By: Staff Reporter
The construction of the long awaited Marite shopping centre which was halted almost 18 years ago due to family disputes is finally underway. The mall which was set to have been constructed in 2007 was brought to an abrupt standstill when a family that is located at the site that was earmarked for the construction of the mall refused to move to make way for the centre.
The Manzini Family in Marite cited that it would not move from its residence in order to preserve the graves that were buried in its yard. After years of negotiations and consultations, the family stood its ground until the community decided to torch the Manzini family home in a bid to have them relocate. Court proceedings followed shortly thereafter, however no one was arrested for the crime.
In 2024 a plan that would see the mall being constructed without touching the Manzini family home was then approved and a mass celebration to announce that the mall had been approved was held at Marite.
Residents expressed a lot of gratitude to business developer, Norah Fakude for not letting the idea of a mall in the village go after experiencing many hurdles. Residents further went on to say the mall will create many job opportunities for the locals and that entrepreneurship will also thrive in the village.
In a recent interview with the Chairperson of the house of Traditional Leaders in Mpumalanga, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena told The Youth Voice Newspaper that the first phase of the Marite Mall has been completed and that the 2nd phase is underway.
“As we speak, the construction of the filling station has been completed and excavators are at the site levelling the ground and removing what needs to be removed before the construction of the actual structure commences. I am truly happy that my people will finally shop with ease and get to enjoy the economic benefits that come with living near a shopping centre”. Said Mokoena.
Social media streets are also a buzz about the construction of the Mall at Marite, with many complaining that the crime levels in Marite are too high and that the centre will not survive and others defending the area, citing that everything in the village is under control and that residents will protect the infrastructure.