The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said that the Pretoria High Court, Gauteng Division’s order suspending the closure of Tshwane Market in Marabastad, issued on the 31 July 2025, allows parties involved in the legal dispute to find “amicable and mutually beneficial solutions to address the current impasse.”
On Wednesday, 6 August, welcomed the order suspending the closure of Tshwane Market in Marabastad describing it “as a reprieve and conciliatory step.”
“Marabastad occupies a special place in the history of resistance against forced removals. It survived the repressive apartheid regime’s concerted effort to destroy the livelihoods of
historically marginalised communities that constituted the multicultural settlement,” said Cardinal Shole.
This comes after the court order instructed the City of Tshwane to temporarily suspend the closure of the market following an operation that led to the closure due to traders operating without permits.
The municipality is now urging all traders at the market to submit their licence applications. The market was initially shut down last week after traders failed to produce the required permits.
Shole claimed that it would have been a travesty of justice to see the closure of such a viable economic hub that is also supporting traders from neighbouring townships.
According to the Saucic national spokesperson, pastor Lesiba Kgwele, they are encouraged by progress registered towards compliance to create a safer, hygienic trading environment in line with the municipal bylaws.
Shole said the training of 49 food handlers by the municipality, and issuing of zoning rights which allow them to operate their businesses at the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market has demonstrated the municipality’s commitment to formalise the traders for sustainable trading and enterprise development.
He emphasised that the partnership should strive for compliance and enforcement to isolate unethical business practices.
The unethical business could undermine health as well as safety requirements while also promoting new investments and infrastructure development.
“The historic bonds as well as foundational shared struggles of the Indian, Coloured and African communities including their cultural and religious diversity must not be lost as catalysts of unity, nation building, social cohesion, urban renewal and integrated development,” said Shole.
Speaking on behalf of the municipality, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa said all traders must ensure they abide by the city’s policies and regulations.
“Traders and businesses, and especially those businesses dealing with food products, must comply with fire, health and safety regulations in addition to securing trading licenses,” Mabotsa said.
She also emphasised people wishing to do business in the capital are required to attend a compulsory workshop on street trading in Tshwane.
On completion of the workshop, the aspirant trader may then submit an application for a certificate of acceptability.
“I remind all Tshwane business owners that despite what some opposition parties allege, ownership or a lease of a property does not grant the occupant of a property the automatic right to engage in business activities.
“Property owners or occupants must ensure that they have the necessary approvals and comply with relevant zoning, health and safety regulations to ensure the safety of their workers, their customers and our communities,” said Mabotsa.
