Joburg Market deepens producer partnerships through farm visit

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Joburg Market deepens producer partnerships through farm visit

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR©®™

The Joburg Market recently conducted a strategic farm visit to Vhegies Farm in Mapleton, Boksburg, as part of its ongoing commitment to building strong, sustainable relationships with producers. 

The visit was led by the Transformation and Strategy Department, in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, and spearheaded by Transformation Specialist Mbali Sibeko.

The engagement formed part of the Market’s broader efforts to gain first-hand insight into producers’ operational realities and to ensure that its transformation and support initiatives remain responsive and impactful across the agricultural value chain.

“Farm visits like these are critical for the Joburg Market,” said Sibeko. “They allow us to better understand the day-to-day realities faced by our producers and ensure that our transformation and support strategies are both relevant and effective.”

The team visited Vhegies Farm, owned by award-winning farmer Sophy Litshani, a recognised Joburg Market success story. The 20-hectare farm is one of Litshani’s most recent acquisitions and is primarily dedicated to vegetable production. In addition to farming, Vhegies Farm is actively involved in agro-processing, adding significant value to its operations.

The farm features a small on-site packhouse where fresh vegetable packs are prepared for major commercial retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Food Lovers Market and Spar. An on-site cold room supports the operation, ensuring quality and freshness throughout the supply chain.

To meet consistent market demand, Vhegies Farm employs around 75 people and operates a fleet of seven trucks. The farm also places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, with a mobile clinic available on site to support workers’ health needs.

Reflecting on her journey, Litshani said: “Being an award-winning farmer and recently receiving the Best South African Female Farmer award is a proud milestone. It shows that with perseverance and strong partnerships, women can thrive and lead successfully in agriculture.”

The visit provided valuable insight into both the challenges and successes experienced by market-aligned producers. Such engagements play a key role in strengthening partnerships, informing transformation strategies and ensuring that the Joburg Market remains responsive to the needs of its growers. 

Ultimately, these visits reinforce the Market’s role in supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the agricultural value chain.

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