City of Matlosana Wins Appeal Over Control of Fresh Produce Market Payments
The ruling matters to the farmers, market agents and traders who move produce through the Klerksdorp market every day, because it decides who signs off on the money flowing through it. The municipality says the earlier order had removed its Market Manager and the officials who authorise payments from oversight of the market's payment and accounting systems.
What the court ordered
On 2 October 2026 the North West High Court, Mahikeng, granted an order in the municipality's favour, suspending the operation and execution of the earlier interim order pending the outcome of the main appeal. The court also ordered the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) to pay the costs of the appeal on Scale C.
The municipality says the appeal restores its ability to carry out its statutory responsibilities for the administration and financial management of the market until the main appeal is finally decided.
Where the dispute comes from
The matter dates back to court proceedings in 2021 about the payment of proceeds generated through the market. The court then directed the municipality to make sure that money collected on behalf of market agents is paid to the rightful beneficiaries within the prescribed period.
- Paid to market agents and producers: 95% of market proceeds
- Retained by the municipality as commission: 5%
The municipality's position
The City stresses that the funds collected through the market are not ordinary municipal revenue but money administered for the benefit of market agents and producers, which is why it says it must keep proper financial controls in place.
"The City welcomes the outcome and remains committed to ensuring that the market operates efficiently, transparently and in accordance with applicable legislation and court orders," the City of Matlosana said in the statement.
What this means for you
For now the market keeps trading as usual, with municipal officials back in charge of processing and authorising payments. The municipality has assured market agents, producers and other stakeholders that it will safeguard the integrity of the market's financial processes while the broader legal dispute remains before the courts. Agents or producers with questions about payments can contact Ms Ntswaki Makgetha, AD Corporate Communication, on 018 487 8311.
Source: City of Matlosana Local Municipality (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/MatlosanaCommuncations/posts/pfbid02VoEcNgDRTvNLJmKSihf3Jgfrtq1BS75AD35vy5aFyfCChxzdw8tWvRmfXf9335owl
Photo: City of Matlosana Municipal Updates Facebook page