The Joburg Market recently brought together leadership for a three-day engagement focused on strategic alignment, reflection, and planning for the organisation’s future growth and sustainability. The MMC for Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, opened the session.

“This is an opportunity to ensure Joburg Market not only grows as an institution but also drives meaningful transformation that improves the lives of our farmers, traders, buyers and our communities.”

The event was also attended by Joburg Market board chair Mzikayise Ndlovu, highlighting the strategic importance of the engagement.

Day one set the tone for the engagement with robust discussions on key issues shaping the agricultural sector and the future of fresh produce markets. The session benefited from valuable external insights from industry leaders and practitioners, including Shivesh Govind (managing director: King Fresh), Phillip Nel (chair: IMASA), Mapula Chokwe (PPPSG), and Dr Ethel Zulu (AFASA farmer). Their perspectives highlighted the importance of supporting emerging farmers, strengthening market infrastructure, improving cold chain management, and encouraging greater value chain participation.

The engagements explored how different functions are strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery to farmers, buyers and traders, and embracing innovation and digital transformation to support a modernised market environment.

The session concluded with a comprehensive risk management workshop, where leadership collectively assessed emerging risks and opportunities within the evolving agricultural and economic landscape.

Overall, the breakaway session provided an important platform for collaboration and strategic reflection, reaffirming the Joburg Market leadership’s shared commitment to innovation, partnership and building a resilient market that continues to serve farmers, traders and communities across the region.

Written by Busisiwe Moagi