.

A key highlight of the plan is the creation of over 7,200 housing opportunities through medium and high-density mixed-use development zones.

Mabotsa said: “This would allow more people to live closer to where they work or study, meaning reduced traffic congestion for the capital city and huge savings of time and transport costs for thousands of families.”

The plan includes investments to clean up the precinct, upgrade street lighting, public spaces, and pedestrian areas, enhancing safety for residents and making the area more attractive for investment and growth.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za