Mega shopping mall development hangs in the balance

SOL PLAATJE Municipality councillors have slammed what they describe as “underhanded tactics” by certain ANC councillors who are allegedly trying to delay a mega shopping complex development in Memorial Road, Kimberley, due to “personal interests”.

The proposed development will see the expansion of the North Cape Mall, and will feature shops in a park-like atmosphere with green spaces, recreational areas and gathering spots. The estimated investment injection for this proposed project is around R200 million.

The developers have applied to purchase the vacant land from Sol Plaatje Municipality, valued at R9.6 million.

Councillors stated that the mayor was being undermined and claimed that he was “treated like a dog” at a recent council meeting that was convened to approve the proposed development that will be situated opposite the North Cape Mall.

They criticised the mayor’s treatment during the meeting, where he was apparently told to “sit down”, while the Speaker and ANC chief whip were similarly instructed to “sit down and keep quiet”.

The meeting was disrupted when councillors stormed out.

This behaviour by their fellow councillors “astonished” many ANC members, who support the project.

“The majority of ANC councillors are in favour of the project as it will create job opportunities for 400 unemployed residents and boost the economy, as well as provide business opportunities for local SMMEs,” they stated.

EFF councillor Pontsho Mocwana questioned why the Speaker failed to bring the councillors to order.

“We support the development as it will also incorporate a taxi rank and will greatly benefit the community,” Mocwana said.

DA caucus chairperson Elize Niemann highlighted that the development would inject millions into the economy and generate municipal income through rates and taxes.

“A walkway will connect the North Cape Mall to the new development. The land is currently vacant public open space. The development will ensure that the area is well-maintained and put to good use,” said Niemann.

ACDP councillor Roddy Loff pointed out that the development was long overdue and had been on the table of council for some time.

“The project cannot go ahead until it is passed by council, and there are concerted efforts to prevent it from proceeding,” he said.

FF+ councillor Frans Reichert questioned the “ulterior motives” of the councillors who objected to the development.

The two implicated councillors referred media enquiries to the mayor and stated that they were not able to provide any reasons as to why they were against the development.

Sol Plaatje executive mayor Kagisho Sonyoni explained that, at times, things became “heated” in council.

“I don’t recall having been undermined. If anything of that nature occurred, then the ANC chief whip would have dealt with the matter immediately,” Sonyoni said.