The first double-storey building built in this town was officially reopened on September 13 and will now be used as an enterprise and supplier development hub and the Barberton Mines Transformation Trust community programme office.
The Lewis & Marks Building is known as one of Barberton’s heritage buildings, however, Barberton Mines has purchased the building so it can be utilised for the benefit of the community at large, especially the youth, to alleviate poverty and unemployment.
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According to Baberton Mines’ general manager, Mogotsi Mokgojwa, they bought the building and renovated it so that it could cater to the community’s needs. They want to use the building to create job opportunities and train small enterprises in the area.
“We have bigger plans for the building in future. We are calling on Barberton’s community members to safeguard the structure and make sure that is not vandalised, but rather use it to uplift their lives to fight poverty in their communities,” he said.
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Mokgojwa added that taking ownership of the building will not take away from its significance as one of the heritage sites in town. Since it was used as a commercial hub before, its legacy must continue as such for the next generation.
