Reddy to sue CCG after failed court bid

DURBAN businessman Vivian Reddy, who is suing the Concerned Citizens Group (CCG) after the Durban High Court dismissed its court bid to stop the construction of the Kwadukuza development, said the money he would receive in damages will go to charity.

Reddy was speaking on the sidelines of the sod-turning ceremony of his R1.5 billion regional shopping centre and mixed-use development in Kwadukuza, North Coast.

Initially, Reddy had said he was suing for R10 million but the amount has since increased.

“We have already served papers on these individuals and have pledged that any amount we receive, that the court grants us in damages, will be given to a charity in Kwadukuza area. We have sued for R28m. The matter is in court, and we are going ahead,” said Reddy.

CCG members challenged the Kwadukuza municipality decision to sell more than 20 hectares of land from a golf course to Reddy’s Double Ring Trading company.

They took the matter to court last year and their application was dismissed with costs last month.

The construction of the mall has since begun and phase one of the development is expected to be completed in September next year.

Reddy said he was confident that the community was supportive of the project, which he said would create an estimated 500 permanent jobs.

“Many of the objectors are now coming to us saying their names have been falsely used as objectors but we have asked them to write to us.

“At the end of the day, it’s very important that when people object, they object for sincere, genuine reasons. They must not be the proxy of other people,” said Reddy.

“I am not afraid of any protests because we interact with the community. The reality is, in this project we had 20 000 letters of support but there were only 12 objectors.

“We believe the community will come and support this mall because it would create jobs and we are very transparent in the allocation of jobs,” said Reddy.

CCG chairperson Haroon Mohamedy said they have not received court papers.

“Mr Reddy’s attorney advised our attorney of their intention to sue. They want R10m for defamation and R18m for delays.

“We have not received those papers.

“Whatever action he wants to take will be strictly defended. If he wants to sue, he must go ahead,” said Mohamedy.