Sir
I recently read the Courier article, “Mayoral bid to spark Endumeni business back to life” (March 24) wherein Mayor Richard Mbatha said he was concerned that only foreign-owned shops seemed to be opening and he wanted to know why locals are not involved in business.
A few years ago, I had a business in Victoria Street. When my contract was due for renewal, I was told in no uncertain terms by the land lord that they wanted me out as they could get much higher rentals from the Chinese, Nigerians, Senegalese etc. The building I occupied was in a state of disrepair yet every time I mentioned this to the land lord there would be an excuse to spend money on upgrades.
A lot of the land lords are more interested in the rental they receive than promoting local business or making their buildings look presentable.
On the other hand there is the Pick n Pay Centre whose rentals are so high that only franchises or chain stores can afford the rental.
The problem is not that locals don’t want to open businesses, it’s that they have lost faith in greedy slum lords who dominate the main streets of Dundee.
A happy Newcastle shopper
