Other dignitaries included Vhembe Executive Mayor Cllr Radzilani Florence, Thulamela Mayor Cllr Avhashoni Tshifhango, Khosi Ramovha of Thavhani Property Investments, Dr Sedise Moseneke of Vukile Property Fund and Paul Gerard and Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment.
Its opening realises the dream of local businessman Ramovha, who had the vision for a regional mall in Thohoyandou eight years ago. To achieve this vision, Thavhani Property Investments partnered with leading South African shopping centre developers and investors, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment, and co-owners JSE-listed retail REIT Vukile Property Fund.
Ramabulana said, “If we all choose to work together, a modern society that is characterised by human prosperity is within reach. This is more proof that backwardness and poverty can be defeated. They can always be solved if you prioritise what is important for people and defuse unnecessary tension among those who are privileged to lead.
"I must congratulate the pioneers of this massive development on a job well done. I would also like to specifically congratulate the owners of this huge development for having decided to invest in this part of our land. In the same breath, I must congratulate those who persuaded the investors to invest wisely by building a massive mall in this economically vibrant area of our province. We are also thankful to the leadership of the Thulamela Municipality, past and present, for creating a conducive atmosphere for this development to take place.”
He also praised Ramovha for his role in making the project a reality. “As part of the role I play in changing the situation of people for the better, political leaders, royal leaders, business people and structures of civil society must converge from time to time to discuss the issue of development. We will have to identify those areas of the economy that will help to change the face of our local economy to find a way in which we can make them prosper. It is through the creation of sustainable jobs that we can sustain initiatives like this, because we need people with buying power.”
Cllr Florence highlighted the powerful economic impacts that the mall represents for its community by reminding guests at the opening celebration of Thavhani Mall about the high levels of poverty in South Africa, and in Limpopo specifically.
“This mall is only surpassed by Mall of the North in the province and its second phase will see it become even bigger. We have no doubt that one woman employed here will save a family of eight and, through that, we will have dealt with poverty in our area. We wish to thank all involved in bringing a development like this to our part of the world. Those returning home here, after being away for a few years, will be surprised at the changes. I wish to thank the royalty and political leadership involved for continuing to be a beacon in the development of the town,” she said.
She concluded by promising that Thohoyandou, as the capital of Vhembe, will soon be designated as a city, with the massive new development of Thavhani Mall contributing to this. “We are also excited, as the district municipality, that soon our revenue collection is going to improve tremendously.”
Cllr Tshifhango added, “It is not every day that we get the opportunity to open malls such as this. This is not just a mall but also a 21st-century landmark development. Thavhani City is set to enhance the lifestyle and landscape of Thohoyandou. Thavhani Mall is the hero of the new precinct and it is the most exciting retail development in Limpopo since Mall of the North. Thavhani City includes the Thavhani Office Park, auto city, medical centre and value centre, which together will entrench the overall strength of the scheme.”
“In focusing our efforts on the economy, we have always especially emphasised the role of the private sector in rebuilding our culture. Thulamela Municipality is ready in every way to co-operate with and support Thavhani Mall in its activities. We will also do our best to promote and implement more investment in the municipality.”
Dr Moseneke concluded that the company’s investment in Thavhani Mall reflects the confidence it has in its partners, the region, its economy, its people and its future. “Vukile is deeply invested in Limpopo. Besides Thavhani Mall, we own another six shopping centres in the province with a market value of around R600 million. Three of these are co-owned with other parties. The centres are located at Elim, Ga-Kgapane, Giyani, Makhado, Monsterlus, and Tzaneen. Together, they make a meaningful impact on employment, retail services and the economy of Limpopo.”
