The Tongaat economy has received a major boost with the official opening of the oThongathi Mall which saw residents flock to shopping centre on Friday, 30 March.
After 10 years of waiting for the mall to open, residents also celebrated prospect of job opportunities that oThongathi Mall will bring to their doorstep as shops have been recruiting for staff.
“We are just glad that the mall has finally opened,” said Simphiwe Gumede. “At least now we can get employed locally and not have to keep travelling out of Tongaat just to find a job.”
The opening saw many stores welcoming customers and providing services to the community. A proud resident who witnessed the opening said it was exciting to see so many members of the community at the opening and that she is looking forward to the ease of shopping.
“I am so grateful for the fact that we have waited for so many years and have now been provided with a mall. This will really bringers to many households especially with the chain stores for grocery shopping. I wish the mall all of the best and know that they will definitely have the support of the community for many many years,” said Pamilla Naicker,
The oThangathi Mall Management said they were humbled by the support of the community during their opening days.
“We wish to congratulate each one of the stores who opened already on successful and beautiful openings. It is an honour and privilege to serve a community so ready for growth and everything growth includes. Thank you for walking with us as we prepare to open the rest of our stores, aiming to add value to each oThongathi Mall shopper’s experience. We look forward to shining bright for the Tongaat community for many years to come,” the centre manager, Dylan Niemann.
Tongaat Civic Association Chairperson, Don Perumal, said the opening of the oThangathi Mall has been a resounding success in the small town as people from far and wide are now coming into the area.
He said: “The good vibrations coming out from the community were overwhelming and we are so glad to have chain stores provided to us. There are so many stores that are now accessible for our residents. Our community has waited for years for such a project to come off the ground and we are glad and elated. The fact that our local economy has been given a boost with job creation is something to be happy about. We just hope that this continues in the same way and that everything is successful. We are also very thankful for business who have been in our area for a long time that has kept our town running and that they will always have our support as well.”
Dolly Munien said she is proud to be the councillor for her ward as the ward has accomplished many things. “The opening of the oThangathi Mall has been long overdue and it is of great assistance to the residents of Tongaat, as it will provide ease to their lives in terms of shopping for groceries as well as for residents who need to purchase bus tickets for ease of traveling,” said the ward 61 councillor.
