Mall will have enormous positive effects

The letter “Mall will disadvantage our sports people” by Mr HR Mohammedy (Courier, February 19) has reference.
The Edison Property Group and Mr Vivian Reddy sincerely do not wish to foment an acrimonious debate or public spat on this issue as a response to the unnecessary hysteria and charged emotions that appear to prevail. The less said about Mr. Mahommedy the better.
However, it is imperative that the public is made aware of the factual and optimistic scenario of the proposed development in this region.
In terms of the socio-economic benefits and relief that the proposed development offers, it must be viewed against the backdrop of the absolutely dire economic conditions that prevail throughout the country. Employment is central to the debilitating consequences of poverty, hunger, malnutrition, lawlessness, crime and a systemic breaking down of the entire fabric of society. We can never isolate or insulate ourselves from the effect of this malaise.
To address the issues raised therefore:
• The processes that were followed to secure the land and the endorsement of both local and provincial government was a transparent and legitimate one with no compromise on the legality thereof.
• Development of any nature provides jobs which is the lifeblood of our existence. The government and the country is crying out for help to stem this tide of unemployment which is indirectly fueling the international rapid downgrading of this country’s economic status, and consequently leading to larger scale and increased job losses.
• According to a detailed professional socio-economic impact assessment conducted in 2015, the three phases will involve the Edison Property Group in a total expenditure of about R1, 5 billion, being the largest single private investment in the history of the iLembe area.
• The direct and indirect capital expenditure for the development will result in new business sales of R1,971 billion and the KwaDukuza municipality will benefit approximately R30 million in revenues generated from rates, taxes and utilities which in turn are used to uplift services to the broader community.
• This development will create 4 330 direct and indirect jobs and approximately 1 500 permanent new jobs will result.
Certainly the current sporting facilities will cease to exist – but only in their current location. Once again, can anyone argue against the advantages of having new, refurbished and modernised facilities replacing them. This move has been supported by all the sports clubs and the iLembe Sports Federation.
On the unwarranted character assassination of Mr Vivian Reddy, one can only respond in terms of the immense respect and admiration he commands nationally and internationally as a well know philanthropist who has uplifted more than 120 welfare and community organisations to the tune of over R125m. Further, there are very few businessmen like him who are prepared to come forward, at their personal financial risk, and create such development with its concomitant positive socio-economic impact spreading across the entire community.
On the issue of the street naming, Mr Reddy is flattered by the thought which caught him by total surprise. It is public knowledge that he too has been inspired by Gandhi and he has financially supported initiatives to perpetuate his legacy. He has never sought to replace this legacy in any way – nor can he interfere in anyone’s democratic right to propose whatever they feel.
In conclusion, Sir, let the entire community of iLembe be the judge of the supremely positive effect of this development for the entire region. History advises us that there will always be a fringe group within any community that will attempt to scupper and challenge such impactful initiatives – sadly for dubious reasons and acting as proxies at the best of times. Mr Reddy’s proud record of financial contributions in excess of R32 million to projects in this region speaks volumes about his unselfish commitment to the upliftment of the community of the entire iLembe District.
ANDILE MQWEBU
Group PR and Marketing, Edison Corporation
Durban