Statement by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos
Earlier today, I visited the Cape Town Market, formerly known as the Epping Market to gain first-hand experience of the workings of the facility. I was joined by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, City officials and stakeholders on the walk-about to obtain insights on the functioning of the market. The market plays a critical role within the regional food distribution system.
Located in Epping for more than 60 years, this well-known landmark is one of the oldest and the third largest fresh produce market in South Africa based on both the volume and value of fresh produce sold.
The market is an essential regional low-cost distribution centre for food. It is also a vital contributor towards food security as well as an important distribution system from a producer’s point of view.
Although the current lease only expires in February 2024, it makes business sense to start the process timeously to renew the lease, ahead of the end date. This will ensure there is no interruption to the ongoing market operations, enable integration and a smooth transition from the current lease to the new lease.
One of my goals is to achieve growth through proactive management of the City’s strategic assets. We recognise the strategic value of the Cape Town fresh produce market which presents an ideal opportunity to incorporate our new thinking with our sound administrative practices.
I am proud to champion the City’s statutory process to ensure the long-term continuation of the important economic and social role the market has within the Cape Metropolitan area.
We need to play our part with regard to food security for Capetonians by making sure that the lease transitions smoothly.
The majority of the fresh produce that moves through the market is purchased by small to medium-sized traders who in turn sell to the greater community of Cape Town.
On the supply side, the Cape Town Market has 4 764 suppliers listed on their supplier database.
On average, the number of suppliers ranges between 850 to 950 per month. During the peak festive period (November to January) this number peaks at 1 300 suppliers per month. The vast majority are commercial farmers, followed by speculators/marketing agencies, owners of smallholdings and emerging farmers.
Today, the market spans an area of 121 000 m� that encompasses buildings and outdoor covered areas, including a fresh produce market hall, refrigerated ripening rooms, food wholesalers, retail outlets, a truck-stop, and related administration offices. Part of the proposal would result in extensive renovations, and compliance with environment regulations related to fruit and vegetables for local and export consumption.
But all of that being said, in its current state, the facility is outdated in terms of its market function and some aspects need to be upgraded and improved. The current lessee has therefore approached the City to contribute towards the redevelopment of the market precinct, by way of commencing with the lease renewal process.
I was pleased that the full sitting of Council on 29 January 2020 supported my recommendation to commence with a public participation process to consider a further lease for the Cape Town Market.
This represents the first exciting step along the journey of converting a well performing, yet outdated facility to a world class, environmentally compliant, fresh produce market that serves Cape Town.
I would like to commend the Cape Town Market management for the excellent stewardship of this regional market.
I look forward to working with the team to ensure a smooth transition in the lease process and guaranteed food security for the residents of Cape Town.
Source: City Of Cape Town