IMASA

Institute of Market Agents of South Africa

IMASA

Institute of Market Agents of South Africa

Value Preposition 

The Institute of Market of South Africa(IMASA) provides a unique proposition to its stakeholders, fresh produce market agents and the broader agricultural (fresh produce) industry.

1. Professional Standards

IMASA expects the members to uphold professional standard for market agents, ensuring their integrity and integrity of the industry. This creates trust and enhances the reputation of the whole agricultural (fresh produce) industry. The professional standards are those as gazetted and upheld through the Agricultural Produce Agents Act (Act 12 of 1992) and applicable market By-laws as well as the IMASA Constitution as published from time to time.

2. Industry Advocacy

IMASA serves as a unified voice for member market agents, advocating for their interest and representing them in discussions with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. This advocacy helps to shape policies and regulations that are conducive to fresh produce markets.

3. Legal Support

IMASA provides legal support for market agents championing issues of common interest. This support extends to advice on National, Provincial and Local legislation. Matters include relevance of Market By-laws, effective operational and infrastructural standards to ensure relevant and effective market agent business.

4. Networking and Collaboration

IMASA facilitates networking opportunities and fosters collaboration among market agents and industry stakeholders. By promoting participation and cooperation, IMASA helps to strengthen the entire agricultural (fresh produce) value chain.

5 . Stakeholder Confidence

Through its emphasis on quality, professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct, IMASA contributes to building stakeholder confidence in the agricultural (fresh produce) value chain.

6. Continuous Improvement

IMASA is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, adapting technological advancement and regulatory changes. By staying abreast of industry developments and best practices, IMASA ensures that its members remain competitive and relevant in the agricultural (fresh produce) value chain.

7. Recognition

IMASA recognises successful industry and stakeholder leadership and communication and market improvement efforts through awarding accolades to deserving persons and/or entities. These accolades ae in the form of a Red Apple award and President’s award. The honoury list also recognises member and stakeholder’s improvement and development efforts within the industry.

Overall, IMASA value proposition lies in its role as a catalyst for transparency and sustainability in the South African agricultural (fresh produce) value chain, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.

Recent Activities:

Tshwane:

  • Agent and IMASA driven Tshwane Mandamus case was successful in the Tshwane High court and won with costs. Non-compliance to the court order has prompted a contempt of court process.
  • Legal action against market regarding power outages to commence in the Tshwane courts as Tshwane City has failed to respond.
  • As a result of pressure of the court action, Tshwane market capital spend will now be managed by TEDA, this will result in significant capital being “ring fenced” for market improvements.

JHB: 

  • Various outstanding claims were handled by IMASA and subsequently resolved; pressure is still consistently being applied for outstanding amounts.
  • Mandamus case in JHB has commenced with the view to ensure Joburg market takes responsibility for their service delivery.
  • Cold room rates changes can now be applied by individual agents, subject to Joburg Market IT enhancements.
  • Pressure on market non-performance is ongoing.
  • Power issues on market now stable as consistent IMASA pressure ensured that ring feed from Moffat View now fully functional.

Other:

Covid 19 period – Through decisive interaction with industry stakeholders ensured that markets stayed open during Covid period.
Prokon – IMASA, through consultation, successful ensured that Prokon cannot deduct inspection fess from agents.
APAC – Draft Bill response submitted for intended changes to APAC legislation.
By Laws – IMASA submitted various responses related to proposed By Law changes for several markets i.e., Ekurhuleni, JHB and Tshwane. Through legal consultation IMASA has submitted responses to the draft Joburg Markets By-Laws indicating its unconstitutionality. These submissions will be further actioned and used as a foundation in other By Laws amendments.
IMASA’s interaction with DLARRD (ex-DAFF), SAUFM, APAC etc. ensures that IMASA is a recognised force to be reckoned with in the Fresh Produce Markets environments