South Africa: Checkers re-launched their business, and people are back at work. The District Mayor Councillor Mzi Zuma, Msunduzi Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker, Chief Whip, Melanie Veness( CEO of PMB business Chamber)and relevant business stakeholders all gathered to witness the rise from the ashes of Checkers in Brookside Mall after the unfortunate circumstances of July 2021 unrest and Covid-19 pandemic.
“People burnt and looted shopping centres, malls and shops and the economy of the District and the KwaZulu Natal Province at large was affected badly, and people lost their jobs. We are glad about the developments that have taken place at Checkers today, which have brought back some light in terms of economic recovery and employment opportunities,” said Nxamalala.
“We applaud the Checkers Group for job creation with 700 beneficiaries during the rebuilding of the mall and 300 staff members that are going to be employed in the centre to benefit the community of Msunduzi.
The centre is strategically placed right next to the N3 corridor, which is our economic development corridor linking at least four economic nodes that is Mooi River, Howick, Pietermaritzburg and Camperdown.
This economic corridor is also important for tourism promotion and development. This supermarket which is the first of its kind In KwaZulu Natal, will see all customers walking in, including customers from neighbouring Districts such as Umzinyathi and Harry Gwala,” continued the District Mayor.
Our district is contributing 11% to the GDP in our province, so it is vital to urge people and plead with them not to engage in any destructive acts that will negatively affect businesses and employees, as this centre contribute its share to the GDP of this district.
The District Mayor assured people that if they united and fought against mischievous acts, that would create a solid bond with the private sector, and more job opportunities would be secured.
Nxamalala further explained that lots of people are benefiting from this mall, even those who are not residing in Msunduzi and uMgungundlovu, which makes a positive impact on our economy.
He further noted that in the near future, a Social Compact will be launched, where government, business, labour and civil society organisations will participate in discussing Economic Recovery Programme and other economic development initiatives. We also commit to work closely moving forward with law enforcement agencies to prevent thuggery, which was associated with the July 2021 unrests, said Mayor Zuma.
