The City of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp, North West, has dismissed reports that its Fresh Produce Market in the CBD has been taken over by foreign nationals, while also addressing concerns over dysfunctional ablution facilities at the market.
The Matlosana Fresh Produce Market, which operates under the municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) unit, came under scrutiny in 2025 amid allegations of severe disarray, municipal neglect and non-payment.
The municipality faced accusations of failing to comply with a 2021 High Court order that required it to transfer 95% of daily sales revenue to market agents within 48 hours.
Concerns have also recently emerged over the condition of public ablution facilities at the market.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Local Economic Development, Wesley Kgang, told YOU FM Newshour that the municipality is aware of the concerns raised by residents and is actively addressing them.
He said that 24 of the market’s 25 toilets are currently functional, with only one out of service.
“Our infrastructure maintenance team has been deployed to the site to repair the broken toilet, and we are hopeful that it will be restored very soon,” said Kgang.
Kgang assured residents that the municipality remains committed to maintaining the market to ensure high standards of hygiene and optimal functionality.
“We recently met with the City Administrator to assess progress in the appointment of managers at the Fresh Produce Market, who will ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the facility.
“We are confident that this process will be completed within a short period, and that the relevant individuals will be appointed to oversee daily operations and ensure that the bathrooms are properly monitored and maintained for public use,” he explained.
Kgang also rejected allegations that the market prioritises foreign nationals over local traders when purchasing produce in bulk.
“We are aware of the presence of illegal migrants in the country, but we are not going to prevent those who are legally in South Africa from trading with us.
“Every morning at around 03:30, trucks arrive from Botswana and even as far as Namibia because they conduct business with us.
“We cannot stop that because the primary function of the Fresh Produce Market is to facilitate trade and generate income for the City of Matlosana,” Kgang said.
According to the municipality, the market remains open to emerging farmers who wish to sell their produce.
“We are not preventing anyone, especially local farmers with fresh produce, from coming forward to sell to residents.
“That is exactly what we want.
“We will support those farmers with every resource available to us,” Kgang concluded.
