New shopping centre on the cards for South Africa’s richest area

·13 Aug 2026

South Africa’s richest square mile, Sandton, could soon get a new shopping centre, with the launch of the M1 Value Mart.

Retail Network Services said that the new mall could soon open its doors in Wynberg, Johannesburg, which is situated between the suburbs of Sandton and Alexandra.

Wynberg is a commercial area of Johannesburg, rather than a wealthy residential or office area like nearby Sandton.

Brochures for the 12,000 sqm value mart state that it will have 12 shops and will be adjacent to the M1 highway in Johannesburg.

Retail Network Services said that the centre could offer customers a modern shopping environment focused on delivering value and savings.

The company has strategised a blend of retailers that it believes will offer customers a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.

This includes a major supermarket brand, a pharmacy, value fashion, health & beauty, super-popular fast-food brands, and more.

However, Retail Network Services said that plans for the mall could still change, with the landlord currently weighing up their options.

There are currently three industrial sites on the land, and there is potential to convert them into large wholesalers.

Should the mall go ahead, it will face tough competition, given its proximity to a host of retail options, such as Sandton City, LXX Sandhurst, and the retail offerings at the R3 billion Barlow Park development across the highway.

Further north on the M1 Highway, one can also find the Woodmead Value Mart, which is a mere 5-minute drive away from the Wynberg location without traffic.

The new Wynberg Value Mart also reflects a growing trend in retail, with developers opening centres focused on affordable offerings.

While Gauteng is saturated with shopping centres, many developers have begun expanding into rural areas and townships, where formal retail has not existed.

Given South Africa’s massive wealth discrepancy, many of these developments are anchored by value retailers, or those who serve lower-income consumers.