Jozini is a small town on the main route to Mozambique. It is synonymous with Lake Jozini, formerly the Pongolapoort Dam. This small business centre provides a gateway into Maputaland.

The new mall, providing an investment of R140 million, is owned and developed by Greater Atlantic Properties (Pty) Ltd. The mall aims to correct a large undersupply of retail in this community – estimated at over 22,000sqm – which is severely restricted in meeting its daily shopping needs within its own town.

Jozini Mall will therefore provide comprehensive, convenient shopping from 45 shops, supported by over 400 parking bays, 36 taxi bays and eight bus bays.

Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services, which is crafting the retail dynamics for this project, explains that growth in Jozini CBD is restricted by the local topography. The CBD has not been able to expand with Jozini’s growing population due to space limits,” says Tagg.

Tagg notes the sheer number of shoppers in Jozini will drive spend at the mall.

“There are 42,000 households in the primary and secondary catchment area. This includes nearly 106,000 people living in the primary catchment area and some 134,000 people staying in the secondary market zone.”

Research undertaken by Fernridge Consulting rates the site as excellent for retail development.

Its location and visibility contribute strongly to this rating. It is on the main road to the Jozini CBD, three kilometres from the town centre, next to a housing development in one of the most densely populated areas of the region.

Residents wishing to shop in the CBD literally face an uphill battle, many of them having to walk up the long, steep incline until they reach the town, at the top of a hill. And, on, when they get to town, there is very little choice with the limited national retail offering in Jozini CBD.

This will change with the new Jozini Mall. It will provide the community with a 3,000sqm Shoprite, as well as a relevant mix of retailers including hardware, fashion, furniture and fast food.

“While accessing this market represents an excellent trading opportunity for retailers, local consumers will also enjoy big benefits from Jozini Mall,” reports Tagg.

Retail Network Services, which is doing the leasing, is a full-service specialist retail leasing company with a number of projects under its belt, including Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Edendale Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Hemingways Mall in East London, Tsakane Mall in Springs and Jabulani Mall in Soweto.