September 27, 2007
By Ndaba Dlamini
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.
Nelson Mandela cuts the golden ribbon to formally open the Maponya Mall
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
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.
"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."
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.
Soweto's newest mall opens in Klipspruit
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
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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