By Staff Reporter
NKOWANKOWA – The community of Dan Village united in prayer on Sunday, November 30, seeking peace and progress for the R3 billion Dan City Mall development currently underway.
The prayer session, led by local pastors and attended by villagers, comes after ongoing disputes that continue to threaten the mall’s progress. Recently, tensions escalated when two families from Mokgoloboto and Dan Village claimed that part of the development is being built on their ancestral gravesite.
On Monday, November 24, the families visited the construction area requesting access to the alleged burial site. When access was denied, they performed rituals at the site entrance to honor their ancestors. The identities of the families have not been disclosed.
The conflict has raised concerns about further delays to the long-awaited development, which had recently resumed after previous interruptions. The project — driven by McCormick Property Development (MPD) — forms part of a major mixed-use plan set to bring residential areas, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces to the region.
The Dan City Mall is projected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and provide essential retail and commercial services to Greater Tzaneen. However, cultural and traditional sensitivities remain at the center of the dispute.
A local traditional leader urged for balance:
“Development is important, but we must respect our culture. If there are graves, they must be acknowledged and handled properly.”
Construction activity remains underway, with visible progress at the site and local workers already employed. Nonetheless, the unresolved cultural claims could impact the current timeline, which aims to see the mall officially open in 2027.
Community members say the prayer gathering was meant to bring unity, calm tensions, and encourage a peaceful resolution that respects both heritage and development ambitions.
