Durban — While construction companies are hard at work to complete the R1.3 billion Oceans Mall in uMhlanga, which is expected to open its doors to the public on November 15, the developers have denied reports on News24.com.
Vivian Reddy, the co-developer of Oceans Umhlanga, slammed as “fake” and defamatory an article in News24 which cast doubt on its opening date. Reddy was referring to the article headlined “Zuma pal Vivian Reddy's high-end R4bn Umhlanga project under threat with a new lawsuit”.
Reddy said the News24 report by journalist Tania Broughton was is nothing but a disinformation campaign against the development. Reddy said that central to the article was a false claim that the Oceans Umhlanga developers “reneged on the deal – in spite of being given a R128.5 million handout from the city”.
“This is fake news. Oceans Umhlanga has never been paid nor received any money from eThekwini Municipality to build the transport hub. The claim by Tania Broughton (News24) is mischievous and patently false,” Reddy said.
He added: “The falsehood, which the article is mainly about, seeks to give the impression that there was impropriety on the part of Oceans Umhlanga. Despite the report by Broughton being dependent on a one-sided ‘affidavit’ and papers filed by Rob Goulden, a known serial litigant and the Oceans competitor, there is nowhere in the document where confirmation of such ‘payment’ is done.”
Goulden has stated to the developers that he does not want to open his window and see taxis and their commuters, hence his objection to the on-ground taxi rank proposal.
Reddy, in turn, construed Goulden's comments as being racist. The further suggestion that the "project is at risk" was devoid of truth, he said, adding that hundreds of construction workers toiled day and night to complete the mall.
Reddy said the “frivolous and disingenuous” litigation was not going to derail the project.
“This serial litigant has been lodging multiple objections against the Oceans project, and many other projects in the eThekwini Municipality. The Oceans project contributes immensely to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal, creating much-needed jobs for many who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic economic downturn,” Reddy said.
He added: “We found it highly disappointing that a large publication such as News24 could not get verifiable facts correct. The harm that the falsehoods in the article caused is immense because it effectively tries to undermine the core and essence of the project.”
Reddy said that as a result of the “false, defamatory” article, Oceans Umhlanga had instructed its attorneys to sue News24 for defamation. He said that Oceans Umhlanga denied all the lies, disinformation campaign and fake news published against the project.
The project is part of the highly acclaimed award-winning R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga mixed-use development. The first phase of the Radisson Blu hotel opened its doors to the public in June.
The Oceans Mall will create 2 500 jobs, has 120 stores with Woolworths and Checkers as its anchor tenants and 14 exciting new restaurants. Reddy said with Oceans Umhlanga, tourists and locals could expect world-class offerings with numerous international and local fashion brands.
The second phase termed the “Platinum Walk” will open in March 2023. This high-end fashion section of the mall will have international fashion brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Versace and many others. This will be the first for KZN.
Daily News