New R350 million shopping mall coming to South Africa

Ground has officially been broken on the new R352 million Gcuwa Mall development in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape.

This was announced by the developers of the project, Shenge Property Group, in partnership with Luwie Properties.

“This transformative project is set to redefine the retail and economic landscape of Butterworth, demonstrating a strong commitment to job creation, infrastructure development, and community upliftment,” they said.

The Gcuwa Mall is strategically located along the N2 in the Amathole District and will serve as a central economic hub catering to the greater Mnquma Municipality and beyond.

The development, valued at R352 million, encompasses a 17,000 m² gross lettable area and will include a modern retail centre, a drive-thru facility, a newly constructed taxi rank with kiosks for informal traders, and essential road infrastructure upgrades.

This represents just phase 1 of the project, with plans to expand it to 25,000 m² in the near future.

“At Shenge Property Group, we are dedicated to shaping South Africa’s urban landscape by investing in sustainable and community-driven developments,” Seabelo Theledi, Group CEO of Shenge Property Group, said.

“Gcuwa Mall is not just a retail centre. It is a catalyst for growth, designed to unlock economic opportunities and uplift local businesses.”

“Our collaboration with Luwie Properties underscores our commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits extend to the broader Mnquma community.”

Director of Luwie Properties, Zolisa Magocoba, echoed this sentiment.

“We believe in developing infrastructure that serves the people and improves their daily lives,” he said.

“The Gcuwa Mall will not only offer a state-of-the-art shopping experience but will also provide job opportunities and vital services to the surrounding communities.”

“This development is a step forward in addressing the socio-economic challenges in the region.”

The construction of the Gcuwa Mall is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs, with 80% of these opportunities arising during the initial construction phase.

Priority will be given to sourcing labour from the local community to ensure residents get direct economic benefits.

Additionally, the completed mall will generate long-term employment opportunities within the retail, property management, and maintenance sectors.

Shenge and Luwie explained that this development goes beyond retail and will improve critical infrastructure in the Mnquma Municipality.

Bulk services – including water, sewer, and electricity – will be upgraded to enhance the area’s capacity for future growth.

A new taxi rank will be built to provide formalised facilities for commuters and taxi operators alongside a safe, structured transportation system.

Additionally, the existing church will be relocated to a modernised facility.

Road networks will also be improved to facilitate seamless connectivity for residents and businesses, including enhancements to the main intersection and a newly built road parallel to the N2 highway.

The groups added that the Gcuwa Mall will significantly improve access to essential services and lifestyle offerings for residents of Mnquma Municipality and surrounding towns such as Idutywa, Kentani, and Cofimvaba.

The development aims to address key socio-economic challenges, in line with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s Comprehensive Rural Development Programme.

It will provide improved access to retail, financial, and lifestyle services, helping residents save on travel costs.

On top of that, the new taxi rank will offer a structured and safe environment for informal traders. The mall is also expected to boost economic activity by attracting both regional and national retailers to the area.

“This landmark investment reaffirms the commitment of Shenge Property Group and Luwie Properties to fostering economic resilience and sustainable urban development in South Africa’s rural towns,” the developers said.

“The sod-turning event marks the beginning of a new chapter for Butterworth, one that will see the transformation of the town into a thriving commercial and economic hub.”