The Marabastad Retail Market in Tshwane was shut down by the Mayor on Friday, who claimed the market was leased to someone who sublet to stallholders without proper licenses to trade and health certificates. However, the stallholders are disputing this, saying they have valid lease agreements directly with the City of Tshwane, dated December 1, 2023 for a period of 5 years. Laudium Today has seen copies of these lease agreements.
The market, which has been occupied by Indians since the Group Areas Act of 1950, has a historical significance, having been relocated from Pretoria's CBD to Marabastad. The stallholders are furious, feeling unfairly targeted, and point out that foreign nationals continue trading on sidewalks without consequence. "Legal tenants were illegally shut down from their premises while illegal foreign nationals continue trading on side walks," they claim.
This is not the first time the market has faced closure. In August 2022, labour inspectors shut down the market, citing "dirty, unhealthy and hazardous" conditions. The closure was part of a joint operation to enforce compliance with labor laws and immigration legislation. The market resumed operations on August 23, 2022, after the Department of Employment and Labour withdrew its restriction notice.
The Mayor's office asserts that the stallholders lack necessary licenses and health certificates, while the stallholders argue they have legitimate agreements.
Laudium Today managed to get hold of Moses Letsoalo, a City of Tshwane official and Deputy Head of the Produce Market, who shed more light on the situation. According to Letsoalo, the Mayor's office didn't get information from them to understand what agreements are in place with the stallholders. "The lease agreements are in place and are still valid," he said.
Letsoalo further revealed that he spoke to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, who has asked for a report to explain everything about the operations in Marabastad. He is set to meet the Mayor on Monday to sort the issue out.
Meanwhile, one of the stallholders has expressed intention to take legal action against the Mayor, citing unlawful eviction and damage to their livelihoods. The stallholder believes that the Mayor's actions were unjustified and that they will seek compensation for losses incurred during the closure.
Health hazard in plain sight: Food being prepared in unsanitary conditions by informal traders in a parking lot.
Illegal trading on the sidewalks and parking lot of Marabastad Market, where informal traders sell fresh produce.
