President Jacob Zuma has officiated the opening of the new Pan Africa shopping centre in Alexandra yesterday, 24 May 2009. The mall is the first fully integrated shopping mall and taxi facility to be developed by the Pan Africa Development Company (a company established in partnership with local entrepreneurs and the two main taxi associations in Alexandra). The mall is under the umbrella of Alexandra Renewal Project, a massive initiative aimed at improving living conditions and upgrading human capacity. This project includes programmes related to environmental, skills, housing and infrastructure development.
The opening was graced with the presence of the company's head, Tebogo Mogashoa, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, African National Congress (ANC) provincial chairperson Paul Mashatile, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo, Housing HoD Benedicta Monaman and Housing MEC Kgaogelo Lekgoro who was the programme director. Resident’s flocked to Pan to witness the opening of the Pan Africa mall.
Addressing hundreds of people at the official opening of the Pan African shopping centre in Alexandra, President Zuma said the township needed to have all basic services that “are taken for granted in historically white areas.” He named amongst others shopping facilities, proper roads, electricity, water and sanitation, quality schools and clinics and affordable public transport.
He said the centre was a great opportunity to create employment in “ekasi” (slang for a township). He said the Alex Mall will serve as a catalyst for future growth and development, it will create employment opportunities and will assist in ensuring that consumer spends remain within the local economy. There were loud cheers and screams from the crowd as Zuma officially declared the mall open, calling this event “a beautiful thing.”
The president expressed his gratitude to investors who assisted in making the shopping centre a reality while assuring Alexandra residents that the township is important to the ANC as it was home to many of the party’s stalwarts. Amongst those that the President thanked were Richard Maponya and the Pan Africa Development for their contribution to townships.
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
25 May 2009
Source: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.housing.gpg.gov.za)
