BREAKING GROUND: Ward 113 councillor Abraham Mabuke, Diepsloot resident Molly Kubayu, Herbert Theledi, managing director and deputy chairperson of Nthwese Properties and councillor Chris Vondo MMC for Community Development at the sod-turning ceremony.
Nthwese Developments hosted a sod-turning ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction of Bambanani Shopping Centre which will be located in Diepsloot township, on the corner of the R114 and Apple Street.
The shopping centre will be opening on 23 November 2017.
Monique Pieterse, the company’s development manager said the centre would house Shoprite as the main anchor tenant and comprise a variety of national companies and small businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ward 113 councillor Abraham Mabuke said the development would be beneficial to Diepsloot and a number of surrounding areas such as wards 95, 96 and 113.
Managing director of the Nthwese Developments, Herbert Theledi said the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter and new possibilities. “We believe that this development will go a long way in changing the lives of many households,” he said referring to the creation of permanent jobs through the project.
Councillor Chris Vondo, MMC for Community Development, who also attended the ceremony expressed his excitement at the project. “Bambanani Shopping Centre will contribute towards improving the quality of life for this community,” he said.
According to Pieterse, the Bambanani Shopping Centre will provide:
Due to the exponential growth of the Diepsloot community the current infrastructure provided is not sufficient for the depressed area. The shopping centre will embark on bulk infrastructure upgrades external to the site to improve the service delivery of the area, which is critical to the longevity of the community.
Candidates for long-term jobs will be sourced from the local community. There are an estimated 1 200 jobs that will be created, of which 70 percent will be for the initial construction period.
The company support sustainable economic development and job creation throughout their projects with methods that are in line with the Department of Public Works’ strategy on BEE, job creation and poverty alleviation.
