SS
Sifiso S

1 reviews | Active since Nov 2021

26 Jun 2023, 14:20

Prejudice Leasing Agents at Liberty Midlands Mall

I am a black business man making a living from selling wigs and hair extensions. Currently I was looking to expand my business by opening a hair boutique at my local mall which is LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL. I emailed their leasing agent Sophia Naidoo and explained the nature of the business i was looking to open at their establishment and whether they had space for a tenant. The lady emailed me back saying the mall already has a tenant which already sells wigs (which i have never seen) and they do not want to take tenants in direct competition. The last time i checked Business IS competition and Liberty midlands mall has many businesses what are in direct competition, there is only so much you can sell at the end of the day. For example there are over 6 shops that repair phones that are consecutively allocated. There are also countless clothing shops and restaurants not to mention jewelery shops in the same Mall. The only unique shop they have is the Cinema and the Gambling establishment. From my perspective it is either the leasing agent has shares on the hair shop or is being prejudice against a young black man looking to expand his business. I further requested a documents which stipulates the leasing conditions of the mall and she claimed she was the only authority and that she has alerted other agents to not consider my proposal. That statement sounded personal and unprofessional coming from Ms Naidoo. If she has the sole authority to decide who can and cannot rent without any written mandate from management then it is very irresponsible of the Mall. This reminded me of the saying about our so called FREE and rainbow nation which is THERE IS NO BLACK IN RAINBOW.

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