Root44 chaos

Think twice before you go to root44 market between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, especially as a trader. I was involved until recently as a trader at root44. The owner makes you sign a lease, letting you to believe that he will open on all public holidays, in order for you to generate income. What he doesn't tell you is that on most of the public holidays there are no walk in customers but he is charging you rent for that day. He's got more than 50 stalls which gives him approximately R80000.00 for that day, but nothing for you. Most of the other markets are closed for business, but not him. An example, with the recent storm in April 2024 he closed the market due to damage but still charged us rent. When traders pressured him, they eventually credited us a day as he claimed from his insurance. We also received invoices for pest control for 6 months which was never done. When asked by their own staff they admitted they've done it themselves, occasionally, but invoiced us for the full amount. He also lost his liquor license for beer and other alcoholic drinks, he's only allowed to sell wine, due to excessive noise levels and inappropriate behavior of this market. It became a venue for drunkards, no wonder the wine farmers complained, if you plan to become a trader or visit, be careful please