Family gravesite claims threaten R3 billion Dan City Mall construction

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25-11-2025
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Tzaneen Voice
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NKOWANKOWA – Construction of the R3 billion Dan City Mall in Dan Village faces a potential setback as two families from Mokgoloboto and Dan Village claim that the development is being built on their family gravesite.

The families visited the construction site on Monday morning, November 24, demanding access to the alleged gravesite. They were not granted access and instead performed their rituals at the site.

Construction of the long-awaited mall officially resumed last week, bringing renewed hope for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development in the Greater Tzaneen area. Ground clearing and site preparation are ongoing, with visible progress noted on-site.

This week, it was confirmed that 15 local people have already been employed, with more recruitment expected as the project advances. Community members were selected through a fair and transparent YES/NO evaluation process, according to project leaders.

The mall, located along the R36 in Dan Village, is projected to open in March 2027. McCormick Property Development (MPD), led by founder John McCormick, initially planned construction to begin in early 2024. Delays have pushed the completion date to 2027, but stakeholders remain optimistic about meeting the new timeline.

Dan City Mall is part of a larger mixed-use development that includes a motor city, school, hospital, and residential developments.

The mall will feature 36,000m² of retail space within a total development footprint of 146,000m², housing three major grocery anchors, a variety of fashion and lifestyle stores, food and entertainment offerings, banks, and essential services.

The design incorporates local cultural elements alongside environmentally friendly features, including natural lighting, solar power, waste management systems, and rainwater harvesting.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost local businesses, with early recruits expressing enthusiasm for the opportunities provided. A representative from the community liaison committee said they were pleased with the progress and grateful that local involvement was being prioritised.

However, controversy continues over the gravesite. Residents from Nkowankowa, Dan Village, and surrounding areas remain hopeful that Dan City Mall will usher in a new era of development, but the family vowed to fight on until the end.

No statement has been issued by the developer or the local traditional council regarding the dispute.