A sod-turning ceremony was held to break ground for the R30m Matsamo Plaza last week.

It will be the second centre provided for the area by New Africa Developments. The first, Kamaqhekeza Plaza, was completed on the east side of the Nkomazi region two years ago.

The group says the success of Kamaqhekeza Plaza prompted it to launch Matsamo Plaza towards the west of the Nkomazi region.

Anchor tenants will include Score Supermarket, Cashbuild, Pep Stores, Powersales, Shoe World, Absa, Standard Bank, Snip Trading, Kelly Shoes, Shell, KFC and Pie City.

The group is also negotiating with Ackermans and OK Furnishers.

It expects a bus depot on the site to be a good source of customers. The centre is expected to be completed in March and open in April.

The group says the development will ensure sustained community involvement and upliftment, creating 250 jobs during construction and further job opportunities when the centre opens.

Japie van Niekerk of New Africa Developments says all subcontractors working on the project will be drawn locally.

Business Day