New 30,700 square metre mall in South Africa home to 9 kings

The recently opened Princess Mkabayi Mall in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, provides retail services to an extremely isolated area while incorporating the culture of the surrounding area into its design.

MDS Architecture created the mall for lead developer Moolman Property Group and opened it in November 2024 after a 15-month construction period.

The mall is the most extensive consolidated retail offering in an almost 100km radius. With Vryheid being relatively isolated, it fits into the Moolman Group’s approach to building rural retail centres.

Pierre Lahaye, an MDS Architecture partner, said that the mall is a proud tribute to Zulu royalty and a place where the community can gather.

“It was important to combine aspirational contemporary design that appeals to a modern society while respecting the history and culture of the local community,” said Lahaye.

“Weaving and traditional patterns were typically used to decorate local homes. We drew inspiration from the environment – hills, grasslands, forests and the vibrant Zulu community.”

The mall was inspired by the legacy of Princess Mkabayi KaJama and the local community’s culture.

“The contemporary African design style is layered with architectural finishes that resonate in terms of textures, moods and patterns.”

With its interpretation of local architecture, the triangular form appears to hold up a wide canopy with a Hollywood sign against a velvety brown backdrop.

A foundation at the main entrance pays homage to the nine kings’ history of the Zulu nation, and features cutouts with each king’s name that cast shadows on the ground.

“The presence of the nine kings is keenly felt as shadows from the structure fall upon guests,” said Lahaye.

The Moolman group also stimulated the local economy after pumping over R50 million into it during construction, with several initiatives to ensure locals were prioritised in hiring.

The mall also features the Ithemba Emporium, a dedicated space where local entrepreneurs can showcase their products.

Local artists also had the opportunity to have their art displayed in the centre via an online competition.

The mall was inspired by the legacy of Prince Mkabayi KaJama and the culture of the local community.

What the mall is like

The mall is anchored by Shoprite, Checkers, Dis-Chem, Jaywelani, Woolworths and Clicks. It is also home to Cape Union Mart, Pick n Pay Clothing, Pep, JET, Old Khaki, and many more.

With its 70 stores, the tenant mix appeals to both higher and lower LSMs. The food court sits in the centre, offering large, covered areas, which are essential in an area where temperatures reach 35 degrees.

The food court area also has a large tree as a central point, with kiosks on either side of the tree offering Wi-Fi and comfortable desk seating at bar height.

The children’s play area includes a hand-painted pattern on bulkheads by a local artist. Themed to evoke beading on a pole, the area uses colour, light and texture to create a playful environment.

A giant chessboard was incorporated into the design after getting feedback from the Moolman Group’s other locations, which have been significant hits.

The mall also offers a large entertainment space and play area for children, a central meeting area, and eateries showcasing several types of cuisine.

The mall also has free parking and is public transport-friendly, as there is a taxi rank located there.

When it comes to sustainability, the centre also incorporates solar power and is equipped to ensure nonstop power during electricity disruptions.

The borehole provides water for the irrigation system, while water-wise sanitary fittings are being utilised.