Hartleyvale is buzzing with new changes, like the Riverlands Mall and a Nando’s restaurant, aimed at bringing life back to the area while remembering the Khoi people’s history. These developments provide jobs and homes but also remind us of the painful past of the indigenous community. The artwork inside the Nando’s, created by Robyn Pretorius, celebrates Khoi culture and emphasizes the need to honor their legacy. As Hartleyvale evolves, it weaves together the stories of its past with the hopes of the future, showing how important it is to remember where we come from while moving forward.
The new developments in Hartleyvale, including the Riverlands Mall and a Nando’s outlet, aim to revitalize the area while honoring the Khoi people’s legacy. They provide jobs and housing, but also serve as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation.
Hartleyvale, a locale rich in historical significance, is experiencing a substantial transformation. This ambitious redevelopment encompasses the establishment of the Liesbeek base for Amazon, along with new housing and a retail complex. However, this modernization has ignited protests, revealing a grim historical episode—the genocide of the Khoi people by colonialists in the 17th century. My childhood memories of Hartleyvale are filled with the joy of football matches and the vibrant minstrel parades along the Liesbeek River. Learning about the bloodshed and land dispossession that happened here has cast a shadow over these recollections.
For decades, Hartleyvale remained a recreational space, home to a golf course and leisure area. The new development promises to bring employment and housing, seemingly positive changes. Yet, the descendants of the indigenous Khoi people voiced their legitimate concerns. Their protests serve as a poignant reminder that any advancement on this sacred land must honor the memory of their ancestors.
During a recent visit to the newly opened Riverlands Mall, which stands on this contested ground, I felt a mix of anticipation and unease. The occasion was the grand inauguration of a new Nando’s outlet, owned by my friend Reaaz Ahmed. Reaaz, who already co-owns two successful Nando’s locations in Athlone and the V&A Waterfront, had extended an invitation to this significant event. As I drove into the complex, I noticed the deliberate efforts to pay tribute to the Khoi people.
One of the evening’s highlights was a massive painting by Robyn Pretorius, a gifted artist commissioned by Reaaz. This artwork, prominently displayed in the new Nando’s store, celebrates the Khoi people. Robyn’s passion for multiculturalism is evident in her work, which seeks to solidify history and recognize the presence of indigenous people.
Robyn shared her insights on the project, explaining, “My studio focuses on multiculturalism and what that looks like. This experimentation arises from my experiences as a so-called Cape Coloured. It transcends our classifications and self-identifications, emphasizing the importance of solidifying history and acknowledgment.” She stressed the necessity of educating the public about Khoi culture and traditions, which were lost due to historical trauma.
The collaboration between Robyn and Nando’s was made possible by the Spier Arts Trust, an organization that has commissioned artists to adorn Nando’s stores globally for over twenty years. Ironically, although Nando’s is a South African brand, very few of its outlets in its home country feature such artwork. This fact underscores the importance of Reaaz’s decision to include Robyn’s painting in his new store.
Reaaz’s family has long-standing roots in the community. They own Good Hope Meat Hyper, a butcher shop near the gentrified Biscuit Mill. Known as “the butcher who cares,” his parents worked tirelessly to provide quality halaal meat to Salt River residents. This legacy of hard work and community service continues through Reaaz.
As children, Reaaz and I spent time in his family’s butchery. Despite our football rivalry—he a staunch Liverpool supporter and I a Manchester United fan—we forged a lifelong friendship. When the opportunity arose to invest in Riverlands as a son of Salt River, Reaaz seized it with both hands. He understood the importance of involving the community in this new development.
Reaaz shared his thoughts on the project: “When I saw this development taking place, the one thing that troubled me was seeing who was involved and what opportunities existed. I thought, ‘Why can’t someone from the community also participate in this establishment? Why can’t we also share in this?’” His sentiments reflect a genuine desire for inclusivity and a commitment to honoring the legacy of the land’s original inhabitants.
The new Nando’s store goes beyond being just a restaurant. It stands as a conversation piece, bridging connections to the Khoi people who once inhabited this land. It demonstrates how individuals like Reaaz, with diverse heritage, can help preserve and celebrate the history of marginalized communities. Robyn Pretorius’s artwork adds a vital layer of education and appreciation for Khoi culture.
In a fascinating twist, Reaaz’s background as a qualified pharmacist and his voluntary work at Red Cross Children’s Memorial Hospital align with the historical significance of the area. The Khoi people discovered the platanna, an amphibian with medicinal properties, which later made a colonialist wealthy. This parallel underscores the enduring relevance of indigenous knowledge and contributions.
The opening night also featured a surprising element of star power with the presence of popular TikTok content creators. As the most senior content creator in the room, I felt a connection to the younger generation and their role in preserving and sharing cultural narratives.
The development of Riverlands Mall and the new Nando’s store in Hartleyvale represents a complex interplay of history, community, and progress. While the area now offers homes and job opportunities, it also serves as a reminder of the Khoi people’s legacy. The efforts to commemorate and honor the indigenous culture, exemplified by Robyn Pretorius’s artwork, ensure that this history remains visible and respected.
In this evolving landscape, Hartleyvale’s story continues to unfold, intertwining the past with the present. It stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Khoi people, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and preserving their heritage. The new Nando’s store at Riverlands Mall, with its vibrant mural and community-focused ethos, embodies this spirit of remembrance and celebration.
The area is witnessing significant changes, including the establishment of the Riverlands Mall and a new Nando’s restaurant. These developments aim to revitalize Hartleyvale by providing jobs and housing, while also honoring the history of the Khoi people.
The artwork within the new Nando’s, created by artist Robyn Pretorius, celebrates Khoi culture and serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by the indigenous community. This effort emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation as Hartleyvale evolves.
Hartleyvale is not only a recreational space but also a site that has experienced significant historical events, including the genocide of the Khoi people by colonialists in the 17th century. The area’s redevelopment is a reminder of this painful past while also aiming to create a better future.
Art, particularly through Robyn Pretorius’s mural in the new Nando’s, plays a crucial role in cultural preservation. It seeks to educate the public about Khoi culture and acknowledges the contributions of indigenous people, making the artwork a vital part of the community’s collective memory.
The project involves local figures like Reaaz Ahmed, who is committed to involving the community in the redevelopment. His long-standing roots in the area motivate his efforts to ensure that the new developments honor the legacy of the land’s original inhabitants.
Community responses are mixed; while there is excitement about job creation and new amenities, there are also concerns from the descendants of the Khoi people about the need to honor their ancestors’ memory. Protests have occurred to advocate for the recognition of the historical significance of the land amid modernization efforts.
The entry of Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, into South Africa is facing tough…
The Trump administration's costcutting efforts, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are shrouded…
Major supermarket chains like Shoprite and Checkers are recalling Heartland Foods cereals because some labels…
The South African housing market is a tale of two cities. Cape Town's home prices…
Cape Town's ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget for 2025/26 is a big plan to help the…
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a vital lifeline for many families, offering…
