New Mpumalanga mall set to spur growth in the area

The R240-million Thulamahashe Mall, in Mpumalanga, a new development between partners Nthwese Developments and Twin City, is set to open on October 25, and is expected to create an economic upswing in the rural area, says Nthwese Developments MD Seabelo Theledi.

The development has a gross leasable area of 18 500 m² and is well positioned in Thulamahashe, a small town that feeds the North-eastern Bushbuckridge area in Mpumalanga. Theledi says the company was able to deliver the project in about 13 months. The mall will be anchored by South African retailers Shoprite and Superspar, with the former already ready to trade. The mall comprises 8% smaller local retailers, with the other 92% being national retailers.

“Our retailers are confident that the centre will have a high level of foot traffic and trading density, given the bullish nature of the area, which is severely underserved in terms of retail facilities and bulk infrastructure.” During the course of the development, the partners factored in bulk infrastructure, such as sewers, electricity and roads, and have upgraded some of this infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

The development also contributes toward employment and business opportunities for local communities. This will build on successes achieved during the construction phase, with an estimated 600 jobs already created, 350 of which are permanent.

“We’ve embarked on a very inclusive process in this development, ensuring that there’s as much community participation as possible.” Unemployment is a big issue in the area and such development brings relief in terms of job creation, with a multiplier effect, Theledi says.