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News - Date: 07 June 2002
THOHOYANDOU – The alleged mysterious death of a young child during the official opening of the Venda Plaza last Friday, shocked the community, but by the time of going to press, this death could not yet be confirmed.
The opening of the R50-million complex will go down in the history of the area as the best-attended function ever. In fact, the new complex was so congested that one could hardly move. However, the function was spoilt by the alleged death of a small child. According to rumours, the baby fell from the back of her guardian, who was competing with other people to get a dozen cheap eggs in one of the shops in the complex. According to the rumour, the crowd stepped on the helpless baby, who was lying on the ground.
Complex manager, Merriam Musethso, said she is aware of the rumours, but she cannot confirm the incident. Police spokesperson, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said they also heard the rumour, but he did not receive any written report. According to the rumours, the woman who carried the baby was hired as a housekeeper.
A multitude of people came from all corners of the country to witness the official opening of the new shopping complex, Venda Plaza.
Burning Saul Nephawe, Lufuno Mathoma, Moso Moso (the magician) and Khakhathi and Friends entertained people. Small groups and traditional performers like Shigubu, Tshikona and others also participated.
Thulamela mayor, Chief Thivhulawi Makumabe and Vhembe District mayor, Sam Moeti, hailed the opening of Venda Plaza, worth more than R50-million, as a big success for the municipality. Makumbane said the new complex will boost the economy of the area and the province as it has attracted more business people and created more jobs for the unemployed.
Moeti urged the local business community to support the new complex by investing in the area so that there can be more business opportunities.
In his address, Mr Mashalane Kulube, General Manager of Economic Planning and Development in the Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Tourism, also hailed the opening of the complex as a big success for the municipality and for his department.
The complex manager, Mrs Meriam Musetsho, said she was happy about the huge turnout during the official opening. Musetsho thanked community members for supporting the complex, as shown by their huge turnout.
Musetsho said more than 100 jobs were created in the new complex. She said she was also happy that people were still flocking to the new complex in large numbers, for a buying spree.
A 24-hour security service is also available in- and outside the shops, including in the parking lots, said Musetsho.
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