The City of Johannesburg, through the Joburg Fresh Produce Market initiative, is alleviating the problem of unemployment, in its own way.
City of Johannesburg Mayor, Parks Tau, revealed this during the Joburg Market Exporters Day recently.
“Through the Joburg Market, we have created opportunities for growth and jobs. Our market agents and tenants have created employment for over 6000 personnel. 1.3 million tons (1.3 billion kg) of fruit and vegetable is sold annually. I am happy to announce that the market yielded R5.3 billion turnover for in 2014/15 financial year,” Tau said.
He described the Joburg Fresh Produce Market as “the largest of its type in the continent and a shining example of how opportunities for entrepreneurs can be created in the agro-processing industry”.
He observed that economic development and growth was critical for Joburg as the commercial and economic hub of South Africa. “We are currently contributing 47% of the provincial economy: Joburg Fresh Produce Market is an important element in our city’s economic dynamism.”