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The Joburg Market, the country’s biggest fresh produce market, has reopened its trading platform after the long weekend without any disruptions. This comes after its halls 5 and 6 were damaged by a minor fire on Saturday night. 

At around 21h00 on the 19th of March 2022, a section of the fruit hall caught fire at the electrical substation on the high voltage (HV) side. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS).

Preliminary observations indicate that a service provider, who specializes in electrical engineering services provided to the Joburg Market, was on site and working on electrical reticulation in the affected section when the incident occurred. Security personnel on duty immediately reported the incident to the EMS and Joburg Market maintenance department. EMS arrived on site and extinguished the fire timeously.

The MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nkuli Mbundu, JM Board Chairperson Thokozani Twala and senior officials were on site to ensure the market’s readiness. Initial clean-up operations have been concluded. The affected area remains electrically isolated and will be cordoned off to ensure continuity of power to non-affected areas and the safety of staff and visitors. The assessment of affected produce has been conducted, with a second phase of inspections on selected produce set to get underway to ensure that all risks are covered. 

MMC Mbundu has welcomed the swift response of the Joburg Market management and board since the incident took place and said: “We are in consultation with our industry partners, the Institute of Market Agents (IMASA) and all affected stakeholders; City Power has also been on site to ensure contingency plans are in place and that operations go ahead as normal.”

“The Joburg Market remains committed to ensuring minimum disruptions to business operations and financial loss to the agri-food value chain”, added board chairperson Thokozani Thwala.  

Issued by MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nkululeko Mbundu