Makhado Mayor Dorcus Mboyi and Vhamusanda Ntsundeni Sinthumule jointly opened the multi-million-rand, state-of-the-art Madombidzha Mall on Thursday, 26 September.

The mall, which is the first of its kind in the western part of Vhembe, was built by the McCormick Group.

During the opening ceremony, Cllr Mboyi expressed her happiness at seeing such development in rural communities. She stated that the Madombidzha Mall would play an important role in creating jobs for many unemployed community members.

“Gone are the days when communities around Sinthumule and the Kutama area had to travel long distances to access banks and do their shopping as the Madombidzha Mall will have what they need,” said Mboyi.

Mr. Takalani Nemaungani, representing the McCormick Group, stated that his company was ready to continue developments as long as traditional leaders were willing to provide available land. He thanked many stakeholders who shared his vision before the mall was constructed.

Vhamusanda Sinthumule, in turn, expressed his excitement about the development, which offers a better life for local people. “The mall will be a great relief for those who used to travel long distances to Louis Trichardt and Elim to do their shopping. Now they have the Madombidzha Mall close by,” he said.

He appealed to the communities to play an active role in taking care of the mall and to report vandals, so that the mall can be preserved for future generations.