Just three weeks after South Africa experienced extensive looting and vandalism, Chris Hani Crossing has reopened, ready to serve its community again.
Opening in 2010, the centre offers over 40 000m2 of retail to the Vosloorus community and surrounds. While the centre faced threats of looting from a large gathering of people during the evening of Sunday, the 11th of July, they were held off throughout the night.
Monday, the 12th of July, saw over forty community volunteers assisting in protecting the mall throughout the day but unfortunately, by the early evening, the boundary fencing had been breached with 107 of Chris Hani Crossing’s 111 stores, including four ATMs, were damaged over the course of the 13th and 14th of July.
“The team has been working around the clock to get back up and running,” says Marketing Manager of the mall, Lebohang Matlala. “Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine facing this sort of damage, but it is in our nature to rise above and rebuild together, stronger than ever. We will not let the actions of some, destroy opportunity for all.”
The first phase of opening on Friday the 6th of August will enable three of the four food anchors (Shoprite, Boxer and Roots) to trade and will allow approximately 80% of all tenants’ access to refit and restock. The opening of the fourth anchor, Pick ‘n Pay, is planned for the 9th of August.
The arears of the mall that suffered fire damage will be demolished and rebuilt in time for the next phase of opening which is anticipated to be before the 2021 festive season kicks off.
