The MMC for Economic Development, Sharon Peetz, and the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, councillor Herman Mashaba, recently visited Sakhumzi Maqubela, the owner of Sakhumzi Restaurant on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, to pay their condolences on the death of their manager, Kwesi Hudson.
“This was an isolated act of violence that unfortunately could occur anywhere in the world,” said Peetz. “However, the fact that one of our neighbourhoods suffered at the hands of violent criminals needs to be taken extremely seriously, and acted upon with urgency. Tourism is one of our country’s most valuable and profitable industry sectors and we would like to reassure residents, locals and tourists that Vilakazi Street in Soweto remains a destination which is open and welcoming to visitors.”
“We immediately decided that the City will, as a matter of urgency, budget for and install CCTV cameras on Vilakazi Street, to prevent any future opportunistic crime,” she went on. “We will ensure that the street lighting is repaired for enhanced safety and security. We want residents of Joburg and the tourism community to know that this vibrant tourism node is both resilient and eager to continue with business, and ensure that all visitors experience the true warmth and hospitality of all businesses and restaurants on Vilakazi Street.”
The well-established and iconic Sakhumzi restaurant employs 110 people, and the businesses in the area employ close to 700 people. The act of a criminal will not impact on these lives.
“Soweto belongs to the City of Joburg and not to the criminal element,” said Mashaba. “We urge all tour operators, tourists and resident to continue to support Sakhumzi and Vilakazi Street restaurants and businesses. Under no circumstances will the City be held to ransom by criminals – they will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. By working together with local police, and the greater Soweto community, we can ensure that we create environments that allow for businesses to operate safely and freely.”
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