Property

Major new shopping mall coming to South Africa

Kirsten Minnaar • 23 October 2025

The construction of Jumbo Mall, a major new retail development by New Africa Developments (NAD) in partnership with Investec, is set to transform eMalahleni with a modern, community-centred shopping destination.

Scheduled to open in March 2026, the 37,000 m² mall represents one of the most significant commercial investments in the Blesboklaagte area to date. It will introduce a modern retail experience to a region historically underserved by large-scale facilities.

NAD is a specialist retail developer with a focus on high-quality, community-focused shopping centres across South Africa.

The development of Jumbo Mall is aimed at transforming under-utilised urban spaces into accessible, sustainable and commercially successful community assets.

“Jumbo Mall has been conceived not just as a shopping destination, but as a shared community space that brings people together,” said NAD CEO Japie van Niekerk.

“Every design decision – from the architectural language to the tenant mix – was made with the goal of creating an inclusive, uplifting environment that reflects the energy of eMalahleni.”

Investec has provided the development finance for Jumbo Mall, marking a milestone in the financial institution’s collaboration with NAD.

The two organisations have previously collaborated on building acquisitions, but this project signals Investec’s expansion into flexible, tailor-made development funding.

Jumbo Mall aligns with the bank’s strategy to back projects that combine long-term financial viability with meaningful local impact.

As the primary funder, Investec actively oversees expenditures and ensures the project remains within its approved budget, helping to maintain the highest standards of delivery across the board.

Located on the R544, just off the N4 highway, the development occupies a 120,000 m² site that once served as a buffer between eMalahleni’s residential and industrial zones.

With direct access from major routes, including the R544, Elizabeth Avenue, and Main Street, Jumbo Mall will offer both motorised and pedestrian entrances.

The location ensures convenience for shoppers from surrounding neighbourhoods such as Klarinet, Lynnville, Ackerville and Pine Ridge.

More than 1,500 free, on-grade and secure parking bays and dedicated taxi facilities will further strengthen its regional accessibility.

Design and economic growth

New Africa Developments CEO Japie van Niekerk

Architecturally, Jumbo Mall boasts a blend of contemporary and local design. Designed by Frans Farmer Architects, the mall’s aesthetic is guided by texture, structure and light, creating a sensory experience that evolves throughout the day.

An E-shaped layout promotes natural movement through four entrances defined by elevated rooflines and layered façades. Inside, brickwork, textured ceilings and integrated lighting create an atmosphere of vibrancy and warmth.

A key feature is the 140 m² LED screen on the main facade, one of the largest of its kind in the country, complemented by a high-definition internal entertainment zone within the food court.

Jumbo Mall’s design integrates advanced green technologies and sustainability principles throughout.

A large solar PV installation, supported by backup generators and potential battery storage, will dramatically reduce reliance on grid power and allow the mall to operate at full capacity during power outages.

Further environmental initiatives include LED lighting, energy-efficient air-conditioning, and Propelair toilets that reduce water usage by up to 70%.

A state-of-the-art building management system will monitor energy performance in real time, ensuring the mall operates at peak efficiency.

Beyond its architectural ambition, the project supports economic development. During construction, the mall will generate more than 2,500 job opportunities.

A significant portion of the workforce will be drawn directly from the surrounding community. Once operational, Jumbo Mall will support around 800 permanent jobs across retail, security, maintenance, cleaning, logistics, and management positions.

Many local subcontractors and suppliers have also contributed to the build, ensuring that most of the project’s economic benefit remains within the region.

For local residents and business owners, the mall’s opening promises to inject renewed commercial vitality into eMalahleni and attract new investment and activity.

Key destination for shoppers

New Africa Developments managing director Robin Houghton

Strategically located just 500 metres from the CBD, Jumbo Mall aims to attract a broad customer base. Its retail offering has been curated to provide a relevant and engaging experience.

Over 100 stores, including anchor tenants Boxer, Shoprite, Dis-Chem, and Clicks, will open their doors at the mall’s launch.

Shoppers can expect a wide range of fashion, footwear, homeware and everyday essentials from brands such as Roots Butchery, OBC, Mr Price, Foschini, Jet, Ackermans, Webbers and PEP.

The food court will feature popular eateries such as KFC, Hungry Lion, Roman’s Pizza, Chicken Licken, Debonairs, Real Fish & Chips and Roots Grillhouse.

The food court also offers live entertainment broadcasts, free uncapped WiFi, and safe, well-lit spaces that remain fully operational during load-shedding.

Banking and financial services will be offered by FNB, Capitec and Old Mutual. Other additions include tenants such as Telkom, Pep Cell, Cash Crusaders, Shoprite Liquor, Boxer Liquor, and Gogo.

There will also be a Sterns, American Swiss, Ackermans Connect, Tomtoc, Specsavers, Torga Optical, Classic Touch, Cake Zone, Senza, Gadget Shop, Repair Desk, KEB, Galaxy Bingo, Sedglo, Mr Price Cell, Cash Easylend and Shield Finance.

In a city where travel congestion and infrastructure challenges often limit accessibility, the new mall aims to offer a modern, convenient alternative that combines retail, leisure and community interaction.

“Jumbo Mall has been designed to serve the community in the fullest sense, as both a retail and social destination,” said NAD property executive Charl Scott.

“We wanted to create a place where people can shop, connect and feel a real sense of pride in their city’s growth.”

NAD managing director Robin Houghton explained that developments like Jumbo Mall extend far beyond bricks and mortar.

“They strengthen local economies, create opportunity and foster community pride. We’re proud to be part of a project that will serve eMalahleni for generations to come,” Houghton said.

“Jumbo Mall shows how development can be meaningful,” Van Niekerk added. “Our goal is not just bricks and mortar but building places that uplift, anchor and inspire communities.”