TZANEEN – Residents of Nkowankowa are eagerly anticipating the development of a new shopping mall, following confirmation during a recent community meeting held at the Ben Farm Complex in Section B.

The meeting, facilitated by the Limpopo Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), focused on the nomination of a trust fund committee that will oversee the management of rental income from the mall’s businesses. The funds will be reinvested into local community development.

According to DLRRD representative Tinyiko Makamu, the committee will be required to report to the community on a quarterly basis once the mall becomes operational. Seven individuals from Mariveni, Petanenge, and Nkowankowa sections C and D were nominated to serve on the committee.

The nominees include Billy Ngobeni, Getron Nkwashu, Tiyani Mailula, Vincent Mabulani, Steyn Malubana, Mimi Ndlovu, and Bethuel Hlungwani.

However, DLRRD cautioned that all nominees will still undergo a vetting process, which includes criminal background checks and credit assessments, to ensure their suitability for the role.

The VaNkuna Traditional Council is also expected to nominate two additional representatives to the committee.

The vision for a mall at Ben Farm dates back 14 years and was first proposed by local entrepreneur Ben Mapfumari. Speaking to the Herald, Mapfumari said witnessing the project’s progress is both rewarding and fulfilling.

Cool Group Holdings, an investment company based in Midrand, has partnered on the project. Company representative Rueben Tshabalala addressed the community, expressing enthusiasm for contributing to the local economy through the development.

Although Tshabalala did not reveal the project’s budget, name, or the number of planned retail outlets, he stated that further details would be shared in upcoming meetings. “We would be pleased if construction could begin by September,” he told the Herald.