Latest news with #FreshProduceMarket
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market misses another deadline: Agriculture announces postponement of launch
The long-awaited launch of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) has been postponed yet again. On Thursday, July 31, the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) released a statement announcing that the launch – which was scheduled for the end of July – has been delayed once more. According to Dardlea's provincial spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, a new official launch date will be communicated once all outstanding regulatory processes have been finalised to ensure that the market can operate in a sustainable and legally compliant manner. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market misses deadline The MIFPM, described by Premier Mandla Ndlovu as the country's first fresh produce market since liberation, was initially announced in November 2018 and was due for completion by September 2020. However, various challenges led to multiple delays. Another deadline – intended as a soft launch – was missed in April. This soft launch was announced by Ndlovu during the State of the Province Address in February. Then, on July 12, he stated that the market would open by the end of the month. 'As part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible governance, the Mpumalanga provincial government wishes to inform the public and all stakeholders that the official launch of the MIFPM, initially planned for July 2025, has been postponed,' said Shabangu. She added that the decision follows the identification of a technical administrative oversight during the final stages of preparation. 'Specifically, the operational-specific by-laws that regulate the day-to-day functioning of the market are still in the process of formal adoption by the relevant municipal structures.' Shabangu said the Certificate of Occupancy is also in the process of being finalised as part of the remaining statutory compliance requirements. While procedural in nature, these elements are essential to ensuring that the market operates in line with all legislative, safety and governance standards. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market officially handed over to departments In the interim, Dardlea will continue with its planned outreach programme, including roadshows and stakeholder engagements. 'These engagements aim to maintain momentum, deepen communication and ensure that farmers and stakeholders are fully informed and prepared for the revised market timeline. 'The provincial government remains fully committed to delivering a safe, functional and transformative fresh produce market that advances agricultural development, food system integration and economic inclusion across Mpumalanga,' Shabangu said.
Daily Maverick
23-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Business community reels after kidnapping incident: Nelson Mandela Bay's security crisis deepens
On Saturday morning at 6 am, Gqeberha resident Lindsay Knowlden, 65, was kidnapped from the Fresh Produce Market in Markman Industrial Area. While the kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Nelson Mandela Bay community, frustrated business owners, whose businesses are under threat from protection rackets, have been calling for improved security in that area for more than two years. For the past two years, members of the Markman Business Forum and business owners have been pleading with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for improved security infrastructure, more specifically a 300m fence to improve the safety of those who work in the area, spokesperson Graham Taylor said on Sunday. On Saturday, the business community was shocked after Peter and Lindsay Knowlden were attacked in the underground parking at the Fresh Produce Market. Peter Knowlden was assaulted with a firearm and his wife Lindsay was kidnapped. 'We have been battling now for close on two years, and you almost get the feeling that the municipality is trying its best to avoid us,' Taylor said. Taylor said that a meeting had been held earlier this month with acting city manager Ted Pillay and 'some commitments were made'. 'The boundaries of Markman Industria are incredibly porous,' Taylor said. 'Vulnerable' 'We are vulnerable on three sides of the area. We need a 300m fence. That corner where the Fresh Produce Market is has always been a problem,' he said. He said that to the municipality's credit, it had tried to improve the security at the Fresh Produce market and had built a wall around the facility. 'But personally, I have never seen security guards there. The problem is that it remains completely accessible from the back,' Taylor said. He said the area was monitored by private security, but it urgently needed a fence. 'That way we can introduce proper access control.' He said that currently, anybody could enter the area. 'That Addo corridor is a major challenge,' he said, referring to the road that runs from the N2 through Motherwell to Addo. 'We have been having meetings with logistics service providers and industry stakeholders just to address crime,' Taylor said. 'Businesses have the solution, but people need to start listening.' He said that as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the area, the cost of business had shot up. Some businesses now had to pay R300,000 a month for security. 'Protection racket' Taylor said a protection racket was being run in the area, and any vehicle leaving without security would be followed and hijacked, especially those transporting food. 'Demanding protection money has become a trend,' he said. 'People know exactly what is in those vehicles.' Wayne Hart from Atlas Security said they had been called in on Saturday after Lindsay Knowlden was kidnapped, as the couple were clients. 'As you, we are deeply concerned about the kidnapping of Lindsay Knowlden, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning. Atlas Security was first on the scene, and our team responded immediately after being alerted. 'Our control room and teams have been working closely with the local authorities, using our extensive network of CCTV cameras across Nelson Mandela Bay to assist in the investigation. We can confirm that the vehicle involved was flagged, but in the interest of the ongoing investigation, further details cannot be shared at this time. 'We are aware that the Hawks have received a ransom demand for Lindsay's safe return. The case is now in the hands of the Hawks and SAPS, and Atlas Security will continue to cooperate fully with all roleplayers as the investigation unfolds. 'Our thoughts are with Lindsay's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We urge anyone with information to contact SAPS,' Atlas said. SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed the incident, and that the case had been transferred to the Hawks. The Fresh Produce Market is a Nelson Mandela Bay municipal facility, but by last night, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya had not responded to questions about security measures there. Earlier this month, Sanral construction manager Victor Ngcobo was kidnapped from Addo Road, 3km from the latest abduction. He was released unharmed.
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The Herald
Motorists cautioned as rain and snow cause chaos on Eastern Cape roads
Nelson Mandela Bay traffic officials have advised motorists to be cautious along the following roads, or to avoid them where possible: Addo Road, Motherwell Buick Road, Markman 3rd Avenue, Newton Park Altona Road, Greenbushes Seaview Road, Seaview — waterlogged Ngeni Street and surrounds, Kariega Jabavu Road and surrounds, KwaNobuhle KwaNobuhle Mantanzima Road and surrounds, KwaNobuhle Parts of Cape Road — waterlogged Cape Road between St Albans and Mission Road — emergency lane water logged Maitlands Road, near Maitlands Beach Maqanda Street, Kwazakele Avenue A and surrounds, New Brighton The entrance to the Nelson Mandela Bay Fresh Produce Market, in the Markman industrial area, is experiencing flooding and access to the market may be temporarily restricted. Traffic spokesperson Unathi Binqose said several high-lying roads in parts of the province, which were closed due to snow, had been reopened under strict supervision of traffic officials. N2 between KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and Kokstad — closure is imminent N9 near Middelburg, at Lootsberg towards Graaff-Reinet — opened partially under strict supervision R61, Wapadsberg towards Nxuba (Cradock) — partially reopened under strict supervision. R58, Khowa (Elliot) at Barkly Pass towards Barkly East — open for smaller vehicles under strict supervision 'The N2 road between Chintsa and Brakfontein just outside East London is closed to traffic due to a fatal accident involving a minibus taxi,' he said. 'Motorists are urged to use alternative routes such as the old Transkei road.' The Herald
