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The Yeoville Market, which suffered extensive damage after a fire on 21 June 2022, is in the process of being restored as the as the City of Johannesburg’s Joburg Property Company (JPC) ramps up efforts for its refurbishment. 

The market, situated in the cosmopolitan inner city surburb of Yeoville in Region F, was established as a central marketplace, which houses about 208 informal traders. 

A total of 25 trading stalls suffered irreparable damage because of the fire. The cause remains under investigation by the South African Police Service. 

Overseen by the JPC, the custodian of the City’s property assets, the process of refurbishing and restoring stalls damaged in the fire has begun. The rubble has been cleared, allowing neighbouring traders to continue with their business operations without the health and safety risks posed by the damaged site. 

The area had been cordoned off after the blaze to prevent illegal entry and further damage to property. The affected traders were also allocated temporary trading stalls by the City to ensure that there is continuity in their business operations and to prevent any further potential loss of income.  

The JPC has initiated the process to secure suitable and qualified service providers for repairs and maintenance of the entire market to ensure electrification, and installation of plumbing at the facility. These processes are expected to be completed soon to ensure the informal traders return to their trading stalls and have the market fully operational.

As the Multi-Party Government, we remain steadfast in our commitment towards engaging in a developmental approach to support Joburg’s informal trade economy and accelerating efforts to stimulate the growth of its participants, such that they may move into the formal economy, scale their enterprises, and create much needed jobs in the City of Johannesburg.

Issued by City of Johannesburg Media Statement by MMC for Economic Development Cllr Nkululeko Mbundu