CAPE TOWN - Community activists in Khayelitsha have demanded answers over what may be causing delays in the construction of a shopping centre proposed by local developers.
Ziba Property Development had in 2012 expressed an interest to acquire vacant land situated at Spine Road and Makabeni Street, next to the Lingelethu Police Station, for a mixed-use mall.
They said following engagements and presentations to the City and sub-council, they were instructed to follow due processes.
The developers submitted a letter of support from SAPS for the project, community participation proof as well as viability and economic studies, to the City of Cape Town.
Developer for the company, Zandisile Balasana, said they followed all the right processes and did all that was instructed, but yet almost a decade later there was still no update.
“I’ve tried my best to sit down and have a meeting with them and they have refused several times,” said Balasane.
“There was a resolution taken by council that I should get the land but because there are certain individuals who are racist within the City of Cape Town who don’t want black people to get bigger developments within the City.
“There is an anchor tenant waiting for the project to start and we have a letter of intent from them. We do have potential funders in place as well.
“I followed all the due processes that they asked me to do and it is shocking how they have handled this matter,” he said.
Community activists who have shown support for the shopping centre said they tried to engage with the City but their pleas were not answered.
The Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) sent a letter to the City inquiring about the project in December last year.
“It is our knowledge that they (Ziba Development Property) are supposed to build a mall next to Lingelethu Police Station. The problem now is that we don’t know why the process is delayed.
“The community members are still waiting for the project to start the process. We will really appreciate it if you can make time with us,” read the letter.
However they said the letter was never responded to.
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Regional Secretary, Mzonyana Mnconywa said the mall which was set to create jobs for the community, was supposed to be built a long time ago.
“We had engagements with the developers while I was still involved as a branch secretary of Sanco.
“This mall was supposed to be built a long time ago but up until now we’ve heard nothing.
“We were very hopeful, it promised to employ over 60% employment for people from Ilitha Park, especially the youth. But the project is quiet now and we don’t know what is the way forward.”
City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the City has had numerous engagements with the community, representative forums and the aspirant development community.
“The property is currently undergoing a rezoning process in terms of the Municipal Planning By-law of 2015 to give potential developers of Erf 564 an adequately zoned property to expedite development.
“We envisage that the land use process will be completed by end June 2022, after which the property will be placed on public auction to the highest compliant bidder.
“The City has had numerous engagements with the community, representative forums and the aspirant development community.
“We encourage the interested parties to contact the City directly,” he said.
Cape Times