MPUMALANGA – The need to access global markets has prompted Premier Mandla Ndlovu to embark on a trip to the Far East to secure trade agreements for the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM).
The R2 billion facility, soon to be launched, is expected to provide small-scale farmers with direct access to buyers, thereby eliminating inflated prices caused by middlemen.
Ndlovu, accompanied by MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Nomphumelelo Hlophe, along with senior officials from the provincial government, will form a delegation that is set to depart for China on June 14 and return on June 23.
Ndlovu believes the market will play a vital role in transforming the farming sector. This includes training farmers to obtain the necessary licences to trade in international markets.
He said the government is working to secure international trade deals to broaden opportunities for local farmers.
“We are targeting the Chinese markets because they are internationally recognised trade institutions for the export of agricultural commodities. We will visit cities with growing populations and strong Gross Domestic Products (GDP). These are the qualities we are looking for in our quest to make the Fresh Produce Market a game-changer in the food chain industry,” said Ndlovu.
The visit will include engagements at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for trade investment, Longnan City, known for traditional medicine, mining, and olive oil production and the Tianshui Inland Port, a model area for modern agricultural development.
He added that the visit should be seen in the context of his administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment and poverty in Mpumalanga.
He also confirmed that the MIFPM will be operational before the end of the year.
During his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in February, the Premier announced that once operational, the MIFPM would create 156 jobs and provide 150 000 subsistence and small-scale farmers with access to trade their produce. He also stated that an additional 105 000 jobs are expected to be created at farm level.
Premier Ndlovu has temporarily appointed the political head of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Speedy Mashilo, to oversee operations in his absence.
Mashilo was sworn in as Acting Premier on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, by the Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Justice Segopotje Mphahlele.
