The Joburg Market SOC Ltd has reason to celebrate as its chief executive, Sello Makhubela, has been named Manager of the Year 2025 by the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM). The award was presented at the WUWM Global Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday, 7 November 2025, recognising outstanding leadership in the global fresh produce sector.
The prestigious accolade highlights Makhubela’s exceptional contribution to leadership, innovation, sustainability, and community engagement within the wholesale market industry. Under his stewardship, Joburg Market has emerged as a model of governance excellence and inclusive growth, cementing its reputation both locally and internationally.
Since taking the helm, Makhubela has driven a transformative turnaround strategy, modernising operations, boosting financial performance, and expanding the market’s developmental footprint.
Joburg Market has achieved record turnover exceeding R1 billion twice in a single financial year, while fostering transparency, accountability, and strong collaboration with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
In a release, the organisation says central to Makhubela’s leadership approach is the Seven Pillars of Transformation Framework, which has positioned Joburg Market as a catalyst for empowerment and sustainability. The market has supported smallholder farmers, increased women’s participation in agriculture, and implemented environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations.
The recognition comes on the heels of the market’s successful hosting of the WUWM 2025 Global Conference in Johannesburg earlier this year, a milestone that showcased South Africa as a hub for innovation, food security dialogue, and market excellence.
The Joburg Market extended its gratitude to the board of directors, members of the mayoral committee for economic development, and the City of Johannesburg, whose support has been pivotal in advancing the market’s vision.This recognition not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces Joburg Market’s standing as a globally recognised leader in Africa’s fresh produce industry, championing innovation and inclusive growth across the continent.
From humble beginnings, Joburg Market has grown to dominate the continent’s produce sector, serving around 5 000 farmers and an average of 10 000 buyers daily. The market is equipped with 55 cold rooms storing more than 4 500 pallets of fresh produce and 50 banana ripening rooms handling nearly 1 600 pallets at a time.
Located just 5km south of Johannesburg’s CBD and easily accessible from major freeways, it is twice the size of South Africa’s second-largest market and larger than 17 other local markets combined, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the national agricultural economy.
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