THE FUSE

Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe has officially handed over a fresh produce rural market centre in Swazini, Qhaka village, Ward 9, in Port St John’s, marking an important step towards strengthening local agriculture and improving market access for farmers. The facility is designed to help local producers store, aggregate and manage fresh produce, particularly fruits and vegetables, before these products reach buyers. By providing a dedicated space for handling agricultural produce, the centre aims to address some of the challenges rural farmers face when storing and selling their harvests. The facility is locally owned, giving the community a direct stake in its role in supporting agricultural activities and economic development. The handover highlights the importance of investing in rural agricultural infrastructure to help farmers protect the value of their produce and create better opportunities to participate in local markets.