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South African businessman Roux Shabangu, the founder of JB Group, is constructing a new shopping mall in partnership with Moolman Group, Twin City, and Green Giraffe.
The Princess Mkabayi Mall is located in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, and construction is underway. Development is progressing quickly, with earthworks already commenced and the mall already 75-percent leased, nearly 18 months ahead of its scheduled opening in October 2024. This project has been years in the making, with the original sod-turning ceremony taking place in 2021. It has gained momentum recently, with the official site handover occurring earlier this month, followed by a site visit involving shareholders, municipal representatives, and local stakeholders on June 27, 2023.
The mall is named after the fierce Zulu warrior princess, a name authorized and blessed by the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in a meeting with Roux Shabangu. The single-level, 30,000-square-meter regional mall will rival some of the best shopping destinations in the province, bringing sophistication to the retail landscape in the AbaQulusi Local Municipality area. It is set to be the largest consolidated retail offering within a nearly 100-kilometer radius and will be part of a larger mixed-use development that aims to include an office park, a hotel and casino, and upscale apartments in the future.
Situated on a prime 23-hectare site that is easily accessible, the Princess Mkabayi Mall will feature a mix of national tenants and retailers that are not represented in the region. Anchored by Shoprite, Checkers, Dis-Chem, and Woolworths with a food offering and Clicks, the mall will also introduce new additions such as Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki, Crazy Plastics, and Crazy Pets.
In addition to the mall’s retail advantages, its location on Oos Street, between Vryheid Airport and Hoërskool Pionier, makes it an ideal choice for shoppers. The mall is conveniently positioned just south of Vryheid’s center, at a junction of main roads leading to schools, residential neighborhoods, and other outlying areas, with proximity to both the Lake Side and Bheka Zala townships. Access to the mall’s 831 free open parking bays will be available through two entrances, and the central taxi rank will facilitate public transport.
The Princess Mkabayi Mall commits to sustainability. The mall will be solar-powered and equipped with a generator to ensure uninterrupted shopping during power outages. Additionally, the mall will have its own water plant to provide water for the garden’s irrigation system, contributing to its environmentally friendly credentials.
The mall’s interior has been carefully designed with various artistic touchpoints and thoughtful details to enhance the overall shopping experience. Shoppers at the Princess Mkabayi Mall will have access to free Wi-Fi, charging stations, workstations, and comfortable seating. The mall will include a large entertainment space, a play area for children, a central meeting area, and a variety of eateries to cater to different tastes. The main entrance will feature exciting design elements to accommodate and entertain visitors.
Shabangu, one of South Africa’s wealthiest men, is the founder of JB Holdings. JB Holdings is a well-established and highly successful property investor in South Africa. JB Holdings has acquired and developed numerous commercial and retail properties for diverse tenants, including both the private and public sectors. JB Holdings has its tentacles in mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and forex trading industries.
