By Nangamso Mabindla
29 October 2007

JOSEPH Funyufunyu is the man entrusted with the responsibility of taking the highly successful Buffalo City Fresh Produce Market to greater heights.

With a turnover of R190-million in the previous financial year, the market has proved to be one of the best places for farmers from around the country to do business. And, with an extensive background in the industry, Funyufunyu understands the opportunities and challenges ahead of him.

"Before I came to Buffalo City, I [worked] for the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market where I gained valuable experience," he said. Funyufunyu is the first black person to head the Buffalo City market.

He started working in the trade in 1986 and has since enjoyed every moment he has spent in his chosen field. "This field is very exciting and everyday you learn new things."

Having established the Mthatha Market in the King Sabatha Dalinyebo Municipality, and aware of the challenges in the industry, Funyufunyu said he would like to see the Buffalo City market grow in line with the City's strategies, especially its City Development Strategy, a 20-year economic growth plan.

"During my stay, I would also like to see the market become a one-stop centre that has facilities for packaging and drying of produce. [I would also like to introduce] programmes that will focus on educating [people], especially emerging farmers, on the requirements of the market, such as quality and packaging, and its operations.

"I would like to increase the market's access for all participants."

These programmes would help these farmers to understand the kind of quality needed for a farmer to sell his or her products through the market.

The Buffalo City Fresh Produce Market supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to hawkers, wholesalers and residents.