The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) held a media briefing regarding he Rocklands Property, in Mitchell’s Plain. This property that houses Shoprite and several other businesses was completely gutted after it caught alight in December 2022.
Since the building was left in a derelict state, many stealing building equipment such as bricks. The briefing included plans forward, demolition, rebuilding and security plans moving forward.
PICTURE: Facebook - Desrye SteynSEFA’s
property portfolio manager, Matshidiso Pilane said back in February that vandalism and theft
had pre-empted plans to have the building demolished. He added that security
guards were also attacked.
‘’Our plan was very simple.
There was a portion of the building that was burnt down. We had an immediate
plan to secure the facility, demolish the parts burnt down, commence plans to fix
or rebuild the portion that was burnt. We have engaged with Shoprite around that
and we need to set out timelines regarding that.’’
‘’Unfortunately, it was not
to be, as we witnessed of vandalism and attacks, so we engaged with Shoprite
two weeks ago, but damage then spread to the roof of the building, security
guards were attacked. At the moment, plans put in place – the contractor we
appointed. It changes on a daily basis. Our plan has change, we have to sit and
change to demolish the remainder of the building and not a portion of a
Shoprite, pillars, etc.’’
SEFA head of department for
stakeholder marketing and communication, Nothemba Gqiba, said the last step in
its three-step process was to flatten the place to minimise the vandalism and
vagrancy.
‘’We are demolishing the
building, flattening the area to minimise the negative happenings such a vandalism
and looting of the building. We are concerned about the repeated theft in the
area.
Gqiba said they would like
to share the plan with the community and allay their fears.
‘’The timelines are sketchy
at the moment. We will possible meet up with possible stakeholders share the
plan with them and allay their fears.
Pilane echoed Gqiba’s sentiment
‘’When we start with the
new development, we must make sure the community is part of the solution to
help and start the process. We need the community of Rocklands to assist.’’
Many relied on retailer, Shoprite for their daily living, and the big question remains will the store return to its former glory? SEFA’s property portfolio manager, Matshidiso Pilane, elaborates
‘’We
have written to the retail group, and we can confirm that Shoprite said it is
coming back. They are seriously interested in remaining there, so the centre
qwill come back and Shoprite will be the main tenant. We have appointed an
architect for the redesign so a bigger and better Shoprite are on the cards
Many residents in Rocklands complained at the time of a stench. Metal from the ruined Shoprite shopping centre, and left over waste was giving off a stench.
‘’The
City of Cape Town has forwarded a complaint, We spoke to them. There is a
company we wanted to appoint, but we had to remove the structure at first, then
break the walls and collect the rotten food.’’
SEFA head of department for
stakeholder marketing and communication, Nothemba Gqiba, reassured residents
and various stakeholders that a plan to secure the property will be made
available soon
‘’There is a planned engagement
with various stakeholders to hear what they have in mind and come up with a
plan
Rocklands neighbourhood
watch members called for a stipend as they help protect infrastructure
‘’At the moment, we don’t have
a remuneration, but going forward we can make a plan. We are a government
agency so there is processes to follow, so we appreciate the NHW as they know the
area better than the security company.’’
Rocklands residents and businesses met with SEFA in February and at the time they were not convinced that that the local shopping centre will be rebuilt due to a lack of funds
A follow up meeting will be held at Rocklands civic centre
on the 18th of April
For Bush Radio news, I am Riyaaz Semaar
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