KWAGGAFONTEIN, MTHOMBOMUHLE – Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs had an opportunity to sell their products directly to customers when Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM) hosted its first Farmers Market of the 2026/27 financial year at the municipal offices in Mthombomuhle on Friday, 30 October 2026.
The market brought local farmers and community members together, giving producers an opportunity to showcase their products, attract customers and sell without relying on intermediaries.
Stalls offered a variety of fresh produce, including tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, eggs and other agricultural products, as residents came out to support local businesses.
The initiative forms part of the municipality's Local Economic Development (LED) strategy, aimed at improving market access for small-scale farmers, supporting small businesses and encouraging women and young people to pursue agriculture as a business.
Among the exhibitors was young farmer Zaza Letsholo, who welcomed the municipality's efforts to create opportunities for local producers.
Speaking to Highveld Chronicle, Letsholo said the market was helping farmers grow their businesses while contributing to the local economy.
“As farmers, we are very grateful for what the municipality is doing by creating such expos so that we can come and showcase our products. By doing so, we are growing, and that is local economic development. That is pillar number five of Thembisile Hani Municipality in developing the economy of our society.”
“We are very grateful to be in such a space where people can interact with us, create network contacts with us, and buy our products.”
Letsholo also spoke about the challenges of being a young woman in the agricultural sector, which she described as male-dominated.
“As a young entrepreneur and farmer, being a lady in this industry is not easy because it is a male-dominated industry. But if you strive to do your best and do what you love, everything will flourish.”
Beyond selling their products, farmers used the market to connect with potential buyers, exchange contacts and share ideas on farming, pricing, packaging and marketing.
Municipal officials who attended the event said the market would not be a once-off initiative, with more farmers' markets planned throughout the financial year to help local producers reach more customers and grow their businesses.
Residents also welcomed the initiative, saying it made fresh produce more accessible while supporting local farmers.
Through the programme, the municipality hopes to strengthen local agriculture, create business opportunities and encourage more women and young people to enter the farming sector.
