Thohoyandou to get R1bn shopping mall next year

Woolworths, Edgars, Pick ‘n Pay and SuperSpar will anchor the 50,000sqm regional shopping centre, which will open on 24 August 2017, introducing a unique retail offering to the area. It will be the largest shopping centre in Thohoyandou as well as the greater Thulamela Municipality.

It will have over 134 shops, a number of restaurants, and service outlets. Thavhani Mall will also introduce many new retail brands to the region, including HiFi Corp, Woolworths (including food), Spur, Panarottis, Pep Home, Green Cross, Jam Clothing, Torga Optical, Donna Claire, Queenspark, Mr Price Home and Bogart Man.

Part of mixed-use development

Thavhani City is a shared vision between Thavhani Property Investments and the Thulamela local municipality. It will also include the Thavhani Office Park, a motor-city and private healthcare facilities. The precinct currently includes a library, community centre, information centre, and the 40,000-capacity Thohoyandou Stadium.

Local businessman, Khosi Ramovha of Thavhani Property Investments, first envisaged a regional mall in the area seven years ago. He brought on board pre-eminent South African shopping centre developers and investors, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment, to help realise this vision. In addition, JSE-listed real estate investment trust, Vukile Property Fund, has secured a one-third stake in Thavhani Mall. The stake will transfer to Vukile upon completion of the mall.

Ramovha says, “Thavhani Mall is opening up new horizons in Thohoyandou and stimulating the local economy. In addition, it will enhance the lifestyle and urban fabric of region. The mall is already creating jobs, while it is under construction and, upon opening next year, will introduce hundreds of new full-time jobs. In addition, sourcing labour from the local community has been prioritised.

“Thavhani Mall is bringing a selection of quality retail brands right to the doorstep of Thohoyandou residents, helping to keep retail spend in the area and, of course, making shopping easier and more enjoyable.”

Thavhani Mall is at the heart of the growing regional economic hub of Thohoyandou, making it easy to access. It has excellent proximity to its existing CBD and major regional roads. The mall is located on the R524, which links Louis Trichardt to Punda Maria and is adjacent to the primary crossroad with the major north road to Sibasa and south to Giyani.

Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment, a shareholder in Thavhani Property Investments, says, “We are excited that, by this time next year, Thavhani Mall will be ready to make history by opening its doors to the community and its neighbours, offering them the biggest selection of shopping and leisure retail in the region. This shows confidence in the area, its economy, its people and its future.

He confirms the Thavhani Mall has received enthusiastic response from retailers and is already over 80% let with a year to go before opening. Other retailers that have secured their footprint in the double-level mall include Truworths, Foschini, Markham, Spitz, Mr Price, Pep, Ackermans, Jet, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, Shoe City, Miladys, Legit, Clicks, Link, Roots, Studio 88, Exact, Cross Trainer, John Craig, Totalsports and Sportscene.