Cape Town – The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled that the City of Tshwane must complete the long-overdue upgrades to the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market within 30 days — or the current mayor, Nasiphi Moya, along with city manager Johann Mettler, could face a one-month jail sentence, suspended for one year.
The court found the city in contempt for failing to comply with an October 2022 consent order, which mandated R18 million in budgeted improvements.
Our Tshwane progress tour starts today at the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market.
Our opponents are using the court judgement against the City to hide the fact that their failures were ventilated in court.
Steps are being taken to make this a site of growth and job creation. pic.twitter.com/EyrFwYaNtA
— Michael Beaumont (@ME_Beaumont) August 13, 2025
These included essential infrastructure upgrades such as fire and smoke detection systems, sanitation and electrical improvements, security and checkpoint installations, and compliance with lift, hoist, and refuse removal requirements.
The High Court has handed the @CityTshwane Mayor & Municipal Manager a 1-month prison sentence, suspended for a year — after finding the City guilty of contempt of court for failing to fix the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market despite a R18m budget. They have 30 days to comply. pic.twitter.com/e6HLTYskdc
— Francois Rossouw (@FrancoisRosso15) August 11, 2025
Legal expert Dr Llewelyn Curlewis emphasised the responsibility of municipal leadership, including the mayor and city manager, who remain accountable — even if they assumed office after the original ruling.
“They are, at the end of the day, the responsible party… so the mayor and the city clerk are responsible for the actions and omissions of the city council,” he said, according to The Citizen.
Moya responded to the court ruling in a written statement, saying the city was “carefully studying the judgment in consultation with our legal team to ensure that we comply fully with the court’s directive.”
She added: “We acknowledge the importance of the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market to our local economy and to food security, and we remain committed to addressing the outstanding compliance matters within the set timeframes.”
City of Tshwane commits to revitalising Tshwane Fresh Produce Market in partnership with stakeholders. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/tuQsLRpfOu
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) August 13, 2025
In response, city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said that Tshwane is carefully reviewing the judgment with legal advisors, assessing operational implications, and is committed to acting in compliance with the law.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
