Churches say closure of Marabastad market was a travesty of justice

The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has thrown its weight behind informal traders at the Marabastad Retail Market, warning that closing the market would be a "travesty of justice". 

The market, a vital economic hub supporting traders from neighbouring townships, was temporarily shut down by the City of Tshwane last week due to non-compliance issues.

The Gauteng High Court intervened, issuing an order requiring traders to submit necessary applications to the city by August 8, 2025, effectively suspending the market's closure. 

SAUCIC welcomed the order, describing it as a conciliatory step towards resolving the impasse.

The organisation’s President, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole highlighted the market's historical significance, noting that it survived the apartheid regime's efforts to destroy the livelihoods of marginalised communities. 

"Marabastad occupies a special place in the history of resistance against forced removals," he said.

He said 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”.

Shole praised the city's efforts to formalise the traders, citing the training of 49 food handlers and issuance of zoning rights. 

He emphasised the importance of compliance and enforcement to eliminate unethical business practices while promoting new investments and infrastructure development.

He highlighted the importance of preserving the historic bonds and shared struggles of the Indian, Coloured and African communities in the area, noting that their cultural and religious diversity can serve as a catalyst for unity, nation-building, and social cohesion.

SAUCIC’s comment comes after the Unified South African Traders, a representative body for informal traders, vowed to resist future city crackdowns on non-compliant businesses. 

The organisation strongly criticised the city's decision to shut down the fresh produce market, arguing that the closure has had far-reaching negative impacts on both traders and the broader public across Tshwane's seven regions.

This week MMC for Economic Development & Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the city is processing applications to help traders become compliant before the August 8 deadline. 

She explained that traders must attend a compulsory workshop on street trading, comply with fire, health, and safety regulations, and secure trading licenses in order to operate a business in Tshwane.

Traders must also obtain a certificate of acceptability and complete health and safety training for food handling businesses.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za