Trading has begun at the Mpumalanga International Food Market in Mbombela, giving the province’s farmers another route to buyers. Premier Mandla Ndlovu announced the start of operations on October 27, saying produce deliveries were already reaching the facility. SABC also reported that active trading had started.
Jobs reported and jobs projected
The provincial statement reports 47 direct jobs at the market so far. It projects approximately 156 direct posts when the facility is fully operational, plus 4,033 indirect jobs in farming, logistics, processing and related activity. Those larger numbers are forecasts, not a count of workers already hired.
The province separately says Agrofund-supported small businesses have created 1,153 jobs and will supply the market. That programme figure should not be added to the market’s direct workforce as though both describe employment at the same facility. The announcement says market recruitment was handled through the Department of Employment and Labour.
The earlier delay
This operational start follows a documented delay. On July 31, 2025, the provincial agriculture department announced that the launch planned for that month had been postponed. It identified market-specific municipal by-laws awaiting formal adoption and a certificate of occupancy still being finalised.
The October statement confirms trading but does not provide a detailed account of how each earlier compliance issue was concluded. It also describes a future presidential visit for the official opening. The beginning of business and the ceremonial opening should therefore be kept separate.
What producers should establish
For a farmer, the useful questions now concern transactions: which produce buyers require, how deliveries are booked, what grading and packaging standards apply, and when suppliers are paid. These are practical checks to make with the market before sending a perishable load; this report does not supply unverified fees or enrolment instructions.
The next measure of success will be sustained trade. Delivery volumes, reliable payment and repeat buyers will tell producers more than an opening announcement alone. The province’s employment projections also need later reporting against actual results. No current vacancy or recruitment deadline is established by this announcement.
