Top South African shopping mall under fire
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in South Africa, is under fire over outdoor parties with loud music, frustrating the community around it.
The shopping centre, named after the suburb of Menlyn in which it is located, was originally built in 1979.
It was expanded numerous times over the years. Today, it boasts a total lettable floor space of 177,000 square meters and over 500 stores.
The multi-level shopping centre offers a large number of international brands and flagship anchor stores.
“Menlyn Park strives to bring you the best shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure experiences,” the mall said.
It has won numerous awards and achieved a 4-star Green Star Retail Design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa.
In recent weeks, Menlyn Park has come under fire for hosting outdoor parties where loud music can be heard for kilometres around it.
Communications specialist and former journalist, Barry Bateman, said that thousands of households are affected by the music.
“I live 3 kilometres from the source, which is on the opposite side of the mall. The people in Menlo Park must be shaking from the noise,” he said.
“I don’t understand how Menlyn Park can think it acceptable. I think they see a new revenue stream. Shops inside are shuttering. They need money.”
“They want to be a nightclub, and in doing so, they are telling the community that they do not want your business, so don’t give it to them,” he said.
The Menlyn community said that they have tried to work with the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre to address the issue.
“Despite all our attempts to get Menlyn to work with and not against the community, they are revving up the sound again on a Sunday night,” it said.
“Many students are studying for the test week, and scholars are also studying,” it added, urging community members to voice their concerns about the noise pollution.
Menlyn Lifestyle Experience behind the noise
The loud music came from the Menlyn Lifestyle Experience, which was hosted on 3 May 2026 from 11h00 to 21h00 at the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.
“Market Wa Pitori and The Forecast invite you to a full-sensory experience, a memorable celebration of local culture, food, and music,” the event organisers said.
The Menlyn Lifestyle Experience featured live music and DJs, food vendors, local brands, and lifestyle stalls.
Artists who performed included Sjava, Boohle, Ch’cco, Sir LSG, Souldiva, Sfarzo Rtee, Mvelo Makanya, and Loatinover Pounds.
“A Pretoria landmark has become the landmark for lifestyle. We welcome good energy and positive vibes. We’re here to provide a sensational experience,” it said.
The City of Tshwane told BusinessTech that there were no irregularities with the event, as it was held in line with the Public Events By-law and all other relevant by-laws, as well as the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.
“The property has the rights for Place of Amusement as defined on the Land Use Scheme, not only restricted to an Arena,” it said.
However, the city said that if residents are aggrieved by the events being held at the location, they could escalate their complaints to their ward councillor.
After-hours noise complaints can be reported to the Tshwane Metro Police Department’s regional offices, it said.
BusinessTech asked Menlyn and Market Wa Pitori for comment on the disturbance and their response to residents’ concerns, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.
Comment will be added if received.
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre photos
Loading ...