Limpopo mall named best rural retail development by SAPOA
Tshakhuma Mall, a mall in Limpopo that opened its doors a year ago, has won the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Property Development Award for rural and small-town development.
Self-sufficient mall catering to under-serviced areas
Bizcommunity reported that the Limpopo mall has significantly enhanced retail convenience for Tshakhuma and surrounding areas. These areas were previously under-serviced in terms of retail.
Tshakhuma Mall is located along the R524 in Thohoyandou, next to the province’s largest fruit market.
Markedly, the mall is highly self-sufficient and stands out as an example of sustainable retail. It has an onsite borehole, and sewerage and wastewater management plant. Furthermore, it has rooftop solar PV integrated with an emergency diesel generator system.
“Tshakhuma Mall is one of our most self-sufficient developments to date.”
Managing director of McCormick Property Development (MPD), Jason McCormick
Tshakhuma Mall represents an investment in rural development, creating job opportunities and playing a significant role in local economic growth.
Another Limpopo mall opening later this month
In addressing the rural retail gap in South Africa, another mall is set to open its doors at the end of September 2024.
The Madombidzha Mall is located close to Louis Trichardt (Makhado) in the northern part of Limpopo, as reported by Business Tech. It is located at the entrance of Madombidzha village, which is on the main taxi and bus route from the town of Makhado.
Facilities near the site include a church, a public clinic, and also a preschool. Developers are constructing a new traffic circle at the entrance to allow for easy access to the mall. The developers will build the mall in phases, allowing room for expansion.
Increasing focus on sustainability
It seems that more malls are focusing on sustainability and getting recognition for it.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Cape Town recently received a 5-star Green Star Existing Building Performance Award. It highlights the centre’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
The Green Star SA rating system evaluates buildings based on various criteria. Criteria include energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality, and also resource management.
Located in the Century City precinct on the N1, this Cape Town mall is the third-largest shopping centre in Africa, according to Cape Town Tourism.
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