A cheerful day it was for Shoprite staff and the community around Jabulani mall after the civil unrest that caused anarchy took place two weeks ago. The community of Soweto were left devastated as most of their malls and shopping centres were left vandalized and burned to ashes.

Jabulani mall was one of the stores that were harshly affected by the riots, causing a huge delay and the closure of some businesses renting within the mall. According to some residents of Soweto, they had to rely on Maponya mall as it was not affected. “We are glad that Shoprite is open and I can now buy milk for my children.” Said a community member who was within the crowd.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures to help businesses hit by the looting, The government plan to help the businesses recover and rebuild as soon as possible. South African Special Risks Insurance Association (SASRIA) has vowed to work with private insurance companies to pay off all the claim in time to provide for all businesses that are victims to the violence that transpired.

The UIF will provide funds for employees that will not afford to receive their income, Ramahosa has also mentioned the expanding of the employment tax incentive, payments of PAYE taxes will take a break for a period of three months.

The opening of Shoprite in this mall will mean a lot for other businesses in the mall or other companies in Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng affected by the violence.

Entrepreneurs are happy with the funding and the decisions of the president, in Gauteng business owners see hope after the reopening of this Shoprite store. The community is intrigued by this event and urge others not to loot any more as looting resulted in them not having access to basic needs.