SIYABONGA SITHOLE
Businessman and founder of Thami Ndlala Holdings, Thami Ndlala, says there is a witch-hunt against him and his business endeavours following accusations that his development of a Northcliff property into a hotel was operating without a permit from the City of Johannesburg.
This comes as concerned residents and neighbours of his boutique hotel in Northcliff, Randburg, have accused Ndlala of building a hotel in the middle of a residential area, with no permit. Some of the neighbours claim that this development will devalue the suburb and the value of their homes.
The flamboyant businessman recently bought a bed and breakfast which he has upgraded to a luxury boutique hotel called 12 on Hill El Villa and Spa in Northcliff.
This hotel which is yet to be opened to the public has in the past six months caused an uproar among concerned property owners who accused Ndlala of using his power and influence to build his empire against the wishes of the community.
A community member, who spoke to The Star on condition of anonymity, said that he and more than 45 other residents signed a petition and a refusal order which they submitted to the City of Joburg disapproving of the development which they say will devalue their properties.
“If I wanted to stay in a business area with high noise levels, I would have bought property in Randburg. I stay here because it is a quiet suburb and that is what I want for my family.
“This development which we have objected to is going to devalue our properties and make it difficult for us to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that come with this neighbourhood.
“More than 45 residents complied with the deadline to halt this development by approaching the City of Johannesburg Development Planning to object to this rezoning of the property from a bed and breakfast to a hotel," he said.
A fellow resident said Ndlala had in his development of the hotel destroyed indigenous trees belonging to the city, adding that the businessman does not care about following the rules as he has friends in high places.
“His reputation precedes him. We all know that he is well-connected. He even dared me and told me even with our objection, he will get the permission.
“He even came to my home and asked me to let him in which I objected to. Luckily he could not get in because of the security system. However, I still do not feel safe, especially because I have a wife and children who stay behind when I am at work,“ the neighbour said.
Ndlala is also accused of bribing a Joburg metro officer and ignoring the by-laws.
He was fined R120 000 by the city after removing more than six indigenous trees during his development of the property.
However, speaking to this newspaper, Ndlala, who is married to media personality Lerato Kganyago, says this is all a witch-hunt and a concerted effort to push a negative narrative of his business. No one is talking about the number of jobs this development stands to create, he said.
“What is your story? If you want a story I can give you a story. The application for zoning for this property is ongoing and there is yet a process that must unfold for the permit to be approved.
“Are you trying to now jump the gun and play God with people’s lives. Who said this will be a shebeen that will cause noise pollution and other things those objecting to this development are saying,” Ndlala said.
He said his hotel is not the first hotel developed within a residential area, adding that Saxon, Sandton and other suburbs have similar developments.
“This is not the first hotel being built in a residential area. Why are they objecting to this one as if it is the first development of this kind?
“I would be happy to give you a story but here you are just pushing an agenda and a narrative. Do you know how many jobs this development stands to create?
“The hospitality industry is one of the worst affected sectors reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. I have invested my money with the hope to help create jobs, but this is what you want to do as the media,“ he said.
Loyiso Tunce of the City of Joburg development and planning department confirmed that more than 30 residents of the suburb had objected to the development of the property which is currently being considered for a rezoning permit so that it complies with the by-laws of the city.
“A rezoning application for Erf 188 in Northcliff has been received by the city to allow the building of a hotel on the site. Such an application needs to be advertised and circulated for comments in terms of of the municipal by-laws and thereafter evaluated.
“As things stand, the site permits a guest house as per zoning rights obtained in terms of the amendment schemes. The rights restrict the number of guests to 20 people or 25 suites with no bar or public facilities allowed on the site and it cannot be used for functions either,” Tunce said.