About 200 residents of Kutama voiced their frustration over the stalled Kutama Mall development, demanding that the lease contract between Thovhele Vele Kutama and the Nkuna Consortium Group be terminated.
Several community meetings were held at Muduluni over the past month. During a meeting on 9 November, residents complained about having waited more than a decade for the promised state-of-the-art mall, which was expected to boost economic growth and improve local infrastructure. They cited issues such as inaction, a lack of progress updates, and insufficient transparency. Many felt left with unanswered questions about the project's status, creating uncertainty about its future. They criticised the lack of meaningful engagement between them, Thovhele Kutama, and the developers.
Ms Tshinakaho Tshihatu, an elderly resident, said that they had been promised jobs, economic growth, and better living standards, but all they had seen were empty promises. "Our youth are forced to leave the area in search of work, and local businesses are struggling. It's heartbreaking to see our community's potential wasted," she said.
The Kutama Mall project has faced delays since its approval in September 2021. While the Makhado Municipality approved the land subdivision and rezoning, additional setbacks arose while awaiting approval from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.
In November 2023, the Nkuna Consortium finally secured approval for a long-term lease. However, tensions persist because the mall is to be built on communal land, which requires involvement from local representatives. The frustrations over the delays led to the formation of the Kutama Concern Group.
Mr Fhumulani Simali, spokesperson for the Kutama Concern Group, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in future developments. "We need developers who will engage with the community and create job opportunities. We want developers who are committed to our community's growth," he said.
The group also raised concerns about other delayed projects in the area, such as the Mbulaheni Mulaudzi Stadium and the D3765 road. Simali explained how these stalled projects have hindered development. "These projects were meant to provide much-needed amenities and services, but their stagnation has left our community with inadequate facilities and infrastructure," he said.
During the 9 November meeting, the residents present decided to terminate the lease contract with immediate effect. "A formal letter will be sent to the chief and his representatives, marking the end of this unfruitful partnership," the minutes of the meeting read.
It may, however, not be that simple for a group of residents to override the senior traditional leader.
In response, Thovhele Vele Kutama said residents or concerned groups lacked the authority to terminate such a lease contract, which falls under the Kutama Traditional Council's jurisdiction. "The mall's owner assured us the development process is ongoing," he said.
He added that the mall required key approvals, such as agreements for water supply and sewage services, before construction could proceed.
Regarding the lack of progress at the Mbulaheni Mulaudzi Stadium and the cultural village, he said that these projects were currently under investigation by the Hawks. Both projects were funded by the National Lotteries Commission. "We need to propose alternative funding to complete these projects," he said.
The Kutama Concern Group has scheduled a follow-up meeting for 30 November at Tshikwarani tribal offices (Matomboni) and has invited developers and stakeholders to collaborate on the mall's development.