BOSA GPL Member Ayanda Allie Exposes Thokoza Distribution Centre, SA Applauds Her
- Build One SA's Gauteng Provincial Legislature member Ayanda Allie blew the lid of alleged corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni
- She visited the Thokoza Distribution Centre, which reportedly cost R3 million to upgrade
- She slammed MEC of Economic Development and Finance Lebogang Maile for the condition of the distribution centre, which she called a glorified supermarket
- A local businessman who knows of the Distribution Centre spoke to Briefly News, and Allie also spoke to Briefly News
With over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, offered insights into South African politics, national, provincial and local governance, the Government of National Unity, political parties and Parliament.
Source: UGC
THOKOZA, EKURHULENI—Build One SA's Gauteng Provincial Legislature member Ayanda Allie slammed the MEC of Economic Development and Finance Lebogang Maile and accused him and the previous administration of spending millions on a distribution centre that was, in her words, a glorified supermarket.
BOSA member exposes distribution centre
@AyandaAllie posted a video on her X account where she stood beside the Thokoza Distribution Centre. In the video, she explained that the Distribution Centre was one of three that Maile reportedly built in the previous administration. Family Tree Holdings partnered with the Gauteng Provincial Government to set up the distribution centre. However, she remarked that the project was a waste of money.
Millions spent on a supermarket?
Allie added that the Economic Development Committee conducted a Focus Intervention Study (FIS) to investigate township economic development initiatives. The Committee reportedly found inconsistencies in the reports of the number of people employed, the money spent to refurbish the building and the shopfitting. She said millions were spent on the project, even though the centre was previously a Pick n Pay market and was already shopfitted.
She said the distribution centre does not stock locally produced items and offers bulk deals for spaza shops.
"Lies, lies, lies that continue to be peddled. As Build One SA, we will demand justice and accountability. Where was the money that was spent on this distribution centre? Lies were told, and we will uncover the truth."
View the clip here:
Local businessman speaks to Briefly News
A local businessman who did not want to be named told Briefly News that the Distribution Centre is not a DC but a fully-fledged supermarket. He added that it was supposed to employ locals but did not do so. He also slammed how they did not cater to local products and did not market them. He also said the prices are the same as any supermarket and is not delivering the services associated with a Distribution Centre.
"When they opened they bought around 5 to 10 local products, but the most important work is the activation and marketing," he told Briefly News.
Allie Speaks to Briefly News
Speaking to Briefly News, Allie said that the distribution centre's failure has had a devastating effect on the township economy. She said they were supposed to act as wholesalers to local spaza shop owners, purchasing their goods nearby. This was going to save time and money.
"Their biggest challenge is access to markets, how to penetrate the market and how to reach your customers. These distribution centres were supposed to provide shelf space for them so they could sell their products. In the absence of a distribution centre people are producing their items but have nowhere to sell," she said.
SA demands answers
Netizens also wanted to know where the money was. Some were impressed by her efforts.
KingTqweetinKamalan said:
"Leep going like this and you will have my vote in the next election."
Vusi said:
"That looks like a Pakistan spaza shop."
Mlu said:
"What's more troubling is the blatant looting of funds. This can't be called a distribution hub. It's literally a store."
Dilinja said:
"This is high-quality blend of political journalism and active citizenship."
Tsholofelo Mashapa said:
"R3 million is a lot of money. These guys are taking our people for a ride."
Lebogang Maile visits Soweto
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Maile visited Soweto following the widespread looting sparked by the Naledi deaths.
During his visit, he met with community members and discussed possible economic opportunities for small business owners.
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Source: Briefly News
