Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Obed Bapela makes surprise visit to Farmers Market Yethu

Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Obed Bapela recently visited the Farmers Market Yethu in Alexandra, a local community highlight and a hub for culture and storytelling.

This marked the minister’s first visit to the market, a landmark located within one of Alexandra’s few remaining historic yards.

The market founder and director, Refilwe Pieterse, said just moments before Bapela’s arrival, he inquired about the food available at the market, expressing his interest in dining from the local offerings, unfortunately they had nothing to offer him as the market only opens once a month.

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“Being informed that the market operates once a month, this did not deter his enthusiasm, leading to a delightful afternoon amidst the sounds of nature.

“We sat under the music of birds, beneath dry trees where birds had built their nests, sharing stories about nature and the areas in South Africa that attract bird watchers,” Pieterse said.

During Bapela’s visit, Pieterse recounted a colorful story about her grandfather’s friend who, according to local lore, would hijack treasures from ghosts, adding a whimsical touch to their conversation and highlighting the rich tapestry of tales that the market represents.

“Minister Bapela took the opportunity to connect with the township’s spirit, having stepped away from parliamentary duties to meet families and experience the essence of the community through the Farmer’s Market Yethu.

“He expressed his apologies for not attending previous events and showed genuine interest in our work,” she said.

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Although Pieterse did not propose any immediate requests or ideas during their meeting, she shared her ambitious vision for preserving the market as a hidden gem that honours the history and culture of Alexandra.

“The Farmers Market Yethu is situated on a historically significant site once used as Oliver Tambo’s office, where community programmes and meetings were once held, featuring notable figures like Nelson Mandela.

“This yard played an integral role in the ANC’s history, serving as a centre for distributing programmes related to arts, history, and politics,” Pieterse said.

Today, the Farmers Market Yethu stands as a vibrant centre for preserving township stories while offering stalls for local farmers and fostering community engagement. “Tourists are drawn here, not only for the food but for the rich history of Alexandra, and we take great pride in showcasing that,” Pieterse concluded.

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