23/04/2026
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BOIPATONG โ Well-known local hotspot 9Eighteight Carwash & Shisanyama has temporarily shut its doors following a call by Gautengโs MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, for an investigation into the municipal lease of the property it occupies.
The popular business, located at 3020 Amatolo Street, confirmed the temporary closure after the MEC requested a formal probe on 17 April 2026 into the legality of its lease agreement with Emfuleni Local Municipality.
In an official statement, management said the lease was entered into through the municipalityโs formal processes and stressed that all terms of the agreement have been fully honoured.
โWe entered this agreement through the proper municipal channels and have complied with all contractual obligations,โ management said.
The business also welcomed the investigation, saying it is confident that the review will confirm that its operations are lawful and fully aligned with the existing lease agreement.
According to management, the property had little commercial use before the business invested in it. They highlighted that 9Eighteight transformed the space into a thriving establishment that now creates jobs and contributes to the local economy.
The statement further raised concerns about what it described as increasing hostility as the brand continued to grow in popularity within the township.
Management suggested that some of the scrutiny may be linked to the businessโs rising profile and success rather than genuine concerns over administrative processes.
To allow the investigation to proceed without public speculation, particularly around the market value of the property and lease terms, the business said it made the difficult decision to close temporarily with immediate effect.
The closure is expected to have a direct financial impact on both the business and its employees.
โThis decision comes with a significant and immediate loss of income for the business and our staff,โ the statement noted.
Despite the setback, management remains optimistic that the investigation will clear the business of any wrongdoing.
โWe remain confident that a fair and objective investigation will vindicate our operations and confirm the validity of our agreement. We look forward to welcoming our patrons back once this matter is resolved.โ
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