Tshegofatso Maakwe
The Joburg Market Chief Executive Officer, Sello Makhubela, has received the 2025 World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Manager of the Year Award. The prestigious recognition was presented during the WUWM Global Conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on 7 November 2025.
The award celebrates outstanding global leadership, innovation, sustainability, and community impact within the fresh produce sector. Makhubela’s recognition highlights his visionary leadership and the Joburg Market’s continued success as a benchmark for governance excellence and inclusive economic growth.
Under his stewardship, the Market has undergone a remarkable transformation—strengthening financial performance, modernising operations, and deepening its developmental footprint. Through this turnaround strategy, the Joburg Market recorded turnovers exceeding R1 billion twice in a single financial year, while entrenching a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
Guided by his Seven Pillars of Transformation Framework, Makhubela has positioned the Joburg Market as a catalyst for empowerment and sustainability—supporting smallholder farmers, enhancing women’s participation in the agricultural value chain, and advancing environmentally responsible practices across all operations.
This global recognition follows the successful hosting of the WUWM 2025 Global Conference in Johannesburg earlier this year, which spotlighted the Joburg Market and the City of Johannesburg as key players in shaping international discussions on food security, innovation, and resilient market systems.
The Market extends sincere appreciation to its employees, market agents, farmers, buyers, and partners whose dedication continues to fuel the organisation’s success. It also acknowledges the unwavering support of its board of directors, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, and the City of Johannesburg, whose commitment to excellence makes such achievements possible.
“This milestone marks a defining moment in the Joburg Market’s journey—reinforcing its status as a globally recognised centre of excellence that champions innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability within Africa’s fresh produce industry,” says an ecstatic Makhubela.
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
