Hawker City is expected to provide between 80 and 250 direct job opportunities as well as an additional 300 secondary employment opportunities for the surrounding community.The R10 million development will house between 50 and 200 stalls, depending on community demand, with each stall consisting of a roof, display table and one lock up cabinet.

A community trust, called the Amashangane Community Trust is being established to own the development, ensuring true BBBEE for the community, with the local community owning 100% of the shares.

The operators of the stalls will be selected by the Trust and a Hawkers Fund set up for rental deposits. This fund will cover the costs of repairs, maintenance and services on site the landlord will have no claim to any monies available in the fund.

Managing Director of McCormick Property Development, Jason McCormick, believes Hawker City is the start of an entrepreneurial revolution throughout the area. "We believe that providing the community with an opportunity to trade will be the pre-cursor for extensive economic development in the area and it is part of our vision to bring further economic development to the grass roots level in areas which we are developing Malls and Shopping Centres."

"The Dwarsloop Hawker City will augment trade within the area where we are currently developing Ascension Mall, a 30 000m2 fully enclosed Mall that can ultimately grow to over 50 000m2 should Tenant demand allow."

McCormick Property Development was established over 30 years ago and is the leader in rural retail development, with over 55 developments throughout South Africa under its belt