VRYHEID KZN: The ‘big golden arches’ are finally open for business

The wait is over for residents of Vryheid… No more driving to Newcastle to enjoy those burgers that are made under the banner of the famous golden arches. Yes, McDonalds opened its doors on Monday afternoon and invited the media, municipal manager, acting mayor and councillors from the municipality for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Sulaiman Kasoo is no ‘newbie’ when it comes to the McDonalds franchise, since he has been in the business for 15 years, during which time he had to work on ‘ground level’ for a year to obtain all the necessary skills (without remuneration). He has more than enough experience, since he owns more than one franchise in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. Even though it was only a ‘soft’ opening, which allows staff and residents to ease into the operations of the franchise, Kasoo plans a grand opening on Friday (February 26), when the public will be involved in specials and giveaways. Even though the perception in some quarters is that McDonalds only offers ‘unhealthy’ food, Kasoo confirmed that they have a variety of healthy food options for health-conscious patrons. Not only do they offer hamburgers and French fries, but the McCafe allows anyone’s sweet tooth to be satisfied with a variety of freshly-baked treats which, in turn, compares to the franchise in Newcastle. The 30 staff members were employed locally from within Vryheid and the surrounding areas. Kasoo believes he should plough back into the community regarding employment and resources, as well as boost the economy of the town. He explains that they also develop people, since a job at McDonalds has career opportunities for employees who are willing to work hard, which may result in managerial positions.

Municipal Manager Bonga Ntanzi is excited about this new opportunity the world-renowned franchise brings to Vryheid. He said: “It’s a well-known brand with lots of publicity; it doesn’t need to be introduced. My children demand some weekends to go to Newcastle to buy McDonalds.” He compared Vryheid to Newcastle and said that Vryheid money was left in Newcastle, but now Vryheid money is going to stay in Vryheid. “It’s going to be a huge boost to the economy of Vryheid, since people will come from neighbouring towns and spend their money in Vryheid. It will attract people to Vryheid, which is in line with our vision of making Vryheid an economic hub of the Zululand region, as it has always historically and traditionally been in the past. We want to regain that status to protect our turf as the hub of the Zululand region.” He elaborated by saying that local jobs were created during the construction of the building, not forgetting the employees who are now working at the franchise. “If you look at the families who are going to benefit because of this opportunity here, lots of people are going to benefit,” he concluded.

Acting Mayor Mncedisi Maphisa proudly exclaimed that it is a ‘good development’ for AbaQulusi. He thanked the McDonalds group for investing their money in Vryheid. He is also impressed by the readiness of the franchise, while working in peace and harmony with the community. “The staff members who are employed are going to benefit financially and their lives are going to change.” He urges residents to support McDonalds and work with them. “I also love their food and used to drive to Newcastle for nuggets. I am grateful that I won’t need to drive there anymore,” he quipped. “It is our job, as the people of AbaQulusi, to lead by example and not vandalise property; we should keep our town clean.” He concluded by saying this is the first time the town has seen a business built from scratch. Currently, the franchise will operate from 7am until 10pm due to the lockdown curfew.

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