Joburg Market helps shape sustainable, future-ready wholesale and retail sector

Joburg Market reinforced its role in South Africa's wholesale sector through its participation in the Wholesale & Retail Sector and Education Training Authority (W&RSETA) Research Conference, held recently in Modderfontein. The two-day conference brought together industry leaders, academics, researchers and stakeholders to explore digital transformation, future-ready skills, innovation and sustainable value chains in the wholesale and retail sector.

Representing Joburg Market, Noxolo Mabuza, Acting Executive Manager: Strategy and Planning, shared insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping South Africa's fresh produce market.

“Sustainability in the fresh produce market requires us to look at the entire value chain, from the moment produce is harvested to when it reaches the buyer. At Joburg Market, transparency and traceability are central to how we operate. We capture information on arrival times and hourly prices, ensuring visibility in the trading process and enabling farmers to receive payment within 48 to 72 hours.

“We also recognise that not all produce is of the same grade, and our responsibility is to ensure that farmers have an opportunity to trade their produce rather than have it go to waste. This calls for innovative solutions, including agro-processing, improved cold-chain infrastructure and partnerships that can turn food loss into economic value," said Mabuza.

The panel also heard from Yussuf Cassim, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, who emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry and educational institutions to address skills gaps and better prepare young people for the changing demands of the economy. His remarks reinforced the importance of aligning education and skills development with industry needs to ensure that South Africa develops a workforce equipped for the future.

A separate panel discussion explored the relationship between technological advancement and human capability, with panellists examining how businesses can prepare their workforces for an increasingly digital economy.

The discussion featured Dr Mahlatse Modipa from the University of Mpumalanga; Manoj Chiba, partner at The Strategists Consulting; Litha Mbete, founder of Vukaflow; Giselle Hutchinson, lead at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator; and Sally Joubert, specialist: Work-Integrated Learning and Industry Liaison. Panellists also addressed youth workplace readiness, unemployment, employee burnout and mental health.

With a 46.24% national market share and approximately 1.4 million tonnes of produce handled, the conference provided an opportunity for Joburg Market to share practical industry experience and contribute to research-led conversations on building a sustainable, competitive and inclusive wholesale and retail sector.

Written by Busisiwe Moagi
02/11/2026

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