By Staff Reporter
NKOWANKOWA – Construction of the R3 billion Dan City Mall in Dan Village has been overshadowed by a dispute after two families from Mokgoloboto and Dan Village claimed that the development is being built on their family gravesite.
On Monday morning, November 24, the families visited the construction site demanding access to the alleged gravesite. When permission was denied, they performed rituals at the entrance of the site to honor their ancestors. The identities of the families involved have not been publicly revealed.
The dispute raises questions about possible delays to the long-awaited mall, which had recently resumed construction after previous setbacks. The project, spearheaded by McCormick Property Development (MPD), is part of a larger mixed-use development that includes residential areas, schools, a hospital, and commercial facilities.
The mall is expected to boost economic growth in Greater Tzaneen, create thousands of jobs, and provide much-needed retail and commercial infrastructure. Despite these benefits, community and project leaders must now navigate the sensitive cultural claims, balancing development objectives with respect for local customs and traditions.
A local traditional leader emphasized the importance of honoring cultural practices: “While the mall will bring development and opportunities, we cannot ignore the claims of the families and must ensure the graves are respected.”
Construction progress has been visible on-site, and several local workers have already been hired. However, the ongoing dispute could affect the project timeline, which is currently projected to see the mall open in 2027.
