A shopping delight

LIMPOPO – It was with great fanfare and camaraderie when the eagerly anticipated shopping centre was eventually opened at Steilloop on 25 and 26 November.

People came from as far as Ga-Matlala, Mokopane and all surrounding villages to witness this momentous occasion on this sleepy township of Rebone/Steilloop. As one of the witnesses to this grand opening, Ezekiel Kukudi, sums it up: “I would like to mention that Steilloop will never be the same after the opening of this brand new shopping centre.

Previously as of 1978 when this township was established by the previous regime under the auspices of the then administration of the old NTVL Bantoesake Administration Board after residents of this township were forcefully relocated from Ellisras (now known as Lephalale) under the new dispensation, and resettling them at Steilloop people had to travel 100 km either to Mokopane, or 100 km to Lephalale, or 100 km to Polokwane to do their shopping as this township is centrally located between this three towns.”

Kukudi, a well-known community member, says not only has it alleviated the burden on people of Steilloop, but it also created much needed employment opportunities around Steilloop and the Mogalakwena Municipality in this dire economic climate that we find ourselves in. People don’t have to travel long distances anymore as most of the shops and banks are now at their doorstep.

According to the Station Commander of Gilead Police Station that serves Steilloop, this has been an incident free opening as no crime was reported. “We hope the momentum remains kept that way going forward and the community of Steilloop keep this centre as a model for others to emulate.”

Kukudi says the only setback was the absence of the Municipal Mayor of Mogalakwena whom could have cut the ribbon or send one of her councilors to represent her as this was taking place in Mogalakwena Municipality Ward 3.