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For Sowetans, the opening of another shopping mall is the indication
of an economic boom. And on a personal note, businessman Richard
Maponya finally realises his 20-year dream.
Nelson Mandela cuts the golden ribbon to formally open the Maponya Mall (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
ONE of the biggest malls in Southern Africa, Maponya Mall in Soweto,
has opened amid much pomp and ceremony – and with the blessings of
Nelson Mandela.
Despite the pouring rain and the chilly weather, the
R650-million shopping mall was jam packed early on 27 September, with
people coming to witness the official opening and to pick up one or two
bargains in the 200 or so stores.
The main entrance, the venue for the official opening ceremony,
was packed with dignitaries including Mandela, Johannesburg's executive
mayor Amos Masondo, Nelson Mandela Foundation trustee Dr Nthato
Motlana, Gauteng MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu and, of course, the owner of the
mall, Richard Maponya.
Maponya thanked the people of the sprawling township for their
unwavering support over the decades. "I have been one of the sons of
this township for a long time. It is my greatest pleasure to declare
this dream of 20 years a reality today."
The businessman, reflecting on the early years when he first
hatched the idea of opening a shopping mall in Soweto, described the
road as long and not without hassles.
"When I wanted to open a shopping mall in the township 20 years
ago, I was reminded by the powers-that-be at the time that I was a
temporary sojourner in the city of Johannesburg.
"I was also reminded that I belonged somewhere in a corner of
South Africa but I never tired to keep on knocking on doors to get
permission to build my dream."
That dream has finally been realised with the Maponya Mall in
Klipspruit. It is a partnership between the Maponya Group, Zenprop
Property Holdings and Investec.
Soweto's newest mall opens in Klipspruit (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
"Today I am delivering to you people of Soweto the Maponya Mall
– one of the biggest malls in South Africa. I have brought Sandton City
to Soweto," said Maponya to loud cheers.
An economic boost
The mall is "a significant
development" in the heart of Soweto, Masondo said, adding that the
opening of the mall bodes well for the economy of the city. "The latest
development, Maponya Mall is an injection of R650-million into the
township."
In the past two years Soweto has also seen the opening of the Protea Gardens Mall, the Jabulani Mall and the Bara Mall.
Congratulating Maponya, Masondo said Maponya Mall represents the
undying entrepreneurial spirit of the Soweto businessman. "This
investment will remain a lasting legacy to this community [of Soweto]."
The cutting of a golden ribbon to officially open the
development fell to Mandela. With a big smile, Mandela was succinct:
"With this action we declare the mall open."
The statue at the entrance to Maponya Mall(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
People crammed entrances to glimpse the great man, and there were loud cheers as he left the mall.
After the formalities it was time to shop. People crowded the
mall's passageways, jostling to get to the opening specials, including
electrical items, clothing and cell phones. Some lucky shoppers who
arrived early could be seen pushing trolleys laden with goods, while
the restaurants were doing a roaring business catering for the hungry.
The retail giants like Edgars, Woolworths and Pick 'n Pay were
in full swing, while some of the other stores were doing some last
minute preparations prior to opening.
Outside, the car park was brimful and Old Potch Road experienced heavy traffic as motorists jostled to get into the mall.
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