POLOKWANE – The Moletsi Taxi Association has welcomed the opening of Moletsi Mall, saying the development will bring shopping closer to residents of the 23 villages it serves.

Taxi association welcomes development

Rank manager George Ngobeni said the association had no objections to the mall, apart from an incident during its first few days of operation when seven-seater taxis began operating there.

“We made it clear that they are not allowed, as this is against the prescripts of our legislation. We released a statement about this and they stopped pirating, as it would have created sub-ranks unnecessarily and scattered uniformity,” Ngobeni said.

He said the association was not concerned about potentially losing income from trips to Seshego Circle Centre and Polokwane central, as residents would now be able to shop locally.

“We prioritise them. We are happy that people will not be travelling for longer and further.

“Most areas have malls to show area development, so even with us it was bound to happen, for the 23 villages we cover,” he said.

The mall was officially opened last Friday, with the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba joined by Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) St Engenas leader bishop Joseph Lekganyane.

Ramathuba described the opening as a milestone for the Polokwane Local Municipality, bringing retail facilities closer to residents. She said the event attracted people from across Moletsi’s more than 179 villages.

The multi-million-rand development is expected to expand through phases two and three.

The property is partly owned by McCormick Property Development, with the land under the custodianship of Kgoshi Moloto.

Kgoshi Moloto urged residents to take care of and protect the mall.

Ramathuba described the opening as a “living miracle” and a moment of pride for the community. “Years ago, this was nothing but a small hall and a few administrative buildings surrounded by dusty villages,” she said.

She said the development reflected Moletsi’s transformation from scattered rural villages into a growing town and called on investors to consider opportunities in rural areas.

Residents look to benefit from growth

Residents also welcomed the mall but said local businesses should benefit from the development.

Rara Rekitho said she hoped more black-owned businesses would be accommodated, particularly restaurants and shops offering cellphone sales and repairs.

Kenneth Semenya welcomed the availability of a place where adults could enjoy a drink.