Posted on 24 March, 2025
The Soshanguve Mall, an impactful development of more than 60 000 square metres of retail
space, is set to become a cornerstone of economic growth and community empowerment in the
Soshanguve township in Tshwane. With its anticipated completion in late 2025, this project will
revitalise the local economy and provide much-needed opportunities for residents.
Soshanguve, home to over 906,000 people, contributes significantly to Gauteng’s GDP, yet the
area has long awaited a project of this magnitude to unlock its full potential. The project is
projected to generate approximately 3,000 permanent jobs post-construction, significantly
impacting local employment rates, in addition to the 2,400 jobs already created during the
construction phase, carried out by construction company, GVK-Siya Zama.
The mall's development is being executed in two distinct phases, each designed to maximise
economic and social impact. The first, now complete, saw the unveiling of a 7,892m² Value
Centre, housing 25 retail outlets. The second and more substantial phase will introduce a
55 500m² double-tiered retail centre, accommodating 168 shops. This expansion is not merely
about increasing retail space; it's about creating a sustainable economic ecosystem.
Architecturally, the Soshanguve Mall is a testament to the seamless integration of modern
design with local heritage. KMH Architects drew inspiration from the nearby Tshwane Meteorite
Crater, a site of immense cultural and historical significance. The mall's design incorporates
open-air spaces and sustainable materials, reflecting the natural landscape and ensuring the
crater's presence is felt throughout the development.
"The entire concept is based around the meteorite impact," says Frank de Canha, Senior
Contracts Manager at GVK-Siya Zama. “It highlights the mall's unique design and its deep
connection to the area's history and symbolism. Interactive and educational spaces within the
mall will further tell the story of the meteorite's impact, the formation of the crater, and the rich
cultural history of the Soshanguve community.”
A critical aspect of the project is its unwavering commitment to local empowerment. The
developer and GVK-Siya Zama engaged with Empowerploy, a specialised company tasked with
facilitating local employment and subcontractor engagement. “This collaboration has proved
exceptionally successful, ensuring seamless operations and minimising disruptions, without any
production stoppages,” adds De Canha.
The project has also exceeded its local spending targets, with substantial investment in local
businesses, reinforcing its commitment to community development. Eighteen local
subcontractors have been engaged for wetworks, thereby boosting skills development and
economic growth.
Construction statistics reveal the project's scale and complexity: To date, 6.8 million bricks and
44,000 cubic metres of concrete have been utilised. The mall's sheeted roof, spanning up to 135
meters, is a testament to the project's engineering prowess.
The mall boasts high-quality finishes and a diverse tenant mix, including anchor stores such as
Shoprite, Spar, Clicks and Edgars, making it a premier shopping destination. "It’s high-quality
also make it probably the best mall built in a township thus far," says De Canha.
De Canha is a seasoned construction professional with over 25 years of industry experience
who joined GVK-Siya Zama in June 2024. He brings a wealth of expertise, having previously
worked on major projects at Probuild Construction Group and Stefanutti Stocks in Mozambique.
He emphasises the project's significance and its potential to transform the community.
Despite facing technical issues, including concrete and post-tension failures, and the challenges
of unfavourable weather, the project remains on schedule. Looking forward, the Soshanguve
Mall is poised to be a flagship development, setting a new standard for community-focused
retail projects and creating a lasting impact on communities.
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