Another major new shopping mall breaks ground in South Africa – fit for a prince
Construction on the new Prince Buthelezi Mall in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, has begun.
The new mall is the latest development by the Moolman Group and co-owners Twin City and Melta Capital.
“Prince Buthelezi Mall was formerly known as Greenhills Mall; however, the developers and investors were honoured with the opportunity to rename this building after a remarkable figure in our history, reflecting a deep commitment to the community and its heritage,” said the Moolman Group.
The mall aims to bring the community closer to convenient, one-stop shopping in their neighbourhood.
Buthelezi was a Zulu prince and the Chief Minister of the KwaZulu bantustan during apartheid. He also founded the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975, leading the organisation until 2019.
He was also part of the post-apartheid government and served as Home Affairs Minister from 1994 to 2004.
He passed away in 2023 at the age of 95.
The mall is set to be completed in the next 18 months. It will introduce the first convenient shopping destination with amenities, variety and experiences under one roof when it opens in April 2026.
“Empangeni is sorely underserved by retail without a comprehensive shopping centre available in the area,” said the Moolman Group.
“Most of the town’s retail activities are currently scattered between the CBD and surrounding suburbs, making it difficult for many residents to meet daily retail needs and satisfy their shopping and leisure preferences in one location.:
“This is driving the demand for a larger shopping mall to cater to the needs of Empangeni’s aspirational consumers. Its diverse consumer base, which spans all income categories, has meaningful spending power.”
The mall is set to be a modern, single-level and fully enclosed regional shopping mall with 37,000 sqm of shopping spaces.
It is also positioned on the R102, right at its junction with the John Ross Highway. It is only 15 km from Richards Bay and 3.5 km from the Empangeni CBD.
“An exceptionally enjoyable shopping environment and a hassle-free customer experience will distinguish Prince Buthelezi Mall as an excellent shopping destination,” said the Moolman Group’s Steph Beyers.
The new mall is being designed to cater for future shoppers and will feature a large new taxi rank, ample free parking, modern design and finishes, communal seating areas, and a safe and air-conditioned shopping experience.
The mall already has secured several prominent tenants, including Checkers FreshX, Shoprite, Woolworths, Boxer, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Crazy Plastic, Crazy Pets, Converse, Truworths, Miladys, Identity, Pick n Pay Clothing, Mr Price and more.
The retail offerings will be complemented by banking facilities and restaurants including Fish Aways, Hungry Lion, King Pie, Ocean Basket, Steers, Mug and Bean and more.
“The development of Prince Buthelezi Mall will also see investments worth more than R100 million being poured into the community and economy of Empangeni,” said Ryno De Leeuw, Twin City CEO.
“The development has prioritised using local contractors. Beyond local employment opportunities and an incredible shopping experience, co-owners have also committed to upgrading major roads around Prince Buthelezi Mall, improving access in the area”.
“Prince Buthelezi Mall builds on the area’s strong business traditions, creating a vibrant hub for connection and commerce,” said Sihle Ndlovu, Melta Capital Executive Chairman.
“Yet, even with its modern development, Empangeni has retained its small-town charm, and locals are hospitable in true Zululand style. This signature hospitality will also be reflected in a welcoming and enjoyable mall experience.”
Prince Buthelezi Mall is being designed by the award-winning MDS Architects team who took inspiration from the rolling hills, natural landscapes, and sugarcane fields.
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