GATVOL: The One Love Alliance staged a peaceful protest and human chain in Mitchells Plain on Monday, 31 August calling for jobs, local opportunities and skills development.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ ANA Studios
A consumer boycott of Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre on Saturday has turned up the heat in a growing battle over economic opportunities for Mitchells Plain residents.
The One Nation Alliance called on shoppers to stay away from the mall as protesters staged another demonstration, following a protest at the centre on Monday, 31 August.
Heavy police presence was visible at the shopping centre on Saturday as the group continued its campaign, accusing the mall of failing to adequately include the surrounding community in the economic opportunities generated by the massive retail centre.
Alliance leader Dwayne Jacobs said residents were being left out despite the mall serving the very community whose spending keeps its businesses going.
“Our people are excluded from economic opportunities. This mall was built for our people. I was here when it was built,” Jacobs said.
“In the immediate areas around the mall, people face several social problems. Yet, they are not included in economic opportunities at this mall.”
The alliance has now formally put its demands to mall management in a proposed economic inclusion memorandum.
The document calls for greater opportunities for small, emerging and established businesses, local suppliers, contractors and community based service providers.
It also proposes pop-up trading, exhibitions, market days and promotional activations, together with enterprise development and mentorship programmes to help local businesses establish themselves.
Jobs and skills development are also central to the demands, with proposals for local recruitment drives, internships, learnerships and entry-level opportunities for young people across areas including retail, administration, cleaning, security, hospitality, maintenance, logistics and events.
The memorandum further proposes a forum where the alliance, mall owners and other stakeholders could meet quarterly to discuss employment, procurement, enterprise development, skills and community safety.
The group’s campaign centres on the argument that Mitchells Plain residents should not only participate in the mall’s economy as shoppers, but should also have lawful access to opportunities created by the centre.
Liberty spokesperson Chezelle Kroon confirmed that management had received the memorandum from the alliance.
“Management will review the contents of the memorandum,” she said.
She said the mall’s primary focus was ensuring the safety and security of its tenants, staff and customers.
