Education, Opportunity and Partnership China–South Africa Ties Reflected in Community Upliftment
Johannesburg 31st January 2026- A spirit of generosity and partnership filled Crown Mines in Johannesburg as developers behind the new Times Square Shopping Mall hosted a major community donation drive, bringing together government leaders, local organisations and residents in a shared commitment to education, economic opportunity and international friendship.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Member of the National Executive Committee Barry Swart, MMC for Economic Development Nomoya Mnisi, and representatives from the City of Johannesburg.The donation event, led by the Times Square development team, focused on supporting learners and early childhood development centres in surrounding communities. Items distributed including school bags, shoes, mattresses, sports training equipment and classroom chairs were valued at R200,000.
Nine institutions benefited from the initiative: Riverlea Primary School, Riverlea Secondary School, T.C. Esterhuysen Primary School, Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School, Takalani Day Care Centre, Thembisa Day Care Centre, Mfundo Day Care Centre, Ekurhuleni Day Care Centre and Vaughan Day Care Centre. For many learners, the donations were more than just supplies they were a symbol of encouragement and belief in their future.
As former President Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The message resonated strongly throughout the day’s proceedings, as speakers highlighted the link between education, dignity and long-term opportunity. Developers say Times Square Mall the sixth phase of the broader Dragon City development is not just a commercial project but part of a growing story of China–South Africa cooperation, where investment is paired with social responsibility.
“We have always believed that business growth must go hand in hand with the prosperity of the local community,” said Jay, a representative of the development team. “From the beginning, our goal has been to root ourselves in the community and give back in meaningful ways.” He explained that the mall, once fully operational, is expected to create thousands of jobs across retail, logistics, maintenance and management, helping address unemployment challenges in the area.
“Employment is the foundation of livelihoods, and young people are the future,” Jay said. “We are already hiring local workers for construction and interior work, and we plan to encourage all businesses operating in the mall to prioritise local employment.” He added that a dedicated space is being planned to support young entrepreneurs, where start-ups can access affordable rental space, business guidance and supply chain support.
“We don’t want to just do business here,” he said. “We want to help young people build businesses of their own. Empowering youth is empowering the future of South Africa.” Community leaders praised the initiative as a meaningful example of how business and social responsibility can work together.
A City of Johannesburg representative, Titus, said the donations would make a real difference to struggling families. “These kinds of initiatives are very important, especially for poor communities,” he said. “When children have proper shoes, uniforms and school supplies, they can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they don’t have. It gives them confidence and dignity.” He added that support from the business sector helps ease the burden on parents. “This assistance means families save money and children are able to attend school prepared. We truly appreciate what the business community is doing.”
MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko also commended the developers for maintaining a close relationship with residents rather than operating at a distance. “It is rare to find investors who consistently come back to the community and remain present,” she said. “When you uplift one child, one family or one centre, you uplift the whole community. This kind of partnership helps restore hope in areas that were once forgotten.”
She noted that developments like Times Square Mall have the potential to reduce unemployment in Crown Mines and surrounding areas, where many families face economic hardship. Beyond retail, developers say the mall has been designed as a safe, family-friendly environment. Plans include a free children’s playground, a family entertainment arcade and strong on-site security. Jay explained that the mall’s architectural style blends African design influences with modern materials, symbolising a meeting of cultures and a shared future between China and South Africa.
“We want this centre to reflect Africa’s natural style while bringing international standards,” he said. “But most importantly, we want it to be a place where the community feels welcome and safe.” He confirmed that further community support initiatives are being planned, particularly ahead of winter, though details are still being finalised. “Today is not the end,” he said. “It is only the beginning of a long journey of giving back.”
Speakers repeatedly emphasised that sustainable development requires partnership between government, business and communities, as well as strong international relationships built on mutual benefit. “Business is not only about creating wealth, but about sharing it,” Jay said. “Our belief is simple: we take from this land, and we must give back to it.” As the event concluded, the message was clear the Times Square development aims to be more than a shopping destination. It seeks to become a platform for education support, youth empowerment, job creation and a living example of how China–South Africa relations can translate into real change at community level.
In the words of Mandela, education remains the most powerful tool for change and on this day in Crown Mines, that belief was carried not just in speeches, but in school shoes, chairs, and the bright hopes of children ready to learn.
