The Ithala Development Finance Corporation has set aside funds to renovate the historic Ithala centre in KwaMashu in the north of Durban, which was looted and burnt down during the July 2021 unrest, which was sparked by the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma.

The move comes five years after the centre, which used to house Shoprite, an ANC constituency office and other shops, was looted and abandoned.

Previously, Ithala said it did not have the money to revive the centre as it was still waiting for Sasria (South African Special Risk Insurance Association) to compensate it.

Sitandiwe Dimba, Communications Manager, confirmed the latest developments expected to boost economic activities in the township in the north of Durban.

“The Ithala KwaMashu Shopping Centre is currently undergoing redevelopment. Following an open-market request for proposals from interested investors, IDFC awarded the redevelopment project to a private property development company. IDFC has concluded a tripartite long-term lease agreement with the developer and the City. Phase 1 of the redevelopment is estimated at R158 million, with completion anticipated by early 2027.

“IDFC’s leasehold development model is designed to retain long-term ownership of strategic public assets while enabling private sector participation through structured, long-term lease arrangements that support investment and redevelopment,” she said.

Dimba also assured the previous tenants that they would be prioritised when the mall re-opens next year.

“For safety and operational reasons, current tenants will be required to cease trading during the construction period. IDFC will engage affected tenants and will make every reasonable effort, where feasible, to accommodate them within the redeveloped centre once the project has been completed,” she added.