The heart of eMalahleni is poised for a dramatic transformation with the announcement of Jumbo Mall, a 37,000m² retail development designed to be a modern community hub.
Developed by New Africa Developments (NAD) with funding from Investec, the project, scheduled for a March 2026 opening, represents one of the most significant commercial investments in the Blesboklaagte area.
It aims to bring a tech-forward, sustainable, and comprehensive shopping experience to a region ripe for growth.
A Strategic Partnership for a Landmark Project
This milestone project signals a deepened collaboration between NAD, a specialist retail developer, and financial powerhouse Investec. While the two have partnered on acquisitions before, Jumbo Mall marks Investec’s foray into flexible, tailor-made development funding for NAD. As the primary funder, Investec is playing an active role in budget oversight, ensuring the project’s financial health from the ground up.
The vision for the mall extends far beyond traditional retail.
“Jumbo Mall has been conceived not just as a shopping destination, but as a shared community space that brings people together,” says Japie van Niekerk, CEO of NAD.
“Every design decision—from the architectural language to the tenant mix—was made with the goal of creating an inclusive, uplifting environment that reflects the energy of eMalahleni.”
Engineered for Experience and Resilience
Architecturally, the mall, designed by Frans Farmer Architects, promises to be a landmark. Its E-shaped layout and four striking entrances are designed for intuitive customer flow. A key tech-centric feature is the 140m² LED screen on the main façade—one of the largest in the country—complemented by a high-definition internal entertainment zone in the food court.
However, the true innovation lies in its infrastructure. In a direct response to South Africa’s energy challenges, Jumbo Mall is being built with operational resilience as a core tenet. A large-scale solar PV installation, supported by backup generators and potential battery storage, will drastically reduce grid reliance and allow the mall to operate at full capacity during load-shedding. This is a game-changer for the community, ensuring a consistent, uninterrupted retail and social experience.
Further tech integrations include a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS) to monitor energy performance in real-time, LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and Propelair toilets that slash water usage by up to 70%.
Driving Economic Growth and Community Connection
Located on the R544 just off the N4 highway, the mall transforms a 120,000m² underutilised buffer zone into a dynamic gateway. With over 1,500 free parking bays and dedicated taxi facilities, it is designed for maximum accessibility from suburbs like Klarinet, Lynnville, and the CBD.
The economic impact is substantial.
The construction phase will generate over 2,500 jobs, with a focus on local labour. Once operational, Jumbo Mall will support approximately 800 permanent positions. The tenant mix has been carefully curated to serve the community, featuring major anchors like Boxer, Shoprite, Dis-Chem, and Clicks, alongside a wide array of fashion, footwear, and essential services.
The food court, featuring KFC, Hungry Lion, Roman’s Pizza, and others, is designed as a connected social hub. With free uncapped WiFi and guaranteed power, it will serve as a reliable space for students, remote workers, and families to gather.
“Jumbo Mall has been designed to serve the community in the fullest sense, as both a retail and social destination,” says Charl Scott, Property Executive at NAD.
“We wanted to create a place where people can shop, connect and feel a real sense of pride in their city’s growth.”
Robin Houghton, Managing Director at NAD adds, “Developments like Jumbo Mall extend far beyond bricks and mortar, they strengthen local economies, create opportunity and foster community pride. We’re proud to be part of a project that will serve eMalahleni for generations to come.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jumbo Mall is positioned as a long-term investment in the fabric of eMalahleni. By combining a forward-thinking retail mix with robust, sustainable technology and a deep community focus, it sets a new benchmark for what a regional mall can be.
van Niekerk concludes “Jumbo Mall shows how development can be meaningful. Our goal is not just bricks and mortar but building places that uplift, anchor and inspire communities.”
