THIS IS US: Mamelodi on road to recovery
Following looting and protests earlier this year, Mamelodi residents banded together with law enforcement to ensure the road to economic recovery could begin.
Residents took it upon themselves to save Mamelodi after hundreds of jobs were lost overnight following the looting at the Mams and Denlyn malls in July.
Children were among those who participated in clean-up efforts at the malls to remove burning tyres and stones left behind by looters.
“This is where we do our shopping, which is why we are helping our mall,” said Solly Sefako from Germ Valley Masters.
“We want to help the mall to recover quickly and have it working again for our children to get job opportunities.”
Residents used their own tools to clean all the entrances to Mams mall and the nearby Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
In Mamelodi West, stakeholders from wards 67 and 38, as well as taxi associations, charity organisations and community patrolling forums geared up to protect Denlyn mall, day and night. Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the Mams and Tshwane regional malls shortly after the unrest and looting to assess the damage.
“There was a big element of organised crime.
The police are looking into the possibility that organised gangs in the area were part of the looting,” he said.
Owner of Tshwane regional mall Shadrack Mthethwa said they hired a well-trained security company to help protect the mall.
“I’m very grateful for the security company for saving the economy of the township and jobs,” said Mthethwa.
“This mall is off-limits from looting or any other crime. The security was heavily armed and not afraid to use it.
“We have beefed up our security,” said owner of Maudi Matlakala security, Steerman Monageng.
Denlyn mall manager Clifford Madishane said the centre “was doing the best we can to safeguard our tenants and our customers”.
Annah Hlaku (45), a shop owner said she lost everything in the store in a matter of minutes during the looting.
She started her business from scratch and it took about five years for her business to grow.
Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said the Tshwane metro called for no looting and criminality, following the arrest of more than 100 suspects in connection with looting and vandalism.
Eddie Mnguni of Mamelodi East CPF condemned acts of looting and damage. He said it was about time the community of Mamelodi united with law enforcement and fight for the township.
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