MBABANE – The cancelling of Boxer Superstores grand opening resulted in a fiasco, which frustrated hundreds of shoppers, impacting local businesses.
The cancellation of the grand opening left hundreds of eager shoppers frustrated after the retailer failed to open due to an outstanding Occupation Certificate.
Crowds gathered as early as 6am at the New Mall in Mbabane, responding to widespread announcements that the store would officially open at 7am. However, after waiting for hours, shoppers were turned away at about 9:10am, when store management confirmed that the launch would not proceed.
A long queue stretched from the store entrance to the Woolworths delivery bay, while police officers monitored the situation to maintain order and safety.
The Municipal Council of Mbabane had not issued an Occupation Certificate, a legal requirement before operations can begin.
By late Wednesday, Municipal Council of Mbabane Information and Public Relations Officer Lucky Tsabedze confirmed that the certificate could not be released until the building developer met conditions outlined in its building approval. Without it, the council could not clear the store for opening.
Members of the public expressed anger and disappointment at what they called poor planning by the retailer.
One of the returned customers, Absalom Gina, who arrived early hoping to be among the first shoppers, expressed his dissatisfaction: “I am very disappointed… they should not have advertised without proper paperwork, as this has been aired on radio in the very same morning. This is very sad,” said Gina.
Gogo Maseko from Dlangeni was among those left disappointed. She said she could not believe that she had travelled such a long distance for nothing, adding that the unexpected return home meant wasted money and time. What troubled her even more, she said, was that no new formal date had been communicated for the store’s opening. She further shared that she often travels to Manzini, specifically to shop at Boxer, highlighting how much she had been looking forward to having the store closer to home.
Another lady from Sigangeni mentioned that she was happy for those who were employed by the store and hopes the issue will be sorted soon.
“You can imagine how it feels to be promised employment just before Christmas, only to be made to wait in the last minute, because unemployment remains a concern in the country. It appears certain people don’t consider helping the situation if it would take such a long time to grant a licence and also shun them at the last minute,” a concerned citizen lamented.
Transport operators were also hit hard. Musa Mbuli, a member of the Kombi Association, said the setback hurt their business.
“We were really happy when we saw the morning crowds, but when things didn’t go as planned, we were devastated. These people were going to use Kombis and taxis after shopping, even the Boxer staff, are expected to be our everyday customers,” he said. Boxer Superstores Regional Manager Jeremiah Mkhonta declined to comment and was seen leaving the premises with uniformed staff who had reported for duty, anticipating the store’s launch.
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