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.